We hadn’t been on the ground in Cambodia for an hour, when our bus whisked us away to the Mekong River for a sunset cruise.

At first, I wasn’t so keen on being on a boat again when we’d already been on the Semester at Sea ship for two full months at this point.

I had absolutely no impressions of what Phnom Penh would be like going into the experience, but was surprised by what a beautiful city it turned out to be.

Seeing it from the Mekong River, in particular, was gorgeous, as the city has dozens of temples that make for an interesting skyline.

Due to all the flooding in the area, the river was really high and moving quite swiftly, giving the odd sensation that we were moving even when still anchored at the dock.

Across from Phnom Penh, about a half an hour by boat, was a floating village.

It was a bit odd to be on such a tourist cruise across the river and to witness everyday life so up close and intimately.

Still, I couldn’t help but think it would make a really great spot for a peaceful resort retreat.

At the aft, the boat had a heart made of Christmas lights, which was really funny as it felt like we should be on The Love Boat.

(We opted not to be that cheesy couple who posed under the heart. Maybe next time.)

And then an hour later, we sailed back to the capital, ready to begin our nighttime activities out in town.