Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Aboard a Mekong River Cruise

Welcome to Phnom Penh, where tradition and innovation coexist in captivating contrast. After enjoying your private airport transfer and checking into Rosewood Phnom Penh, sweeping 360-degree views of the city set the stage for your Mekong River cruise adventure. Begin your immersion into Cambodia over lunch at Iza, a sleek izakaya blending charcoal-grilled robata and delicate sushi artistry, before setting off by Rosewood Remork to explore the city’s soul.

Glide past the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, and the bustling Central Market, where local vendors offer everything from handwoven silks to aromatic street snacks. As golden hour descends, consider retreating to Sense Spa for rejuvenation before cocktails at Sora Sky Bar, Phnom Penh’s highest perch. Dinner at Cuts follows—an indulgent ode to artisanal meats and one of Asia’s most impressive wine collections.

Wake up for your first full day in Cambodia knowing you have the light-flooded Brasserie Louis to look forward to, a spot where French flair meets Cambodian flavor and breakfast is as elegant as the panoramic views. From here, your day will begin with a serene Buddhist blessing ritual, a symbolic moment that grounds your Mekong River cruise in local spirituality.

Mid-morning, journey to Silk Island, a lush enclave on the Mekong where handloom weavers keep ancient traditions alive. Enjoy a private picnic curated by Rosewood’s culinary team, where you’ll be surrounded by mango trees and the hum of village life. Upon your return to the property, unwind with spa time or an afternoon cocktail before dinner at Pisa, where Khmer cuisine—spiced, fragrant, and soulful—tells stories of the land you’ll soon sail through.

This morning, enjoy your final moments at Rosewood Phnom Penh before packing up to check out. Before you set sail on your Mekong River cruise with Aqua Expeditions aboard the Aqua Mekong, begin your day with a dose of culture. With the assistance of a local guide, soak up private access to the National Museum of Cambodia, where pre-Angkorian treasures and bronze statues speak to the country’s rich heritage. Continue to the Royal Palace to see gilded rooftops gleaming against the sky before returning to Rosewood for lunch at Zhan Liang, where delicate dim sum and curated teas offer a moment of refined calm.

By afternoon, it’s time to set foot on your home at sea for the next few days. Step aboard your vessel and toast the voyage ahead with a Salted Watermelon Crush as the city fades into twilight. Settle into your cabin, one of just twenty suites, each outfitted with inviting hardwood interiors, air-conditioning, and floor-to-ceiling windows. A Khmer Apsara dance performance ushers in the first night of your Mekong River cruise, each gesture and rhythm echoing the stories carved into Angkor Wat centuries ago.

This morning, wake up at your own pace and enjoy some time at leisure aboard the Aqua Mekong. Be sure to spend some time on the Top Deck, the highest vantage point aboard the cruise ship with postcard-perfect views. It’s an ideal spot for reading, games, yoga, meditation, or even just catching some sun.

The next chapter of your Mekong River cruise brings you to Koh Chen, a silversmith village known for its intricate ceremonial bowls—some crafted as gifts for the Cambodian royal family. Wander among artisans at work, their hammers keeping time with the gentle lap of the river. Later, explore Kampong Chhnang, aptly nicknamed the “Port of Pottery.” Here, centuries-old techniques meet daily riverside life, offering a vivid glimpse into the country’s creative heritage. Guests can opt for a countryside bike ride or simply relax on deck as children wave from the banks, a reminder that life along the Mekong flows in harmony with the land.

A highlight of any Mekong River cruise, the floating village of Chhnok Tru is an astonishing tableau of life on water—complete with floating schools, churches, and even karaoke bars. Meet locals whose lives shift with the tides, then kayak through tranquil canals shaded by lush mangrove canopies. In the afternoon, continue to Moat Khla, a remote community reachable only by boat. Here, participate in a Buddhist blessing ceremony, a moving encounter that reveals the spiritual undercurrent of Mekong life. As incense rises and monks chant softly, you’ll understand why this Mekong River cruise is as much a cultural pilgrimage as it is a journey.

The final morning of your Mekong River cruise brings a sunrise skiff journey through the Prek Toal Core Bird Reserve, a 22,000-hectare wetland sanctuary and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Watch for spot-billed pelicans, milky storks, and black-headed ibis soaring overhead—the last great waterbirds of Southeast Asia in their natural habitat. As your ship approaches Siem Reap, gateway to Angkor’s legendary temples, take a moment to reflect.