Day 1: Siemreap arrival ( D )

Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport and transfer to the hotel (rooms may not be ready until the afternoon), check in, relax. This afternoon we visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara). Dinner at local restaurant and overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Siemreap – Angkor tour ( B, L )

Breakfast at hotel.

In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond.

Lunch local restaurant

Visit Preah Khan, built by the King Jayavarman VII and, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, the temple of Preah Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this situation. Neak Pean, a fountain (built in the middle of a pool and representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake), the temple of Ta Som, as well as the unique brick sculptures of Prasat Kravan. Sunset at Pre Rup. Overnight at hotel in Siemreap

Day 3: Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake – Jayavarman cruise ( B, L,D )

Tonle Sap Lake is the heart of Cambodia. It is filled with more fish than any other lake, and surrounded by vast numbers of rare birds. 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. We will start our journey in either high water or low water.

High water program (approx. between July and middle of December)

At 11:00 AM gather at the meeting point and transfer to The Jayavarman, where the crew is looking forward to embracing our guests. Welcome cocktail and lunch on the cruise liner. The Jayavarman sets sail towards the little known stilt village of Kampong Phluk. Climb aboard small rowing boats and let the local children take you on a tour of this flooded forest.

Welcome dinner on the Sun Deck. Mooring and overnight on the lake.

Low water program (approx. between middle of December and June)

At 8 AM, gather at the meeting point and transfer by coach to Prek K'Dam on the Tonle Sap River. Enjoy snacks and cold drinks on the way with a brief stop at Kampong Thom, one of the first settlements in the pre-Angkorian period.

Embarkation in Prek K'Dam and welcome cocktail early afternoon. The Jayavarman sets sail upstream towards Kampong Chhnang and the great Tonle Sap Lake. We wind our way through the jungle and as the river narrows, it makes you feel at peace with yourself and the community. Later that evening meet your fellow passengers on board for Welcome Dinner on the Sun Deck.

Day 4: Tonle Sap - Kampong Chhnang - Kampong Cham "Cambodia's province and the wetlands" ( B, L,D )

Welcome to the circus of fish. The early birds will be treated to Thai Chi lessons on the Sun Deck. Brace yourself for a short excursion by trycicle in about 30 minutes. After that you will have a short walk to visit the local market then go by coach to visit Lady Temple. She is the most famous Lady who brings strong spirit to the local in their daily life. Go back to the quay, you will start a boat excursion to the exciting floating villages and catfish farms witnessing masses of basa fish being fed, hand in hand with a shore excursion to the village of the local Muslim Cham community.

By late-afternoon, The Jayavarman casts off, heading towards Cai Be.

Day 5: Kampong Cham - Wat Hanchey "Monks and hilltops" ( B, L,D )

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.

After lunch and a short cruise downstream we drop anchor at the shores of Kampong Cham. Visit Wat Nokor, a wat built within the ruins of an ancient temple that holds a timeless story. Then, travel to the Cheung Kok Ecotourism Village, a small village developed with support from Assistance Mediation Internationale (AMICA). Travelers can visit the village and take part in activities to experience village life. Profits from tourism go towards re-investment into long-term projects. Back on board The Jayavarman sets sail towards the capital Phnom Penh.

Day 6: Phnom Penh "Pearl of the East" ( B, L,D )

Get up early in the morning to witness a truly indescribable scene while approaching Phnom Penh's river promenade. After breakfast, embark 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 and the temple of a hill - Wat Phnom.

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. Introduction and onsite lecture by a local history professor.

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

Day 7: Phnom Penh departure ( B )

Your journey with The Jayavarman has come to an end, but will not be forgotten. Disembark after breakfast, transfer to the aiprort for your departure flight. End of tour.

Tour Prices

Trip includes:

• 5 days cruise on Jayavarman  boat as stated above
• 4 nights on board, 2 nights at hotel in Siemreap
• English speaking guide  during guided time
• Transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary  with local foods (B= breakfast; L=Lunch; D = Dinner)
• Mineral water & Cold Towel
• Admission fees and permits where applicable
• Government taxes and Service Charge

Trip excludes:

• Airfares & airport taxes
• Pre/post trip arrangement
• Visa in Cambodia ( available at the airport at 20 USD/person )
• Travel insurance
• Other personal expenses