private sunset cruise phnom penh with guide & drinks

Summary

Private boat tour in phnom penh with local guide and drinks

You’ll float through Phnom Penh’s rivers at sunset with a local guide, sipping unlimited beer or soft drinks as you pass fishing villages and stilted homes. Enjoy fresh fruit and stories about life along Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. With hotel pickup included, it’s an easygoing evening you’ll remember long after you leave Cambodia.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the air changed as we stepped onto the boat — warm but not heavy, with that faint river smell you only get near Tonle Sap. Our guide, Dara, handed me a cold beer before I even sat down (he grinned when I fumbled with the bottle opener — apparently there’s a trick to it). The city felt close but somehow quieter from the water. We drifted past stilted houses where kids waved and someone was grilling fish; the smoke curled up into the pinkish sky. I tried to say “hello” in Khmer and got a few laughs — not sure if it was my accent or just the attempt.

We cruised along the Mekong and then out toward Diamond Island. Dara pointed out how the Four Faces River splits here — honestly, I hadn’t realized how much life happens right on these banks. There were fishermen untangling nets, women rinsing vegetables at the edge, and a couple of old men playing cards under a tarp. The sun started dipping lower and everything went gold for a minute. Someone opened another beer for me (I wasn’t keeping count) and passed around slices of pineapple that tasted sweeter than anything from home.

I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed — maybe it was the gentle rocking or just being away from traffic for once. The city skyline looked softer in that light, almost like Phnom Penh was letting its guard down for a bit. Dara told us about growing up nearby; he pointed to a cluster of houses where his aunt still lives. It made things feel more real somehow. We floated back as dusk settled in, lights flickering on along the shore. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private Sunset Cruise on Rivers

• Boat tour on Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers
• Explore Four Faces River and Diamond Island
• Visit Fishing Village and Stilted Houses
• Observe riverbank lifestyle and city sunset

Top questions

How long is the private sunset cruise in Phnom Penh?

The cruise lasts approximately two hours on Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers.

Is hotel pickup included for this Phnom Penh boat tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop off are included in your booking.

Are drinks provided during the sunset cruise?

Unlimited beer, soft drinks, and a bottle of wine are included on board.

Will there be an English-speaking guide on this tour?

Yes, your private cruise includes an English-speaking local guide.

What sights will we see during this Phnom Penh river cruise?

You’ll see Tonle Sap River, Mekong River, Four Faces River, Diamond Island, fishing villages, stilted houses, and city views at sunset.

Is food served during the private sunset cruise?

A fresh fruit platter is provided during your two-hour cruise.

Is this boat tour suitable for families or children?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop off in Phnom Penh, a private boat for two hours along Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers with an English-speaking local guide by your side. Unlimited beer, soft drinks, fresh fruit platter, plus a bottle of wine are served as you watch life unfold along the riverbanks before heading back to your hotel.