An experience we will never forget
Sopheap is the owner of this beautiful boat. Her attention to detail and making sure her customers have a great and unique experience is second to none. Because of the shifting sands, low and high-water levels they sometimes have to change itineraries. But she makes sure you get the most out of your cruise. We had the best experiences on shore and on the boat. Sam is amazing. He is a great historian and soft spoken story teller with a great sense of humour. The Captain didn't speak our language but he came on a couple of excursions with us and we were able to kid around with him. We had him eat some food that we were leery to try - duck eggs - and we found out it was his favourite. Snails too!
We had the best time with the most attentive crew. The room was beautiful with a really nice ensuite. The food is true Khmer and the menu is personally chosen by Sopheap. I can't say enough about this lady. She bent over backwards to make sure we a full and amazing experience; including personally driving us to our next location when we finished our cruise. Her daughter was copilot and you can tell she has her mom's knack for tourism. She gave us information about her city (Phnom Penh), put up with our questions about her school etc and even quizzed us. She had small marshmallow snacks which she shared with us.
Dbool1Brisbane, Australia
Great way to see Cambodia
Travelling on the Mekong Dawn from Phnom Penh was a great way to see local sights and understand the lifestyle of so many people live who on and around the river. Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. He was able to give us a real insight into the lives of Cambodians. He was assisted by the rest of the crew who managed everything and nothing was too much trouble. The efficient air con and refreshing drinks were much appreciated. The food was fantastic. Thank you so much to our guide Samphora, in particular for making our trip one to remember.
MarionFantastic travel through Kambodia
Fantastic travel through Kambodia
We had a great time with Sam and the crew on board. As we were just the two of us as guests on the ship, they cared a lot about us but we also had our privacy.
The ship is of a very good quality, the rooms were very convenient and charming. There is not too much to do on the ship than enjoying the landscape and relaxing in the sun or shadow 😉 The activities were quite fun and we learned and experienced a lot about the country and its people. We can only recommend this trip and special thanks to Sam and the crew on board 🙂
Frances
Our three-night trip on the Mekong Dawn from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh was heaven. There was 4 of us.
2-hour mini bus trip to Kampong Thom then an exciting eventful fast 2-hour boat trip down the river to meet up with the Mekong Dawn by lunchtime.
After that, a blissful journey slowly to Phnom Penh. A few well organised side trips, lovely food and an excellent guide, Boss, who answered our every question and told us lots. And Steven the manager on the boat was great making cocktails and generally looking after us.
Thoroughly recommend this trip.
Andrew a
The relaxed way from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
We travelled on the Mekong Dawn with our friends for the three-day trip to Siem Reap. With four families travelling the boat had rooms spare and so we felt we had plenty of room to make ourselves at home. The excellent staff were all really friendly and helpful and always willing to talk about Cambodian life and make our stay as meaningful as possible. Charia and Panha were particularly helpful often seeking you out on a visit to show You something or explain. We were presented with cool flannels and refreshments on frequent occasions and always after we had returned from the excursion program on route. The program of visits was well thought out and gave a good insight into Cambodian country life. My personal favourite was the visit to the sugar palm collector where the 67year old man gave a very interesting talk and climbed to the top of the tall palms with such ease and enthusiasm. He had us all dressing up in the costume and climbing up for photos too. The palm sugar was lovely too. With all soft drinks included our bar bill for wine and beer was perfectly acceptable. Our cabin was well fitted and comfortable again with good supply of water and toiletries. The food was freshly prepared by the chef and was delicious with three meals being served each day. One slight area where the service could be improved would be by offering a choice in the meals which would accommodate those who were perhaps a little pickier on their choices. The only other area I would like improvement would be the addition of some umbrellas on deck to enable guests to sit on the comfortable loungers without being in the harsh sun as you cruise. Those two things are the only reasons I have given it four stars and not five. As the river opens out into the featureless Tonle Sap lake we changed to a speed boat for the last three hours to Siem Reap. This was for two reasons one the water had become too shallow for the river boat but mostly it would have been boring as you slowly crossed the wide-open expanse where all you could see was water. All in all a great experience.
JanVeghelBeek en Donk, The Netherlands
A very wonderful trip with a great staff
A big compliment to the staff, we have been here with 4 family members, the boat is wonderful the staff is very great and a big hospitality, sure I will come back, they know how to treat you and they know how to cook as well, book 4 rooms and you even can have the boat even private, we had it and they really impressed me, thank you Mekong dawn and you will see me back
Jan EUnited States
Two friends and I, spent 2 glorious days on the Mekong Dawn. This small, luxury boat cruise was a highlight of our SE Asia three-week adventure. Sam was amazing and took such good care of us along with the rest of the crew. There were only 5 of us on the boat so the personal service and relaxation was phenomenal. Sam was so knowledgeable and seemed to enjoy our excursions as much as we did. The ride in the ox cart was great fun and visits to the pottery places were fun. Just cruising and seeing the Vietnamese floating village of thousands at night was terrific. We enjoyed the food and the wine selection was limited but perfect. Our transfer getting back to land outside of Siem Reap was a treat. We all got in a small long boat along with our luggage. The water level was very low but our captain was incredible to get us through the really shallow spots. We enjoyed every second of our time on the boat. Thank you so much Sam and crew!
TkamsarluOutstanding
We arrived to Mekong Dawn in the middle of the river which was an experience. But we were greeted with a cold towel and a welcome drink, there was another couple which we actually travelled from Siem Reap with also on the board, only four people. It was a wonderful time; it was very especial with only the four people. The crew were great. Our guild Panha who made us so welcome and always made sure we were comfortable and we all fine with food, drink and supplies. The rooms were lovely, bed and pillows were great, always had a great sleep. The tours which were included on board were very good and they were very I formative and we did learn a lot about the rural life and along the river. We and the other couple were very relaxed on the board and nothing was a problem. After every trip there was a cold towel and a cool drink waiting for us as soon as we stepped on board. Travelling on the Mekong Dawn from Phnom Penh was a great way to see local sights and understand the lifestyle of so many people live who on and around the river. Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. He was able to give us a real insight into the lives of Cambodians. He was assisted by the rest of the crew who managed everything and nothing was too much trouble. The efficient air con and refreshing drinks were much appreciated. The food was fantastic. Thank you so much to our guide Samphora, in particular for making our trip one to remember.
