Welcome to Cambodia. Today, you'll awake in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh. Known as the 'Pearl of Asia' during the French Indochina-era, this city was almost entirely evacuated by the Khmer Rouge regime in 1975. This morning, learn about the Khmer Rouge and the darkest days of Cambodia's history. A short drive takes you to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, where you can stroll through the fields and visit the memorial, understanding more about the country's sombre chapter. Afterwards, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (infamously known as S-21), a former school converted to the Khmer Rouge's main prison and torture headquarters. Spend the afternoon as you please, either joining one of the Emerald DiscoverMORE excursions, visiting the Central Market located at in the heart of Phnom Penh, or simply relaxing onboard Emerald Harmony. This evening, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, you'll enjoy an evening remork (local tuk-tuk) excursion through Phnom Penh, admiring the glittering city lights. Included Excursion: Killing Fields at Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: Visit the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum for a respectful insight into Cambodia's Khmer Rouge era. Reflect among the memorials at Choeung Ek, then explore the former S-21 prison, bearing witness to those who suffered during this devastating period. EmeraldPLUS: Phnom Penh by night on a remork (tuk-tuk) tour: See Phnom Penh after dark from a traditional remork, Cambodia's tuk-tuk. Travel through lively streets and past illuminated landmarks, taking in the capital's changing rhythm as markets, cafes, and evening gatherings bring the city to life. DiscoverMORE: Koh Oknha Tei and Silk Farm Discovery (Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours, extra expense): Board a ferry boat and cross the Mekong River to Koh Oknha Tei Island. Travel by tuk-tuk through the local villages and learn about the farmers lives with a stop at a villager's house for some local fruit tasting. Continue to Chamkar Snae Silk Craft where you can witness the entire process of silk creation, through the life cycle of the silk worm, to the harvesting of the silk cocoons and the creation of beautiful silk weavings on wooden hand looms. Best of all, you may find a lovely handmade souvenir of what you saw being created. DiscoverMORE: Craft Beer Adventure by remork (Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours, extra expense): Traveling around Phnom Penh by local remork, visit a couple of local breweries to enjoy a tour of their facilities, and of course, some samples of their craft and local pub grub. Try tasting some of Cambodia's best-selling craft beers to determine which is your favorite to try again! The tour includes lively visits to an underground brewery, cozy beer gardens, personal brewery tours with the brewers, when available, giving you the opportunity to mix with the locals and expats at their favorite hangouts. DiscoverMORE: Samai Distillery (Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours, extra expense): Embark on an immersive journey through the art of rum-making at Samai, Cambodia's first premium rum distillery. Delve into the meticulous process behind creating handcrafted local rums, each one a testament to the unique flavor profiles and character derived from Cambodia's rich terroir and natural resources. Engage your senses as you explore the raw materials, savor signature rum tastings, and uncover the secrets of crafting creative rum cocktails. Elevate your experience and skills with a hands-on bartending techniques training session led by an expert mixologist, where you'll create your own cocktails. Then, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the free-flow bar, accompanied by Latin music and a selection of cold cuts, as you soak in the ambiance before returning to the ship. ...
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