Boat trip the Mekhong river

See Khmer life along the Mekhong River

The Mekhong River is one of the mighty rivers of the world and it winds its way through northern Cambodia passing through Phnom Penh and flowing south to Vietnam

We offer tailor made boat trips on our newly constructed 16 metre wooden boat - Neang Niak The boat, built by a local boat builder with the help of Souen, has been beautifully furnished using local timbers, silks and other fabrics, mats, bamboo and additional local materials. A western toilet is available for your comfort (the only toilet where effluent is not pumped directly into the river but instead, pumped to land and disposed of safely). Being on the Mekhong is always much cooler than being on land so escape the heat and have an unforgettable experience!

Enjoy the cool of the river

You can stop at various points along the river to witness every day Khmer life such as floating villages, fish farming or catching fish (there are many different techniques in Cambodia depending on the season and ethnicity of the fisherman). You'll see the locals going about their everyday chores - washing clothes, taking a bath and vegetable gardening.  You'll see many different types of boats that the Cham (Khmer Muslims) and Vietnamese people live on

You can venture off the boat and visit local villages where colourful mats or Khmer sarongs (kromars) are woven.  For those that are interested in seeing a snapshot of a Buddhist monk’s life, you can visit a local temple and hear and see the monks chanting prior to having their lunch

To beat the afternoon heat, particulary in the hot season, have a swim in a safe and clean area of the Mekhong and cool off! For those who like fishing, try your hand at catching a Mekhong river fish - by fishing rod or throw net

Trips can be organised according to your schedule but we recommend at least one day to get the feel of the mighty Mekhong River and have a genuine Cambodian experience.  It is a very different way to see Cambodia instead of sitting in a car!

Souen will entertain you with lots of interesting information throughout the trip as well as providing drinks, snacks and a gourmet lunch (a combination of Khmer and western food)

For the more adventurous you can take longer trips visiting Kompong Cham or Kraties in the north or Takeo and Prey Veng in the south.  Explore the different provincial towns where we leave the boat – visit the old temples of Kompong Cham or see the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins that live close to Kratie on the Mekhong River; see the earthenware pots being made in Kompong Chhnang on the Sap River

Tell us what interests you and we will organise a trip you’ll never forget!!

Suggestion for tours include:

• Take a trip along Phnom Penh’s waterfront before heading off along the Mekhong River
• Stop at Areyksat commune and visit a temple in time to hear and see the monks chanting prior to having their lunch
• Visit a village and see the traditional weaving of Cambodia – cotton and silk kromars
• Visit a village where mats are the cottage industry - see the plant growing, being cut and processed, dried, dyed and then woven into beautiful colourful mats
• Try some rice wine locally brewed in the village
• See the numerous floating fish farms hidden under the houses of the floating villages
• Note the many ways to catch fish as you wind your way up the Mekhong
• Try your hand at fishing - either with a rod or throw net
• Enjoy a scrumptious lunch sitting on the boat watching he Khmer way of life pass you by
• In the dry season it is worth a dip in the river or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the sandy banks of the river instead
• Depending on the season, see the banana and papaya orchards or vegetable gardens which thrive on the river bank

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