RV Mekong Navigator Cruise Upstream 4 days: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap

Morning

After a final breakfast onboard, disembark from the RV Mekong Navigator and board a coach from 08:30 for your overland journey to Siem Reap—gateway to the world-famous Angkor temple complex. Along the way, enjoy a rest stop and a traditional Cambodian lunch.

Afternoon

Arrive in Siem Reap in the afternoon, filled with anticipation for the next chapter of your Southeast Asian adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: NA

Morning

Embark on the RV Mekong Navigator in Phnom Penh in the late morning and settle into your luxurious suite. As the city bustles just beyond the riverbanks, lunch is served onboard in Le Marché Dining Room, introducing you to the refined cuisine and warm hospitality that define your journey.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, you’re free further to explore Phnom Penh’s vibrant energy on your own. Visit its colonial cafés, riverside promenade, or bustling markets—or take advantage of the shuttle coach and local guide service to shop at the Central Market, a treasure trove of Khmer crafts, textiles, and souvenirs.

Evening

As the sun sets over the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers, gather on the Sun Deck for an enchanting Apsara performance, where classical dancers in golden headdresses move to the gentle rhythm of Khmer music. Traditional folk dances follow, offering a vivid celebration of Cambodian heritage. Afterwards, enjoy a welcome dinner as the ship remains docked overnight.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: RV Mekong Navigator (docked at Phnom Penh Port)

Morning

After breakfast, step aboard a waiting tuk-tuk and begin your exploration of Phnom Penh’s royal and cultural treasures. Glide along the city’s leafy boulevards to reach the Royal Palace, the official residence of Cambodia’s monarch. Stroll past manicured gardens and explore the Throne Hall and Moonlight Pavilion, where royal ceremonies once took place.

Just next door, enter the Silver Pagoda, famed for its gleaming silver floor tiles and its sacred Emerald Buddha. Gaze upon the life-sized Maitreya Buddha, covered in thousands of diamonds—a symbol of reverence and regality.

Your next stop is the National Museum of Cambodia, a terracotta masterpiece housing one of the world’s most extensive collections of Khmer sculpture, bronzes, and pre-Angkorian relics. Through its galleries, you’ll trace Cambodia’s artistic evolution and deepen your appreciation for the Angkor legacy.

Afternoon

Return to the ship and enjoy a relaxing afternoon onboard until 18:30. Whether sipping tea on the sundeck or retreating to your suite with views of the passing riverbanks, this is your time to reflect and rejuvenate.

Evening

The RV Mekong Navigator begins its upstream journey toward Wat Roka Kaong, gliding past shimmering waters and river villages. Arriving later in the evening, the ship anchors mid-river for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: RV Mekong Navigator (anchored mid-river)

Morning

Begin the day with a visit to Wat Roka Kaong, a sacred temple dating back to 1840. Renovated in the late 20th century, the complex reveals stories of Khmer faith and resilience. A highlight is the emerald-hued Buddha statue discovered during restoration—now a revered symbol of the wat’s spiritual power.

Wander beneath towering golden pillars, remnants of once-proud temples, and make your way to the vividly painted Main Pagoda. There, receive a traditional water blessing from local monks—an intimate and time-honored ritual believed to bring peace and protection.

Afternoon

After lunch onboard, step ashore at Opopel Village, where life moves to the gentle rhythm of the river. Thatched homes rise on stilts above rice fields, and Brahmin cows wander shaded lanes. 

Visit the home of a local family to learn about their daily life and journey to the village school for a heartwarming encounter with students in class. End your walk at a quiet monastery, where ancient traditions still thrive in every prayer and carving.

Evening

Back aboard the ship, raise a toast with fellow guests during a Farewell Reception on the Sun Deck, set against the fading light of rural Cambodia. Then, gather for a final dinner in Le Marché Dining Room, where flavors of the Mekong linger on your plate and in your memory.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: RV Mekong Navigator (docked at Kang Meas Port)