Gourmet Cruise

Route: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap

Cruise date: 25 - 29 September 2018

A mysterious body of water. Flowing through six countries in Asia which includes the wonderful Cambodia and the bustling Mekong Delta. The Goumet voyage will combine all highlight along this Mekong Cruise with wonderful culinary experiences performed by the Expert Chef.

DAY ONE: Phnom Penh

Welcome to Phnom Penh - once called the Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. It is an amazing town with centuries of incredible history and culture which can still be felt at many street corners. (Please note that guests of the 7-night cruise will have breakfast on board in the morning) (Guest who join us today will commence with our excursion in the morning right after check-in (see check-in time on embarkation file) We start with a full sight-seeing tour right after breakfast. By bus we visit the Killing Fields just outside of the city and after, the centrally located prison “S21”. Both historic sites display the sad and cruel chapter of Khmer history when the Khmer Rouge ruled the country with terror and suppression. Those places have not changed much since this cruel time back in the early seventies and it can be heartbreaking. Alternatively, explore the city in the morning on your own before re-joining the group. We will have lunch at a popular restaurant in town. Our exploration of Phnom Penh continues as we explore its fascinating cultural heritage. The golden edifice of the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda and the exceptional Khmer crafts at the National Museum are the afternoon highlights. The day trip ends with a “cyclo” ride back to the ship through the bustling streets of downtown Phnom Penh. Back on board, join our Chef Expert with a welcome cocktail at the East India Club bar for the official start of our Gourmet Cruise. We then move to the lounge which is set up for a lecture about Cambodian modern history, held by a professor of the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Definitely among the highlights of this cruise is to receive this knowledge first hand as our lecturer has studied the subject extensively. Afterwards you can experience a traditional Apsara dance performance and witness the brilliance and richness of this dance

along with the soothing sounds of traditional music. Finally it’s time for the first highlight of our Gourmet Cruise: a special multi-course dinner will be served by our Expert Chef for all guests on board.

As the evening unwinds, enjoy a glass of wine and marvel at the skyline of Phnom Penh, and the calming flow of the Tonle River.

DAY TWO: Phnom Penh – Kampong Cham (Mekong)

We depart before the break of dawn from Phnom Penh towards the Angkor Ban village on the Mekong River. Wake up to the gentle cruise motion and get ready for breakfast in the dining hall.

The Angkor Ban village is famous for its unspoiled community and beautiful, traditional houses. It feels like being transported back a hundred years ago into an era unaffected by modernity. Back on board a special lecture will be hosted by our Expert Chef in the lounge giving you insights into a the world of fine dining. Then, our staff will show you the variety of traditional Khmer costumes in an informative fashion show. A fine lunch is served afterwards. We cruise further up the Mekong to visit a local school and understand more about the education of the young Cambodian generation.

The children here are always excited to show their skills in music and art and will bathe you in smiles upon your applause. We continue by road to the enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (7th century). This small complex sits on a hill top right on the shore with breath-taking views over the Mekong. We might even get the chance to engage in light banter with some of the

monks living in the area. Back on board you are free to relax until dinner is served by The Jahan’s Executive Chef. (different dining inclusions apply for suite bookings on this cruise, kindly review our Gourmet Voyage leaflet for all details)

The boat moors mid-river near Kampong Cham.

DAY THREE: Kampong Cham (Mekong) - Kampong Chhnang (Tonle)

We sail downstream on the Mekong and stop at the Island of Koh Oknha Tey. This spot in the middle of the Mekong owes its fame for the manufacturing of high class silk products.

By tuk tuk we explore the island with its workshops and learn how silk is processed from its source, provided by little silkworms, to a final top quality product made of original Cambodian silk.

Before lunch our expert guides offer a presentation about “Geography of the Mekong and Tonle Sap”. Afterwards a Monk’s blessing ceremony on board invokes wishes for health and prosperity to all. Lunch menu will be served by The Jahan’s Executive Chef. The ship continues its journey, passing by the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Rivers towards Kampong Tralach. While sailing watch our Expert Chef during a special cooking demonstration, showcasing some nice recipes with a twist which you can then try at home. Gliding through the leafy swaths of this jungle-like landscape we eventually reach Kampong Tralach. Cacophonous children waive enthusiastically while bringing their livestock for a bath in the meandering river. We will stop at the “Green School” which is partly supported by Heritage Line. See all this life, which is so different than ours - by a local ox cart ride. The boat finds its anchor spot in the Tonle River near Kampong Chhnang allowing you to observe the close-by river life. Dinner is served at the Vicery Dining Hall by The Jahan’s Executive Chef. (different dining inclusions apply for suite bookings on this cruise, kindly review our Gourmet Voyage leaflet for all details)

DAY FOUR: Kampong Chhnang - Tonle Lake

Wake up early to witness the spectacular surroundings at the break of dawn. Our morning Tai Chi class has the perfect scenery today. Breakfast is served in the dining hall. We are now in Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “water world”, where everything is on stilts balanced on water-rich soil. This is perhaps the most fascinating cruising spot in Cambodia. We take a local boat to the shore. By mini buses we head to a rural village nearby for a walking tour. Our guides introduce you to the village specialities – Khmer style pottery and the making of palm sugar. Definitely you should bring some home. Before returning to the boat we explore the local floating villages and wetlands of the region. Back on board lunch is served by The Jahan’s Executive Chef as your floating sanctuary cruises gently along the narrow Tonle River, towards the Great Tonle Sap Lake. The river opens up to a vast “sea”, the biggest fresh water lake in Asia. This lake can only be crossed during high water season (approx. from end-July to mid-November). Let your soul float and your eyes wander while the boat makes its way towards Siem Reap. In the afternoon a British High Tea will be served at the bar transporting everyone back in time in old day of British-India. Observe the therapeutical flow of the river while the gleaming sun sets and immerses the river into a golden light. Our crew will mingle to celebrate with you the last evening of your cruise with some farewell dance performance The final supper will be specfically hosted again by our Expert Chef for all our guests. Indulge in a feast of delicate flavors . During the evening you can unwind at the bar and chit-chat with our Expert Chef. Enjoy a fine glass of wine and nibble on some little bar snacks while reviewing in thought this great culinary experience along the eternal Mekong River.

The boat moors mid-lake near Siem Reap.

DAY FIVE: Tonle Lake- Siem Reap

The Tonle Sap (The Great Lake) is the flowing heart of Cambodia, giving love and life to millions of people. It has more fish than any other lake in the world and is home to an incredible variety of birds, including rare and endangered feathered life. Our Gourmet Cruise comes to a final end. We prepare to disembark the ship and take a local boat to the shore, passing a vast floating

community. Around nine o’clock, we arrive at the Siem Reap pier and bring you to the drop off point in the city center. We hope that you enjoyed this fascinating river just as our crew does every single time. Moreover, take plenty of memories and friendships along with you that will linger on with your stories of this amazing river - the Mighty Mekong.

Mentioned times are approximate. Although it is our intention to operate the proposed itinerary as outlined above, we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes of the program that might be necessary as a result of weather conditions, alterations to cruise schedules or other operational factors. Detailed embarkation and disembarkation information is available on the website.

BOOKING

Email: info@jahancruises.com

Person in charge: Tran Quoc Long

Tel: + 84912217448

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