Published on Jan, 2024
Tara Riverboat Cruises were a delight to deal with from start through finish. The company has been somewhat impacted by world events (covid, limited tourism etc) but it does not stop them going all out on the service front.
Pre-tour, all my communication was done with Peter via email. The lad is a real gem, professional to a fault and clear with communication. He will keep you well informed of any and all information you require leading up to the event.
I travelled one-way from PP to SR. I was picked up in a very lux tuk-tuk from my hotel doorstep exactly when described and shuttled through the city to meet my chariot for the day. On arrival I was introduced to the ABSOLUTE LEGEND that is Sameth, my guide for the day. Sameth assisted me on to the boat, showed me around, and told me a little of his personal history and how Cambodia is growing and changing through recent history.
I was INCREDIBLY FORTUNATE to be the -only passenger- on board for the up-river leg of the trip. This means I had the run of the boat, many places to choose from to sit and take in the sights, and a few beers to salute the sun with. The team also served an exemplary lunch (I genuinely felt like a king whilst on board) which I hope wasn't just entirely over the top as they cooked for one.
My trip took me up the Tonle Sap River, past a mixture of slum housing and new-built empire. Cruising the river is a great way to discover the contrasts of Cambodian life, and to learn more about how modernisation and political discourse have the power to change a country. I thoroughly appreciated Sameth's banter, honesty and openness on this trip, and will always be grateful for the luck of having him as a guide.
The end of the river cruise is at Moni Sakor Pagoda and surrounding village, just south of a floating village that spans the width of the river (be prepared for photos - you'll disembark before you know it). The small village makes its trade on silver- and copper-smithing, where a lot of the work is done by hand. You will hear hammers and nails working throughout the streets on arrival, and will likely be taken through Srey Orun workshop. Be on notice; the jewelry is beautiful, and the price is for silver by the gram.
The second leg of the journey is a 4hr+ (depending on pit stops) car ride to SR. My driver for the afternoon was Tinah (whom regrettably I've lost his WhatsApp number!!), a calm and chatty lad who has a lot of knowledge to share about the local area, industry, and people. Our ride was spent listening to and learning from one another, as well as listening to some absolutely classic Bob Marley and Creedence Clearwater Revival tracks. My kind of guy.
As a treat, Tinah also stopped off at a few quick points of interest (including getting a roadside dessert of sticky rice cooked in a bamboo shaft, which I inhaled).
The trip takes all day, and you will arrive exhausted to your next destination, but the whole experience is incredibly worthwhile. Do consider supporting this small company, as it's well worth the price for what you gain in knowledge and satisfaction.
Thank you again for an incredible adventure.
