Phnom Penh: Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River

Phnom Penh’s iconic skyline takes on a whole new allure as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the shimmering Mekong River. Embarking on a sunset cruise along these storied waters promises an unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to witness the city’s most renowned landmarks from a unique vantage point. As an English-speaking guide shares insights into the local culture, guests can soak in the serene atmosphere and catch glimpses of traditional stilted houses and fishing villages that dot the riverbanks. What awaits those who step aboard this captivating tour is a journey filled with natural beauty, cultural richness, and the chance to create lasting memories.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Phnom Penh.

Good To Know

• Experience a 1.5-hour sunset cruise on the Mekong River in Phnom Penh, offering stunning views of the city and its iconic landmarks.
• Explore traditional stilted houses, fishing villages, and gain insights into local culture from an English-speaking guide.
• Enjoy a flexible cancellation policy with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.
• Set out on a guided tour of Silk Island, including a tuk-tuk ride and a visit to a family-owned silk farm.
• Relax and indulge in refreshments, including unlimited beer, soft drinks, and a fresh fruit platter, during the serene riverboat journey.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River is a 1.5-hour activity that allows visitors to explore the sights along the iconic Mekong River in Phnom Penh.

Priced from $10.20 to $12.00 per person, the cruise offers a chance to witness the stunning sunset over the city.

Availability varies, so travelers are advised to check for starting times.

The tour can be freely canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

With an overall rating of 5/5 from previous guests, this cruise promises an unforgettable experience exploring Phnom Penh’s riverside landmarks and local life.

Activity Highlights

On the Sunset Cruise, travelers can expect to take in a variety of iconic sights along the Mekong River. This includes the impressive Royal Palace, the serene Diamond Island, and the picturesque Four Faces River.

Along the way, they’ll catch glimpses of the traditional stilted houses and bustling fishing villages that line the riverbank. The cruise also provides an opportunity to watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the city of Phnom Penh.

Throughout the journey, an English-speaking guide will share insights into the local culture and way of life, enhancing the overall experience.

Sightseeing Experiences

Beyond the gentle currents of the Mekong River, travelers enjoy a captivating tapestry of sights and experiences.

The sunset cruise offers breathtaking views of the Royal Palace, the iconic Hotel Cambodiana, and the tranquil Silk Island. As the boat glides along, passengers witness the serene stilted houses and bustling fishing villages that line the riverbanks.

An English-speaking guide provides insights into the local culture and way of life, creating a deeper understanding of this vibrant region. From the iconic Four Faces River to the serene sunset over Phnom Penh, this cruise delivers a truly memorable encounter with the Mekong’s natural beauty and Cambodia’s rich heritage.

Cruise Inclusions

Typically, the sunset cruise includes enchanting sights along the Mekong River, such as the impressive Royal Palace and the iconic Hotel Cambodiana. Visitors may also catch a glimpse of the picturesque Diamond Island and the stunning Four Faces River. The cruise further offers a unique opportunity to observe the local way of life, with glimpses of stilted houses and fishing villages dotting the riverbanks.

Cruise Highlights	Description
Royal Palace	Admire the grandeur of this iconic landmark
Hotel Cambodiana	Marvel at the architectural beauty of this hotel
Diamond Island	Enjoy the serene views of this verdant island
Four Faces River	Witness the confluence of the river’s tributaries

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Silk Island Tour

Along With the captivating sights along the Mekong River, the sunset cruise also includes a visit to Silk Island.

During this portion, guests are taken on a local tuk-tuk ride to explore the island’s traditional way of life. They’ll see the charming houses, a school, and a Buddhist monastery.

The highlight is a stop at a family-owned silk farm, where visitors can witness the intricate process of silk production, from silkworm to finished textile.

This hands-on experience provides a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring craftsmanship of its people.

Refreshments Served

The sunset cruise on the Mekong River not only offers picturesque views of Phnom Penh’s landmarks but also includes a refreshment package to enhance the overall experience.

The package includes:

1. Unlimited beer and soft drinks to quench thirst during the cruise.
2. A fresh fruit platter, providing a healthy and delightful snack.
3. The option to add the refreshment package to the cruise-only ticket for a small fee.

These thoughtful inclusions ensure that guests can fully enjoy the serene Mekong River experience while enjoying a range of refreshments to make the journey even more memorable.

Transportation and Meeting

To start the cruise, transportation options are available. Guests can choose a one-way hotel pickup by tuk-tuk for added convenience. The meeting point is at the departure location, with boarding recommended before the 5 PM start time.

Transportation	Meeting Point
One-way hotel pickup by tuk-tuk	Departure at 5 PM
Self-transport to meeting point	Boarding beforehand recommended

The cruise provides a scenic journey along the Mekong River, allowing travelers to witness the vibrant riverside life and admire the sunset over Phnom Penh.

Important Details

Certain restrictions apply for the Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River.

Smoking isn’t allowed during the tour. Plus, the experience may be cancelled due to poor weather conditions, in which case a different date or full refund will be offered.

On top of that, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

The key details to be aware of are:

1. No smoking is permitted during the cruise.
2. Tours may be cancelled due to inclement weather, with a rescheduled date or full refund provided.
3. The experience isn’t accessible for wheelchair users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

No, passengers cannot bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. The package includes unlimited beer, soft drinks, and a fresh fruit platter, which are provided as part of the experience.

Is There a Guide Available to Explain the Sights During the Cruise?

Yes, the cruise includes an English-speaking guide who’ll provide commentary about the sights along the Mekong River, like the Royal Palace and local villages. The guide enhances the experience by sharing insights about the area’s culture and history.

Can We Disembark and Explore the Silk Island on Our Own?

Yes, the tour includes a local tuk-tuk ride to Silk Island, where passengers can explore the houses, school, Buddhist monastery, and silk farm on their own. The cruise itself doesn’t allow disembarking during the 1.5-hour journey.

Do Children Receive a Discounted Price for the Cruise?

Yes, children receive a discounted price for the cruise. The website states that the price is $10.20 per person, which suggests a reduced rate for children compared to the regular adult fare of up to $12.00.

Is There a Minimum Number of People Required to Book the Cruise?

The tour does not mention a minimum number of participants required to book the cruise. The price is per person, so you can book the tour without a group size requirement.

Sum Up

The Phnom Penh sunset cruise along the Mekong River offers a captivating way to experience the city’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Guests can admire iconic landmarks, observe traditional riverside life, and savor refreshments as the sun dips below the horizon, making for an unforgettable evening. With its flexible cancellation policy and knowledgeable English-speaking guide, this highly-rated tour promises an immersive and memorable experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: