After feeding Sambo, we proceeded to Tonle Sap riverside for the sunset cruise organized by Niall, a couchsurfer in Phnom Pehn. Niall's parents were off to return to UK on March 23. As a send off and to show his parents the spirit of couch surfing, Niall organized the river cruise.
We brought bottled water, sodas, watermelon, corn and boy bawang in the boat. We enjoyed chatting while munching the boy bawang. When the sun began to set, Rat started singing. Everyone joined and the singing turned into dancing. Niall's parents were so cool!
River cruising is a great way to experience Cambodia. The river provides a picturesque view of the Royal Palace, National Museum, parks and Phnom Pehn skyline.
Tourist boats of varying size and quality wait along the riverfront between Street 130 and 144. Sunset cruises are available from 4pm to 5:30 pm for $4 to $5 per person on a shared tour boat. Private boats can be chartered anytime other than the sunset hours for $10 to $15 per hour. Just look for the cluster of boats and advertising placards. The trip takes about 1 hour and a half and runs along the Tonle Sap River up to the Mekong River where the floating villages lie.
According to Elma, the floating village was ordered demolished. But the residents petitioned the government to allow them to stay promising in return that they will maintain the cleanliness of the area. The residents kept their promise.
Sunset cruising was so cool and relaxing. I think this is my most favorite experience in the whole Saigon-Phnom Pehn trip. The fact that Phnom Pehn is located at the confluence of three rivers: Tonle Sap, Mekong and Bassac River made this experience more fascinating.
Niall's group disembarked in front of Snowy's Bar (Maxine's) for sunset drinks while we returned to the city for the scheduled khmer massage at Elma's spa.
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