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Phnom Penh River Cruises

About Phnom Penh

Sitting at the point where the Mekong River meets the immense Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia’s capital is a mainstay of every voyage which explores the Mekong River and is home to a wealth of attractions related to various stages in its long history. It’s been the nation’s capital since the days of French colonisation and Indochina and is also regarded as its cultural and political centre. The city takes its name from one of its most prominent nearby Buddhist temples Wat Phnom or ‘hill temple’. Indeed, the city is founded on Buddhism and the legend of its establishment involves a woman in the 14th century who spotted a floating tree while gathering firewood close to the river, in which she discovered four statues of Buddha. It was taken as a sign and a blessing and secured the city’s Buddhist heritage, which can be explored in-depth when you visit. In modern times, it was also involved in the country’s darkest chapter when it suffered immensely under Pol Pot’s brutal Khmer Rouge regime, a part of its history which can also be explored.

Exploring Phnom Penh

The first place most visitors head when visiting Phnom Penh is the jaw-dropping Royal Palace with its incredible Silver Pagoda. It’s a good idea to pick a cruise excursion which offers a guided tour rather than explore on your own, as everything will be put into context by your knowledgeable guide. The architecture is incredible throughout the complex but the centre-piece is indeed the Silver Pagoda. Its ornate golden exterior may have you wondering how it earned its name, but as soon as you step inside you’ll understand why when you catch sight of its incredible floor which comprises thousands of silver tiles. Inside, gold and emerald statues of Buddha are featured as well as a wealth of other treasures.

For many, a visit to nearby Wat Phnom is only fitting given its influence on the city’s founding. It’s regarded by many of Phnom Penh’s citizens as the city’s spiritual heart and indeed, there’s a tangible atmosphere and some beautiful architecture to experience. Sometimes overlooked by visitors is Wat Ounalom, an altogether more modest temple which is nevertheless still beautiful and a great place for some quiet reflection.

Those wishing to get a feel for themselves how the city suffered during the Khmer Rouge regime should pay a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and also the Killing Fields. In the living memory of the majority of river cruise visitors, the twisted ideal of Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge resulted in the deaths of huge numbers of the city’s population. Many were detained and tortured and the present day museum is where the atrocities took place, with guided tours available. The Killing Fields is the place where the regime disposed of its victims and today it has been turned into a memorial for the millions who were killed. Audio guides are available to put your visit into context and inform you about how the regime operated. It’s certainly harrowing yet informative and a poignant reminder of how far the city has come since its most harrowing days.

Phnom Penh tips

Though tourists are more than welcome in Phnom-Penh, it should be noted that the Killing Fields are also a place of pilgrimage for many Cambodians who lost family members to the regime, so it’s important to behave respectfully. If you’ve time for a snack during your explorations, you’ll find a satisfying blend of both French and eastern cuisine in the city.

Phnom Penh Itineraries

Siem Reap

Fascinating Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok

4 sailing dates October 2023 to November 2023
15 Nights From Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to Bangkok(Klong Toey)
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Ho Chi Minh City

The Heart Of Cambodia & Vietnam With Bangkok

4 sailing dates October 2023 to December 2023
20 Nights From Bangkok(Klong Toey), to Vietnam , Hanoi
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Siem Reap

Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mekong River

4 sailing dates October 2023 to December 2023
15 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to , Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Siem Reap

Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mekong River

4 sailing dates October 2023 to December 2023
15 Nights From Siem Reap, Cambodia to , Bangkok(Klong Toey)
Avalon Waterways logo CALL
Siem Reap

Essence of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong

9 sailing dates November 2023 to April 2024
23 Nights From Depart UK, to Arrive UK
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Hanoi

Imperial Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar

1 sailing date January 2022
30 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to Myanmar , Yangon, Myanmar
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Phnom Penh

Spiritual Cambodia & the Mekong

1 sailing date December 2022
10 Nights From Siem Reap, Cambodia to , My Tho
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Angkor Wat

Luxury Mekong from Ho chi Minh

8 sailing dates October 2023 to April 2024
11 Nights From UK, United Kingdom to UK
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Angkor Wat

Vietnam & Cambodia Discovery - Hanoi to Siem Reap

10 sailing dates October 2023 to March 2024
17 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to Cambodia , Siem Reap
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Angkor Wat

Luxury Mekong - Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap

30 sailing dates October 2023 to May 2025
7 Nights From Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to Cambodia , Siem Reap
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £3599pp
Phnom Penh

Luxury Mekong - Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City

28 sailing dates October 2023 to May 2025
7 Nights From Siem Reap, Cambodia to , Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £3449pp
Ho Chi Minh City

Highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong

10 sailing dates October 2023 to April 2024
19 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to , Arrive UK
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Ho Chi Minh City

Highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong

9 sailing dates October 2023 to May 2024
19 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to Cambodia , Siem Reap
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Phnom Penh

Majestic Mekong Discoverer Ho Chi MinhCity To Siem

1 sailing date May 2023
12 Nights From Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to Cambodia , Siem Reap
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Ho Chi Minh City

Highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong

1 sailing date December 2021
19 Nights From Depart UK, to Arrive UK
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Chau Doc

Mekong Discovery (Northbound)

1 sailing date January 2023
7 Nights From Ho Chi Minh City, to Cambodia , Phnom Penh
Avalon Waterways logo CALL
Phnom Penh

Mekong Discovery (Southbound)

4 sailing dates October 2023 to December 2023
7 Nights From Phnom Penh, Cambodia to , Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Avalon Waterways logo CALL
Angkor Wat

Luxury Mekong - Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City

7 sailing dates November 2023 to May 2024
11 Nights From Depart UK, to Arrive UK
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Angkor Wat

Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River

4 sailing dates October 2023 to December 2023
12 Nights From Siem Reap, Cambodia to , Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Avalon Waterways logo CALL
Angkor Wat

Luxury Mekong & Temple Discovery from Ho Chi Minh

13 sailing dates October 2023 to May 2024
13 Nights From Depart UK, to Arrive UK
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