Day 4
Phnom Penh
This was my first visit to Phnom Penh, once called Paris of the East, and we didn't need to look for somewhere to stay or decide where to eat or what to see as all meals and tours were included in this wonderful 7-night cruise.
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We arrived at the Pier in Phnom Penh about 7pm and after dinner, we wandered along the river promenade to check out the local nightlife and have a drink on the balcony of the Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC). Mark's cousin and her husband, who had done the same cruise as us although with a different cruise operator and in the opposite direction, had suggested we check-out the FCC as it is an iconic landmark. The dream of a private club for journalists took root in late 1991 when foreign journalists wanted a place to meet and drink. The FCC opened it's doors in mid-1993 and now, more than 22 years later, the FCC is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Phnom Penh.
Full day tour
We start with a full sight-seeing tour right after breakfast. Buses will bring us just outside of town to the Killing Fields Museum and after to the centrally located Toul Sleng “S21” prison. Both historic sites display the sad and cruel chapter of Khmer history when once the Khmer Rouge ruled the country with terror and suppression. Those places have not changed much since the horrific time back in the early seventies and so it can be heart wrenching. OR There is the alternative to explore the city during the morning by your own pace individually before re-joining the group.
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Lunch at the Malis Restaurant, a local fine-dining eatery in town.
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After lunch we will visit the golden edifice of the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda and the exceptional Khmer crafts at the National Museum where our local guides will bring us up close and personal with the King Jayavarman and other God-kings. Note: To enter the Royal palace & Silver Pagoda we kindly ask you to cover your knees and shoulders and remove your hats. Taking photos might be prohibited in certain areas of the palace; our guides will advise you accordingly.The day trip ends with a “cyclo” ride back to the ship through the bustling streets of downtown Phnom Penh passing Wat Phnom and French colonial buildings along the route. Note: We opted not to do the National Museum Tour & the cyclo ride.
Evening on-board the boat
Settle in for a local Apsara dance performance at the sundeck. Our Khmer Angles will perform mystical dances whose origins are traced back to the Royal Court of the Khmer Empire.
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After the performance, BBQ dinner is served on the sundeck. As the evening unwinds enjoy your supper with a good glass of wine and marvel at the skyline of Phnom Penh and the calming flow of the Tonle River.
After dinner, feel free to stroll along the promenade and explore Phnom Penh by night.
Note: The port entrance will close at midnight. The Jayavarman will remain in Port overnight
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