THE SLOW BOAT TO BATTAMBANG

Lonely Planet described the journey from Siem Reap to Battambang as ‘Cambodia’s most memorable boat trip’ and we would have to agree. Yes, it’s long but also incredibly scenic as we saw last week by testing the services.

Starting from Siem Reap the boat passes floating villages, Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary (where a short visit can be arranged), edging along Tonle Sap Lake until it gets to the Sangker River which the river is followed until Battambang. On the way watch life on the water, pass through mangroves, keep an eye out for bird life and enjoy the scenery.

A Touch of Asia arranges privately chartered boats so clients have opportunity to move around and packed lunches are taken along to be eaten on the way.  A guide escorts guests throughout. We would only recommend the trip when the water levels are high – roughly from July until December when the journey takes 6 – 8 hrs. For the other half of the year when the water level is low we suggest to take the road transfer instead (3 hours). It’s a slow but beautiful journey – take a book to read and relax on the way.