One of the great things about traveling with Lindblad Expeditions is that we are often joined by scholars and experts in the places we go. This morning, we enjoyed a talk by Professor Jean Michel Fillipi about Cambodia’s modern history. Of course, the indoor programs were only a taste of the day’s travel through Cambodia. In the afternoon, we visited the town of Kampong Leaeng, where the local community is known for clay pottery, specifically pots used by locals for storing water, cooking food, and various other uses. These pots are made by hand in the traditional way; the potters do not use wheels to spin the clay into pots.
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.
