Private boat trips on the Mekong

Witness Khmer life along the Mekong River

The Mekong 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 private tailor made boat trips on our purpose built 16 metre wooden boat - Neang Niak. She was built using traditional methods (only hand tools) by a local boat builder with the help of Souen. Neang Niak has been beautifully furnished using local timbers, hand woven silks, cottons and mats, bamboo and additional local materials. A western marine toilet is available for your comfort (the only toilet where effluent is not pumped directly into the river but instead, stored then pumped to land and disposed of safely)

Being on the Mekong 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 can visit a village and see their cottage industry which may include villages where they weave silk or cotton, watch local water jars being made, see tofu skin being made or rice noodles being prepared for market. You'll see the locals going about their everyday chores - taking a bath, giving their horse or cow a bath, washing clothes and vegetable gardening along the banks of the river.  You'll see many different types of boats that the Khmer, 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 if at the right time, you may 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 Mekong and cool off! For those who like fishing, try your hand at catching a Mekong 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 Mekong River and have a genuine Cambodian experience.  We can help you plan a trip that suits your interests. 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 endless drinks (homemade lime juice, beer, wine, hot drinks), snacks and a gourmet sit down, formal Khmer lunch - all home prepared on the morning of your trip (or whilst you travel if you stay overnight)

For the more adventurous you can take longer trips spending one or two nights on the boat. We call it 'glorified camping' where you will sleep on the roof, back deck or under cover in the main part of the boat. We organise mattresses (sheets and blankets) with mosquito net covering to keep away any insects. It is always great to stay moored at one of the many islands in the Mekong as they are quiet and the sky is very often full of stars. For those who want only a one way trip, we can organise to pick you up or drop you off at towns such as Kompong Cham or Kraties in the north or at Kampong Chhnang on the Tonle Sap Lake, the home of the earthenware pots

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

Suggestion for tours include:

• Take a trip up the Mekong and look back at Phnom Penh’s waterfront and developing skyline
• Visit a village and see the traditional weaving of Cambodia – cotton and silk
• Visit a village where colourful mats are the cottage industry. Depending on the season, you may see the plant growing, being cut and processed, dried, dyed and then woven into beautiful mats. The process is all hand done - no machines for any of the many steps
• Try some rice wine locally brewed in the village
• See the numerous floating fish farms hidden under the houses of the floating villages
• Stop and visit a temple in time to hear and see the monks chanting prior to having their lunch
• Note the many ways to catch fish as you wind your way up the Mekong
• Try your hand at fishing - either with a rod or throw net
• Enjoy a scrumptious home made Khmer lunch sitting on the boat watching the 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, mango and papaya orchards or vegetable gardens which thrive on the river bank
• On longer trips you may visit villages where you can see water jar making, rice noodles being made, brickwork factories, bean curd sheet making (tofu skin), boat building, vegetable and fruit growing, rice wine being made and many other local activities that contribute to the local's income

Costs     Home     Site Index

Seating is comfortable - options include seating under cover, on the deck behind or on the roof. Lie in a hammock after lunch

'.....We had a great time on the boat. It was just what we wanted.....'

'.....The overnight Mekong boat trip was the highlight giving us the ability to drop into all the riverside activities...'

Your captain Souen will show and explain the Khmer way of life along the river as well as provide you with interesting tales and entertainment
Read more about fishing ▶

'.....They approach their hosting services with such professionalism and style. We were indulged – great food cooked on board, good wines and drinks and great company.......If you have the time spend a day, or two or more, on the river with Cambodia Uncovered.....'

Sunrises and sunsets can be beautiful whilst camping on the river

'.....A river trip with Souen is a unique way to gain a better understanding of Cambodia. Being on the Mekong gives a different perspective to the city and the people. Souen enjoys teaching about the river, the people and the culture. Up close and personal views of boats, fishing, a village, and more are truly enjoyable. The informal luncheon consists of local produce and Cambodian dishes and is excellent. All of this is on a boat constructed by Souen which is comfortable and accommodates visitors well....'