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Two giants, Tonle Sap Lake and the Mekong River are iconic water bodies that define Cambodia's geography and lifestyle. This has given rise to a unique tourist experience that visitors shouldn't miss: a Cambodia river cruise. Traveling by water allows you to uncover the country in a way that traditional land tours simply can’t match.
Rivers and lakes are a part of the Cambodian people's life. Photo: Brittanica
Exploring these waterways introduces you to a slower pace of life, where time feels dictated by the rhythm of the water. Picture yourself aboard a cozy riverboat, cruising past floating schools and temples, sipping on a drink as the sun dips below the horizon. Wait no more, let’s embark on a 5-day cruise between the two most famous cities with Asia King Travel
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Start early on day one, but it is worth every yawn. It's not just a rumor; Angkor Wat is widely recognized as the most beautiful sunrise spot. The sky transitioned from deep purple to blazing gold. The sunrise is even more special if you travel in late March or September when day and night are equal in length. Ancient architects used their knowledge of architecture and astronomy to calculate the sunrise directly over the top of Angkor Wat on these days.
The sun rises on the top of Angkor Wat Temple. Photo: The Better Cambodia
After exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site, move on to Kampong Phluk Floating Village. Living on Tonle Sap, this community of stilted wooden homes was a stark yet beautiful contrast to the ancient stone of Angkor Wat.
What makes Kampong Phluk special is the harmony between human life and nature. To enter the village, we have to take a boat through a mangrove forest. Once we passed the forest, local life unfolded. Fishermen cast their nets, and women paddle slender boats laden with fresh produce. There’s even a floating school and a temple, reminders that this is a thriving community, not just a stop on a tourist trail.
People who live on Tonle Sap often face hardship. Photo: Klook
After lunch, we will transfer to Kampong Chhnang to get on the cruise. Dinner is a delightful affair, served on deck under a canopy of stars. Day one was just the beginning, but if it is any indication of what would come, this journey through Cambodia’s waterways promises to be unforgettable.
The first adventure of the day begins with a transfer to land via a smaller boat, the pottery village is waiting to greet us. Hopping into tuk-tuks, we navigated through the countryside, a picture-perfect postcard come to life. In the heart of the village, we watch skilled artisans transform raw clay into many things. You can also make your own pottery, they will be happy to guide you step by step.
Back to the cruise for lunch, the afternoon brings us to Kampong Tralach. Here, you will travel around rural villages on an ox cart! A pair of white oxen “drive” us to pay a visit at Kampong Tralach Temple. The temple is built atop a base of laterite hefty laterite blocks which may have belonged to an ancient site that preceded even the 17th-century foundation of what we see today.
Ox cart is a traditional transportation in rural villages. Photo: TripAdvisor
Back on board, we sail toward Oudong, the capital of Cambodia from 1618 to 1866. As the sun begins to dip, the deck becomes the best seat in the house. Drinks and snacks accompany the sunset, transforming the sky into a canvas of oranges and pinks reflected on the still water.
The boat docks at Koh Chen. When approaching, the first notable image you’ll get is the big sitting Buddha statue put peacefully near the river bank. It is a must to buy some silverware in the souvenir shops. Most of the pieces here are forged in bronze and plated in silver so the prices are affordable.
Arriving in Oudong, you are so now close to Phnom Penh, the old capital and the new is just more than 40 kilometers away. Our first stop is Oudong Temple, perched atop a mountain that promises rewards for those willing to tackle its 509 steps. Once at the summit, the scenery stretches endlessly for the panoramic views of Camobodia’s countryside.
Much like Angkor Wat, this location also received significant investment in the effort of master architects. A multitude of structures, temples, and towering spires were hewn by hand from huge stone slabs.
Oudong is the capital of Cambodia before Phnom Penh. Photo: Cambodia Begins at 40
By late afternoon, we arrive at Koh Dach, an island on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. The island is famed as an important silk-weaving center. If you want to buy these local articles, you can pay a visit to the local workshops and street shops as well as the handicraft center.
Our last days were signed by the first rays of sunlight illuminating the island. The energy from sunlight keeps you anticipating the final destination Phnom Penh. Within a few minutes, we disembark, ready to explore the rich history and culture of Cambodia’s capital.
Dawn in Phnom Penh as seen from the cruise. Photo: Memorable Cambodia Cruise
The first stop must be the Royal Palace. The palace architecture blends traditional Khmer style with French colonial influences. The Silver Pagoda is a prominent attraction, famous for its floor paved with over 5,000 pure silver tiles. Not only the exterior, but the interior also houses Buddha statues made of gold and emerald.
After that, the guide lead you to Wat Phnom, the most sacred place in the city. Stepping into the main hall, you will immediately feel the solemn and peaceful atmosphere with a large Buddha statue located at the center. On the outer grounds, you will find a small museum with historical artifacts, images, and valuable documents about the formation and development of Phnom Penh.
For the afternoon, we head to Central Market, an iconic art-deco landmark with its grand yellow dome. Speaking of the goods here, it's almost endless with all kinds of merchandise. Just ask a vendor about any item you need to buy, and you will be guided to the selling stall. Remember to buy some souvenirs to commemorate this trip to Cambodia.
A bustling atmosphere under a giant yellow dome. Photo: Pacific Hotel
On the final morning, we enjoy one last breakfast aboard the boat, savoring the peaceful views of the river. After moments of relaxing, our adventure comes to an end. Interestingly, the streets of Phnom Penh are different from the serene waters we’ve called home for the past few days.
This Cambodia cruise in just 5 days leaves you with stories to cherish and a longing to return. The attractions and people along the waterways are something you barely see anywhere else. Contact Asia King Travel today to start your journey!
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