The day commenced with several guests taking an early morning walk around Phenom Penh with Photography Instructor Doug Loneman and Naturalist Martin Cohen.The walk finished overlooking a large tree full of hundreds of magnificent Lyle’s Flying-fox, or large fruit bats.
Back on board for breakfast as we cast off from Phenom Penh and spent the remainder of the day leisurely enjoying the sights from the comfort of the Jahan as we steamed downstream and into Vietnam.
Martin grew up in Melbourne Australia playing cricket and Australian Rules football. While growing up, to his parents’ dismay, Martin brought home and kept a menagerie of wildlife including frogs, lizards, turtles and even poisonous snakes!
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During our visit to Chau Doc, a charming town in southern Vietnam, we were captivated by its vibrant culture and scenic beauty. Our first stop was a colorful house / fish farm, where local fishermen raise tilapia. The fishermen shared insights into how they cultivate tilapia, making for an informative and eye-opening experience. Next, we explored Chau Doc’s bustling market, a lively and aromatic place where fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies are sold. The market was an experience in sensory overload with bright colors, exotic fruits, fish, meats, and vegetables everywhere. It was fascinating to see the local vendors interact, showcasing the town’s thriving community spirit. Chau Doc itself, nestled near the Cambodian border in An Giang Province, is a town rich in culture and history. Surrounded by lush landscapes, our visit left us with lasting memories of the warmth of the people and the vibrancy of the local culture.
We enjoyed our day on board Jahan on our way to Vietnam. We had one last chance to see the brown waters of the Tonlé Sap meet the blue waters of the Mekong in Phnom Pen, before hitting the road. Linguist and historian Jean-Michel Philippi came on board to explain modern Cambodian history to us, and it was fascinating! After the many questions and theories to take in, the rest of the day was lighter. We were treated to a tour of Jahan and also a fantastic cooking class. The most noticeable difference on this part of our river trip was the change from a countryside landscape punctuated by children greeting us, to a river filled with trading boats and other industries, on which people live. As we descended towards the Mekong Delta, we began to appreciate the importance of this river to the Vietnamese population on a daily basis.
A day trip in Phnom Penh, Cambodia takes us on a journey through the country's rich history and vibrant culture. We started our day at the Royal Palace, a stunning complex with shimmering golden spires and well-manicured gardens. We explored the Silver Pagoda, marveling at its floor made of silver tiles and the impressive collection of Buddha statues. Next, we visited the National Museum where we discovered a treasure trove of Khmer art and sculptures. The museum immerses us in Cambodia’s ancient history, showcasing artifacts from the Angkor period. After lunch, we took a somber turn with a visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, once a high school, now transformed into the infamous S-21 prison. Here, we confront the harrowing tales of those who suffered, through haunting photographs and personal accounts. Next, we continued to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. This site, marked by mass graves and a commemorative stupa filled with skulls, reminds us of the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime. We finished our day with a traditional Cambodian dance performance. This day gave us a profound understanding of Cambodia's beauty and its poignant past.
