Vietnam and Cambodia 2018

August 2018 - September 2018 Read more

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Day 22
Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at 2:08 PM
⛅ 32 °C
Altitude: 6 m
Cambodia Tonle Sab 11.563902, 104.93125211°33’50” N 104°55’53” E
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
September 11, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C
We are now at a much happier place: the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, the buildings and the grounds are beautiful we wandered around for about 45 min. After the morning it was so nice to experience something on a happier note.

The Royal Palace, in Phnom Penh is a complex of buildings which serves as the royal residence of the King of Cambodia. The Kings of Cambodia have occupied it since it was built in the 1860s, with a period of absence when the country came into turmoil during and after the reign of the Khmer Rouge.

We also visited the silver pagoda which is in the same complex as the Palace

The Silver Pagoda or the temple of the Emerald Buddha was formerly a wooden building and rebuilt in 1962 in concrete and marble.

The pagoda is floored with over 5000 silver tiles each weighing 1 kilo. It is famous for its 90 kg solid gold Buddha made in 1907 and an emerald Buddha said to be made of baccarant crystal. Sharing the pagoda are many other interesting artifacts and jewels and was one of the few temples to remain intact during the Khmer Rouge regime.Read more
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Day 22
Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at 4:00 PM
⛅ 30 °C
Altitude: 4 m
Cambodia Tonle Sab 11.565574, 104.92921211°33’56” N 104°55’45” E
National Museum
September 11, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C
Now for some history.

The National Museum houses numerous sculptures, relics and artefacts highlighting the Angkorian Period.

We zipped around in about 15 min, it was a long day and starting to get tired.Read more
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Day 22
Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at 4:39 PM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Cambodia Tonle Sab 11.557383, 104.9395411°33’27” N 104°56’22” E
Back on Board
September 11, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
On our way back to the boat we took cyclos through the streets.

A very interesting ride but no photos. I kept taking videos and I forgot to take photo silly me. We went down some very bumpy, busy streets with cars and bikes coming straight for you. We arrived safe and sound back on board The Jahan.Read more
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Day 22
Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at 9:30 PM
⛅ 26 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Cambodia Daeum Slaeng 11.557383, 104.94417411°33’27” N 104°56’39” E
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Dinner and a Show on The Jayavarman
September 11, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
Tonight was a bit different. The sister ship The Jayavarman also from The Heritage Line was docked alongside us today. They are traveling downstream while we are traveling upstream.

The guests from both ships had dinner together on their ship and then we watched a Aspara dance performance.

The dancers, the Khmer Angels, performed mystical dances whose origins are traced back to the Royal Court of the Khmer EmpireRead more
Traveler John, don't eat the prawns!
9/13/18Reply
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Day 23
Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at 7:47 AM
⛅ 27 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Cambodia Kaôh Ŏknha Tey 11.63371, 104.9459311°38’1” N 104°56’45” E
Learn to Weave Silk
September 12, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
Some guests disembarked in Phonm Penn so we only have 10 guests now. The guest to staff ratio is even better.

Early this morning we cruised further up the Mekong to our next destination Koh Oknha Tey.

We walked through the village and then went on by Tuk Tuk to the silk factory.

The Community silk factory is also set up like family park with some very interesting sculptures and animals.Read more
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Day 23
Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at 10:00 AM
⛅ 31 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Cambodia Kaôh Ŏknha Tey 11.63421, 104.9467811°38’3” N 104°56’48” E
Silk Farm
September 12, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C
The Island is a small community silk Island where we watched the girls make and weave the silk.

Everything is done by hand from the silk worm farming, the thread spinning and weaving the silk.

The patterns the girls were weaving were very intricate.Read more
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Day 23
Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at 12:27 PM
🌧 30 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Cambodia Krouch Saeuc 11.718425, 104.97128611°43’6” N 104°58’17” E
Back on Board
September 12, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ 🌧 30 °C
Some free time on board before lunch.

The kids are so happy yelling out to us as we cruise by, like they have never seen a ship before.

Being in Cambodia now we had a little Khmer culture and language lesson.

