On our last day aboard the Jahan, we spent the morning exploring the town of Angkor Ban. This small town is significant because it is one of the few towns spared the ravages of the Khmer Rouge. The homes are still the original buildings, some dating back to the 1800s. Modern conveniences like electricity have arrived, but life goes on in much the same way it has for centuries. It was such a joy to walk among the local people, who welcomed us to the community. We happened upon a wedding, and our guests were invited to be photographed with the bride and groom.
2/14/2025
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The Jahan
Angkor Ban and Kampong Cham
We started our final day on The Jahan visiting the remote village of Angkor Ban, which is one of only a handful of villages with traditional wooden houses dating back over 100 years. These types of homes are a rarity due to neglect and the decades of conflict in the country. We entered the village through a large pagoda complex before walking around the narrow streets to see the homes. Afterward, two local monks came on board to chant and preform a blessing for the ship and guests. Guests were also able to get individual blessings and red string bracelets, a Buddhist tradition for luck and protection. National Geographic Archeologist Fabio Esteban gave a talk on, “Parallel Civilizations and Sacred Landscapes between the Maya and Angkor”. In the afternoon, we visited Wat Nokor, our first Angkor period temple that featured a colorful monastery built inside a 12th-century enclosure. Then, we stopped at a famous bamboo bridge in the provincial capital of Kampong Cham. Guests had the option of walking on a portion of the bridge or walking along the riverside back to the ship. To conclude our voyage, we celebrated with a farewell party on the terrace deck at sunset and enjoyed the world premiere of the guest slideshow.
