As the warm Cambodian sun rose over the mighty Mekong River, Jahan eased up to the riverbank at Angkor Ban just 15 kilometers from Phnom Penh. After breakfast, guests departed the ship to roam around Angkor Ban, a traditional Khmer village bustling with vegetable markets and beautiful vernacular architecture. Khmer guides led guests around the village, entering a traditional house while engaging with local children and residents. After returning to Jahan, local monks came aboard to chant in Pali and give a blessing to guests continuing their voyage.
Guests enjoyed presentations by cultural specialist Julia Esteve on Cambodian and Vietnamese religion and culture, and by photo instructor Giulia Ciampini on smartphone photography. Afterward guests departed for Prek Bangkong by tuktuk, to visit a local Khmer silk farm workshop and traditional Khmer residence once owned by an architect of the Royal Palace. Guests later congregated on the bow of Jahan to celebrate sailing through the “Meeting of the Waters,” the confluence of the Mekong, Bassac, and Tonle Sap Rivers. A wonderful start to a magical journey down the Mekong River.