This was followed by a session on how the local people dress. I was one of the models used to demonstrate the costumes.Read more
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Day 23
Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at 2:25 PM
🌧 28 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Cambodia Phumĭ Ta Mĕl Leu 12.04774, 104.77162912°2’52” N 104°46’18” E
Oxcart Ride and School visit.
September 12, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ 🌧 28 °C
On the bus again this time for a 50k drive to visit a school and a ride on a oxcart.

The oxcart ride was very bumpy and as it raining we got slightly wet but still fun although not something I would recommend as a mode of transport on regular occasions.

The oxcarts dropped us off at a school, the kids were great, they sang some songs in English and we played a game like Pictionary. They also had a compeition of witing english words.

It was a fun way to spend the afternoon.Read more
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Day 24
Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 8:32 AM
🌧 25 °C
Altitude: 16 m
Cambodia Khŭm Ângkôr Ban 11.953697, 105.21225711°57’13” N 105°12’44” E
Angkor Ban
September 13, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ 🌧 25 °C
Angkor Ban is Khumer meaning commune of Sampov loun District in north-western Cambodia.

Under the rule of Khmer Rouge, Angkor Ban was chosen to be their billet. The buildings in this village were used as housing and storage. While almost infrastructures in Cambodia were destroyed, the wooden houses in this village still exist until today.

It seems that there’s no other village in Cambodia that remains as a testament to the long history of Cambodia as Angkor Ban.Read more
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Day 24
Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 10:20 AM
🌧 27 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Cambodia Khŭm Ângkôr Ban 11.951681, 105.21397411°57’6” N 105°12’50” E
Weaving and Market
September 13, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ 🌧 27 °C
Wandering through the village you see so many kids they come running, wanting to do high fives saying hello. They are just so happy. It makes you reflect on how good the life is that we have.

We went to a home where the family dye and weave cotton to make scarfs to sell to the tourists and at markets. What is interesting is they are helped by a Japanese company so that deprived young children and women could earn money to help their income.

There was also a very small market selling the usual items but everything was just covered in flies. YUK YUK.Read more
TravelerMmm that flied chicken is making me hungry
9/22/18Reply
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Day 24
Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 10:27 AM
🌧 27 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Cambodia Khŭm Ângkôr Ban 11.951681, 105.21208511°57’6” N 105°12’44” E
Temple
September 13, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ 🌧 27 °C
On the way back to the ship we walked through a temple area and chatted to some of the monks.

It was explained how the young children become monks and the hardships they encounter.

The family though like that their young boys become monks, where we all found it was sad that these young boys leave home at a very young age (sometimes 6 or 7) to become monks. We I also found it interesting that they do not have to remain monks, they can leave and go back to village life as a regular villager.Read more
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Day 24
Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 11:00 AM
🌧 27 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Cambodia Khŭm Ângkôr Ban 11.952353, 105.21397411°57’8” N 105°12’50” E
Monk Blessing
September 13, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ 🌧 27 °C
Back on board and 2 Buddhist Monks performed a blessing ceremony. Not that we could understand the blessing but is quite interesting.

Once the monks finished the blessing we started cruising further up the Mekong.Read more
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Day 24
Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 2:30 PM
🌧 26 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Cambodia Kampong Cham 11.992094, 105.47003411°59’32” N 105°28’12” E
Children singing and dance performance
September 13, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ 🌧 26 °C
It was such a delight to have children from a local village called Chiro visit the ship. The school is funded by the Heritage Cruise Line, guests and some local villagers.

The school provides additional free education for currently 400 children where they are taught, English, Khmer, maths, music and dance. The teachers are volunteers. The school provides a safe learning environment and, eventually, is a good platform for future employment. On the Jahan we have 6 staff who attended the school.Read more
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Day 24
Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 3:00 PM
🌧 26 °C
Altitude: 79 m
Cambodia Phumĭ Ândong Chrŏăh 12.030118, 105.42181812°1’48” N 105°25’19” E
Holy Twin Mountain
September 13, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ 🌧 26 °C
The Holy Twin Mountain Phnom Kulen has major symbolic importance for Cambodia as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire, for it was at Phnom Kulen that King Jayavarma II proclaimed independence from Java in 804 CE.

