SERENITY CRUISE
Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (5 Days/4 Nights upstream)
Day 1: Phnom Penh
"Pearl of the East"

Off we go early in the morning to witness a truly indescribable scene while approaching Phnom Penh's river promenade. Embark the ship at 7:30 am then go on a city tour in this dynamic, historical capital of Cambodia which has retained its French colonial charm. Sightseeing in the morning will include the dazzling white and gold architecture of the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, outstanding displays of Khmer crafts at the National Museum. After lunch in a local restaurant, examine the painful, heart wrenching reminders of Cambodia's ugly past under the Khmer Rouge regime with an excursion to the Genocide museum to learn more about the Cambodian civil war.

Thereafter, to ease the nerves a variety of cocktails will be at your disposal, followed by Cambodia's traditional Apsara dance performance. Experience the brilliance and richness of the culture, the soothing sounds of traditional music, the calming scent of incense sticks and a delicious Khmer food buffet.

Including Lunch, Dinner.

Day 2: Phnom Penh - Kampong Cham
"Monks and hilltops"

Depart before the break of dawn from Phnom Penh with a stop at the little known Chong Koh silk weaving village for a leisure walk. We cruise past the Mekong's tranquil villages and mind blowing river life with scores of fishermen on duty.

Visit the rural Angkor Ban with a beautiful pagoda and old houses. Travelers can visit the village and take part in activities to experience village life. Then back to the ship to cruise towards Kampong Cham.

Including Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: Kampong Cham - Wat Hanchey
"Cambodia's province and the wetlands"

Wake up in the wee hours of the morning, truly energized to embark on a journey upriver to the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Located at the top of a hill overlooking the river, it offers some of the best views in Cambodia. Dating from the 8th century, these ancient structures do justice to the architecture of the Chenla Empire which predated the glories of the mighty Angkor. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding well organized rice paddy plains, as well as a travelers blessing performed by the local monks.

Cast off and cruise towards Kampong Cham to visit Wat Nokor, a wat built within the ruins of an ancient temple that holds a timeless story. On the way back to the ship will be a visit to one of the many Orphanages in Kampong Cham.

Including Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4: Kampong Cham - Kampong Chhnang - Tonle Sap
"Waterworld"

Before the sun rises, The Jayavarman sets sail to Kampong Chhnang via Prek K'dam along the meandering Tonle Sap River, which narrows through leafy swaths of the South East Asian jungle. Enjoy lunch on The Jayavarman to eat lunch while cruising towards Kampong Chhnang.

After lunch, take a motorboat excursion from Kampong Chhnang to see the wetlands, floating houses and fish farms in the region. Further down the river we take part in an ox cart rally before being introduced to the Heritage Line pro bono "literacy project".
(www.cambodialiteracyproject.com)

This is the day to truly experience rural Khmer life. In the evening, a mouth watering Farewell Dinner will be served on the Sun Deck.

Including Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5: Tonle Sap - Siem Reap
"Angkor Awaits"

This great lake dominates Cambodia and is over 150 km in length. The birdlife is profuse and from the middle of the lake one cannot even see the shores. Witness stillness and tranquility on the way to Siem Reap.

The water level varies a great deal according to the time of the year and the amount of rainfall recorded. Thus, changes may occur for the different seasons.

High Water Program (approx. between July and December)

Cross the Tonle Sap Lake at dawn and 9:00 disembark at Siem Reap Port for onward coach transfer to the hotel by 10:00 pm.

Including Breakfast.

Low Water Program (approx. between December and June)

Cruise early morning to Prek K'dam where you will disembark The Jayavarman after breakfast. Board a coach at 8:30 am which will take you to FCC Angkor drop off point. A packed lunch and refreshments will be available along the way with a short break at the spider town of Skon. Arrive in Siem Reap early afternoon.

Including Breakfast, Lunch box.