In the morning, the Jahan nosed into the riverbank for our visit of the hill temple complex of Wat Hanchey with a fabulous view of the Mekong River. Already a sacred spot in the seventh century, marked by a brick tower sanctuary to the Hindu god Shiva, it is still used as the location of a prominent monastery. The abbot passed away two days ago and for seven days the community will be coming out for prayer services to the spirit of the deceased. People have arrived by truck with food offerings to take part in the services.
Two monks led a blessing ceremony for guests and staff on the Jahan, providing us with spiritual support for our journey onwards. As the ship portion of our voyage is coming to a close a talk was presented about the discovery, meaning, and continuing conservation process of the temples at Angkor. Shortly after lunch we docked at Kampong Cham, which translates as the village of the Cham people. On the river, families working together on two boats and dragging huge bag nets between them, strained to pull in the nets. It was hard work, but the catch generally is good around the full moon period when the fish migrate out of Tonle Sap Lake into the Mekong River. Within a couple of days the fishing will stop.
In the afternoon, we went on shore for a visit, a short bus ride away, of Wat Nokor, providing a preview of the kind of late 12th century temples built at Angkor. In more recent times, the old Mahayana Buddhist sanctuary morphed into a Theravada Buddhist complex with brightly decorated buildings. Novices and monks were strolling and resting among the ruins.
On the way back to the ship, we stopped at the bamboo bridge, an impermanent structure erected each year in December, and functioning till July when the river starts to rise.
As this was our final night on the Jahan, we enjoyed a reception on the upper deck and were introduced to the complete staff, who have been looking after us so well. The final dinner on the ship was again superb and made even more festive as two of our guests were celebrating their birthday.