Jayavarman II initiated the Devaraja cult of the king a linga cult (is an abstract or iconic representation of the Hindu deity Shiva, used for worship in temples, smaller shrines, or as self manifested natural objects)

Phnom Kulen was further developed under the rule of Udayadityavarman II who made it the capital of his empire and constructed many temples and residences as well as the 1000 Lingas at Kbal Spean.

At its peak the Kulen development was larger than modern day Phnom Penh and one of the largest cities in the 11th-century world. It would later be eclipsed by Angkor, but still served a vital role as its water irrigated the entire region.

During the Khmer Rouge time the location was a final stronghold as their regime came to an end in 1979.

The area is quite large with plenty of monkeys. It is run down but still impressive.Read more
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Day 24
Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 3:47 PM
🌧 25 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Cambodia Kampong Cham 11.999847, 105.46705211°59’59” N 105°28’1” E
Wat Nokor
September 13, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ 🌧 25 °C
The monument is built out of sandstone and laterite and dates from the last years of the reign of Jayavarman VII in the 12th Century.

It is composed of a central tower surrounded by four laterite wall enclosures. The central tower of the temple of Vat Nokor is decorated with motifs characteristic of Bayon with Buddhist scenes on the pediments.

The temple complex is believed to have been the headquarters of Jayavarman VII for a time from where he extended his influence over nearby principalities.

It has a number of distinguishing characteristics other than the fact that it is the largest ancient temple complex in Kampong Cham Province. One of these characteristics is the fact that it is built of black sandstone which causes it to stand out from other temples of the period which are often built of brick or reddish sandstone.

Wat Nokor Bache boasts a 'Chartres' effect in which a more modern temple of a very different style has been built over and around the original Angkorian structure creating a blend of architectural styles.

This Temple was incredible, we cannot wait to be in Angkor Wat if this is an example of the temples we are going to see.Read more
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Day 25
Friday, September 14, 2018 at 8:30 AM
☁️ 26 °C
Altitude: 15 m
Cambodia Kampong Cham 11.989132, 105.46164911°59’21” N 105°27’42” E
Wat Hanchey
September 14, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
Wat Hanchey is located at the top of a hill 20km north of Kompong Cham.

Wat Hanchey which is considered as a thriving religious site is a complex of both Hindu and Buddhist temples. The oldest part in this complex dating from 7th or 8th century plays an important role in the worship during the time of Chenla Empire.

Wat Hanchey was an important place for those who were on the journeys between the pre Angkor cities to take a rest. Under the rule of Khmer Rouge, the buildings in Wat Hanchey complex were damaged and they have been restored.

The walk up to the site is 302 steps. It was just a little difficult but coming down was much better. John took the easy way and rode in the Tuk Tuk.

Once up the steps the view was worth the climb. There were so many children running around practicing their English.

We even had the opportunely to go into the monks homes. The monks lead very simple lives and are so shy, most of them ran and hide in other rooms.Read more
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Day 25
Friday, September 14, 2018 at 2:22 PM
🌧 28 °C
Altitude: 3 m
Cambodia Phum Prek Chrei 12.565679, 104.99096312°33’56” N 104°59’27” E
Temples and Fishing
September 14, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ 🌧 28 °C
This afternoon we took an hour bus ride away from the ship to another temple. The area had both a new temple and a temple from the 11th century as well as a huge statue of Buddha .

On the way back we stopped at a small village along the river to watch some fishing boats using extremely large nets, families fishing from the bank and selling their catch on the roadside.

Also for sale were frogs, crickets and silk worm cocoons and John tasted a cricket and silkworm cocoon.Read more
TravelerWhat no frogs dad??? That’s not like you... They look sooo appetising....
9/22/18Reply
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Day 25
Friday, September 14, 2018 at 8:17 PM
🌧 25 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Cambodia Kampong Cham 11.992429, 105.46711611°59’33” N 105°28’2” E
Last Night
September 14, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ 🌧 25 °C
Tonight we had the farewell party to meet all the staff on The Jahan, bubbles and dancing with the crew before dinner.

Dinner was a special occasion with the Bombe Alaska for desert as a finale.
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Day 26
Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 8:30 AM
☁️ 26 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Cambodia Phumĭ Prey Prâs (1)12.789106, 104.81415912°47’21” N 104°48’51” E
On our way to Siem Reap
September 15, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
This morning we disembarked The Jahan. We have had a wonderful time met some great people and were looked after very well by the staff.

