Cambodia

There’s no better way to complete your exploration of Phnom Penh than with a cruise on the Tonlé Sap and the legendary Mekong River. A boat tour will offer you a unique perspective of the Cambodian capital, allowing you to enjoy scenic riverside landscapes, traditional fishing villages, and vibrant life unfolding on and along the water.

You may also choose to venture further, discovering Oudong, the former capital of the kingdom, or visit artisans producing silk on the island of Koh Dach (Silk Island) in the village of Pre Bong Kong.

Let yourself be charmed by a cruise and embark for a relaxing experience with spectacular views, perfect for photography enthusiasts!

Sunrise Cruise

As the departure is scheduled for 5:00 AM, you will need a bit of courage to leave your bed early, but this effort will be amply rewarded by the magical atmosphere of this boat tour. It will still be dark when you board, but a delicious breakfast will be served once you’re on board. While enjoying jam on toast and fresh fruit slices, the boat will gently cut through the water, positioning itself strategically to face the rising sun.

As the night retreats to make way for dawn, the fishermen’s pirogues begin their daily dance under a sky slowly adorned with stunning colors. On the banks of the Mekong, the shadows fade, and Phnom Penh awakens, bathed in the first rays of sunlight.

You’ll then cruise along the Tonlé Sap, passing Sisowath Quay, and be amazed by the morning activities. Offerings to the pagoda, exercise sessions, Tai Chi with fans, or Kung Fu are just a few of the healthy practices Cambodians engage in to start their day.

Sunset Cruise

The boat sets sail in the late afternoon, at 5:00 PM, to slowly navigate the legendary Mekong River and the Tonlé Sap. Comfortably settled on the deck, you’ll enjoy the refreshing breeze after a hot day exploring Phnom Penh. The cruise will first take you through Chaktomuk, the impressive water expanse formed by the confluence of the Upper and Lower Mekong, Tonlé Sap, and Tonlé Bassac (Chaktomuk, in Khmer, means “the four arms”). The boat will then glide along the Mekong, between the Phnom Penh district of Chroy Changvar and the rural banks of Kandal Province. You will be struck by the contrasts that define Cambodia’s charm: on one side, modern buildings occupying more and more space, alongside beautiful riverside homes, while on the other, the stilted village of Areksat and fisherman's houses surrounded by lush greenery.

The cruise will then turn around and head toward the Tonlé Sap River, where you can admire the sunset over Phnom Penh’s skyline, setting the stage for a vibrant evening.

Picturesque landscapes and unique views of the Cambodian capital await you on this waterway journey, during which you can enjoy a wide selection of drinks and snacks—perfect for an aperitif!

Dinner Cruise

A dinner cruise between the Mekong and Tonlé Sap is a magical moment. The boat departs at 7:00 PM. Enjoying the gentle evening breeze, you’ll appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the view of Phnom Penh’s lights while savoring delicious local specialties. The cuisine served on board is made with fresh ingredients, and you’ll have the choice between Western or Asian dishes from different menus or à la carte. A selection of wines from France and around the world will also be available to accompany your meal.

Lit by lanterns and accompanied by subtle background music, your dinner will begin as you sail along the Mekong and continue on the Tonlé Sap. During this time, you’ll have the chance to observe the lively atmosphere along Sisowath Quay at night, and, if the season is right, admire the illuminated Royal Palace, which gains even more grandeur in the evening light.

All-Inclusive Silk Cruise 

The Silk Cruises take you on a journey to discover an authentic Cambodia, where talented artisans continue the traditional production of this precious fabric. Silk weaving in Cambodia dates back to the 13th century but was nearly lost under the Khmer Rouge regime in the mid-1970s. Today, artisans who survived this dark period continue to reproduce ancestral techniques, passing them down to the next generation in villages about 12 km from Phnom Penh, along the banks of the Mekong River.

Silk cruises depart at 8:30 AM. Along the way, you will enjoy the landscapes and scenes of life along the Mekong River before stopping at the village of Pre Bong Kong to visit one of these silk "farms," where you’ll learn about the entire production process, from raising silkworms to weaving the final product. This stop also offers a lovely walk to visit a pagoda housing a reclining Buddha. As you stroll, you’ll appreciate the tranquil Cambodian countryside, dotted with rice fields, where ox-drawn carts are still used for transportation.

This timeless experience is offered in two versions: a 3.5-hour tour and a 6-hour extended version. The longer version includes a BBQ lunch on board and an extended waterway tour around Koh Dach (Silk Island).

All-Inclusive Oudong Cruise

This boat tour takes you 40 km from Phnom Penh, to the western bank of Tonlé Sap, to explore the historic site of Oudong, the former royal residence and capital of Cambodia for over 250 years, until 1866. The glorious past of this ancient city is now primarily represented on a twin-peaked hill, which houses a monumental royal necropolis containing the remains of several kings. The larger peak hosts three stupas from different eras, while the smaller one protects the ruins of the Preah Atharas Pagoda and its large Buddha statue, which faces north rather than the traditional east. This old temple, also known as the "Temple of Eighteen Corners," symbolizes, according to legend, the strength and power of the ancient Khmer Kingdom.

Once the boat reaches Oudong, a tuk tuk will take you to the site. Exploring the hill will require climbing many steps, but the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Cambodian countryside, dotted with traditional villages and rice fields extending to Tonlé Sap, will make the effort worthwhile. If you don’t feel up to the climb, you can visit the beautiful Vipassana Dhura Pagoda at the foot of the hill, part of a vast meditation center that hosts many Buddhist monks year-round. Its golden exterior and stunning prayer hall adorned with beautiful frescoes are a sight to behold.

For this historic boat tour, you’ll depart Phnom Penh at 8:30 AM. The boat ride will offer views of peaceful scenes of buffaloes in rice fields and lotus flower fields. You’ll also observe the local fishing techniques. On the way there, a breakfast of fresh fruit will be served, and a BBQ lunch will be provided on board, with a tea-time break during the return.

Safety and comfort on board

Whether aboard a large catamaran or a traditional wooden boat, your safety is our top priority. The boats we have selected are continuously maintained, operated by certified captains, and equipped with all necessary safety gear. Most importantly, these are the only fully insured cruise boats in Phnom Penh, including passenger insurance. They feature both open and covered decks, a kitchen, and a bar. The crew is dedicated to your comfort and welcomes you with great pleasure.

Cruise schedules

Boats operate daily and are docked on the promenade along the river in front of the Himawari Hotel (313 Sisowath Quay). Regardless of the cruise you choose, please be aboard 15 minutes before departure time.

• Sunrise Cruise (from 2 people), departure at 5:00 AM, return at 6:30 AM.
• Sunset Cruise, departure at 5:00 PM, return at 6:20 PM.
• Dinner Cruise, departure at 7:00 PM, return at 8:45 PM.
• All-Inclusive Silk Cruises (from 2 people):
• Short version (3.5 hours), departure at 8:30 AM, return at 12:00 PM.
• Long version (6 hours), departure at 8:30 AM, return at 2:30 PM.
• All-Inclusive Oudong Cruise (from 4 people), departure at 8:30 AM, return at 4:30 PM.