Uniworld Vietnam & Cambodia Cruise: Prek Bongkong Silk Village
Uniworld River Orchid on the Mekong River
Uniworld Vietnam & Cambodia Cruise: Prek Bongkong Silk Village
DAY 8: INCLUDED EXCURSION OF PREK BONGKONG SILK VILLAGE AND SCHOOL IN CAMBODIA
Waking up aboard Uniworld River Orchid at approximately 6 AM, we realized we were still docked in Phnom Penh. The sunrise was spectacular over the Mekong River and local fishermen were busy at work. Small wooden boats were busily passing by, and these families that eek out a living fishing in the muddy water had big smiles for us as we waved.
Fishing Boats Near Phnom Penh in Cambodia
Soon River Orchid started to slowly cruise towards Prek Bongkong, a small Khmer silk weaving village in the Kandal Province, where passengers would divide into our respective groups again and spend the morning on a guided walking tour.
Uniworld River Orchid Along the Mekong River in Cambodia
The scene along the muddy river bank where the ship tied up was greatly improved by the villagers that came to greet passengers as the crew carved steps up the bank for easier access.
Jill and Village Kids in Cambodia
Our guides once again made sure we had plenty of water to last us for a couple of hours while walking the dusty roads and trails between the wooden houses built on stilts. They also explained that the livestock and motorbike typically live under the home while the family lives in the house above – most of the time this is just one or two rooms which everyone shares.
Child and Dog in Cambodia
Cows in Cambodia – Uniworld Mekong Cruise
Cambodian Village School
Prek Bongkong Pagoda in Cambodia
After visiting the Prek Bongkong Pagoda we made a brief stop of a couple of silk operations where we watched the villagers working on the looms.
Cambodian Village Khmer Silk Weavers
Village Woman Selling Scarves
Soon we were laden with silk scarves, wraps and other local crafts, and then it was time to return to River Orchid, where the crew took our muddy and dusty shoes for cleaning.
Cambodian Village Boy Plays in the Mud
We had plenty of time to relax and freshen up before lunch as River Orchid sailed towards our final destination for the day – Kampong Cham.
Cruising the Mekong River in Cambodia
The afternoon was spent lazing on the sundeck, with a very interesting hour-long talk by our two Cambodian guides sharing details about their country, its geography and the complexities of a traditional Cambodian wedding ceremonies.
Next… Wat Hanchey, Cambodia
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City | Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels | Day 3: Saigon City Tour | Day 3: Embarkation | Day 4: Cai Be | Day 4: Sa Dec | Day 5: Chau Doc | Day 6: Phnom Penh | Day 6: Phnom Penh Orphanage Dancers | Day 7: Killing Fields and S-21 Prison |