We are being taken by bus to Siem Reap which is a 4 hour drive. Not looking forward to sitting in the bus for this long but it turned out OK as we had a large tour bus. Next week we will be resting around a pool and going to Ankor Wat.Read more
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Day 26
Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 1:37 PM
🌧 27 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Cambodia Phnhea Chey 13.356845, 103.83163213°21’25” N 103°49’54” E
Home for a week
September 15, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ 🌧 27 °C
Finally arrived after the bus trip, the hotel is a little remote so not much around so I guess that means a tuk tuk into town.

The accommodation is very large actually too large heaps of wasted space but the pool is great.

We have unpacked, found a local laundry and had a swim.

I think we may take a tuk tuk into town for dinner and buy some supplies as tomorrow we will laze around the pool.Read more
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Day 26
Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 6:30 PM
🌧 29 °C
Altitude: 14 m
Cambodia Phnhea Chey 13.35638, 103.8315913°21’23” N 103°49’54” E
Pub Street
September 15, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ 🌧 29 °C
Quick dinner, beer and a cocktail in Pub Street.

A bit tired tonight so we did not walk around but we will definitely be back for $2 cocktails and 50c beer.
TravelerThat sounds like a street that I could live on 🙂 oh and I love that chair 🍺
9/22/18Reply
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Day 27
Sunday, September 16, 2018 at 7:04 PM
🌧 28 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Cambodia Phum Spéan Thmei 13.354805, 103.85473513°21’17” N 103°51’17” E
Pool and Restaurant Hopping
September 16, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ 🌧 28 °C
Today was very relaxing we stayed at the hotel until dinner time. It was so nice reading, swimming and doing absolutely nothing most of the day.

Being time for dinner we took a tuk tuk into town to walk around the markets and have dinner.

We started wth 50c beers and $1.50 Maragetrita with potato skins at a Mexican restaurant, then 2 for 1 cocktails and khmer food for the main meal and finished with ice cream rolls at a street stall before heading home.

We also went back to the Mexican for Khmer food take away for dinner tomorrow as we will being having a very full day of temples including the big one - Angkor Wat.Read more
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Day 28
Monday, September 17, 2018 at 8:40 AM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 29 m
Cambodia Bayon 13.441554, 103.85890813°26’30” N 103°51’32” E
Bayon Temple
September 17, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
Today was Temple day, we were picked up at 7.30am and headed out for a day of temple visits.

The first stop was Angkor Thom (Big Angkor) which is a 3km2 walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian empire. After Jayavarman VII recaptured the Angkorian capital from the Cham invaders in 1181, he began a massive building campaign across the empire, constructing Angkor Thom as his new capital city.

We spent about an hour walking and climbing stairs in, out and around the templeRead more
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Day 28
Monday, September 17, 2018 at 10:56 AM
⛅ 29 °C
Altitude: 63 m
Cambodia Prasat Ta Prum 13.434794, 103.88930413°26’5” N 103°53’21” E
Tomb Raider's Temple
September 17, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
Next we visited Ta Prohm Temple. This sprawling complex is only partially cleared of jungle overgrowth. Massive fig and silk cotton trees grow over the towers and corridors creating a jungle atmosphere. This has been deliberatley left unrestored to enable viitors to see what all the temples were like before they were recently discovered.

This temple was used in the making of the Tomb Raider Movie.Read more
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Day 28
Monday, September 17, 2018 at 2:08 PM
🌧 30 °C
Altitude: 24 m
Cambodia Angkor Wat 13.412469, 103.86698613°24’45” N 103°52’1” E
Angkor Wat
September 17, 2018 in Cambodia ⋅ 🌧 30 °C
The last temple for today was the one that we were eager to visit.

Angkor Wat, the largest monument of the Angkor group and the best preserved is an architectural masterpiece. Its perfection in composition, balance, proportions, relief's and sculpture make it one of the finest monuments in the world.

It is generally accepted that Angkor Wat was a funeral temple for King Suryavarman II and oriented to the west to conform to the symbolism between the setting sun and death.

We spent nearly 2 hours here walking around this impressive temple site.Read more
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