Boramey – the one that almost got away

freshwater stingray

Kicking back on the Toum Tiou II (TT2) riverboat on the 9-day 8-night CFM New Discovery Tour, your thoughts wander away from the lush greenery, contoured rice farms and stunning blue skies to what may be swimming under the boat.

Local Mekong River fishermen in Stung Treng province about 260kms from Siem Reap, recently caught a freshwater stingray measuring nearly 5m in length and over 2m in width, weighing over 300 kg. It is recognised by the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest freshwater fish.

It was one of three giant freshwater stingrays to be caught and returned to their native habitats primarily in the deep tranquil waters of the Mekong River between Stung Treng and Kratie, also home to Cambodian national treasures the Mekong Irrawaddy dolphin. Researchers named the gigantic stingray Boramey (day of the full moon) because it was released back into the River on the day of the full moon.

The remarkable Mekong is home to an incredibly diverse variety of aquatic life including giant catfish and pangasius, Wallago attu, giant barb, and the seven striped barb – part of a fish population of 1,300 fish species, as well as a host of crocodiles, turtles, and otters, and more than 100 varieties of water birds including Cambodia’s national bird, the giant Ibis.

According to CF Mekong River Cruises (CFM) the New Discovery Tour provides numerous opportunities for travellers to explore highlights of the Mekong River in a manner complementary to local life and custom.

It begins at the dock at Koh Chen south of Siem Reap, Cambodia, and ends in vibrant HoChiMinh City, Vietnam. You can also do the reverse.

The TT2 New Discovery itinerary offers more light adventure than a typical river cruise. As well as excellent onboard facilities and delicious cuisine, passengers enjoy on-land walking and a variety of biking, kayaking, and sampan/rowing boat/motorboat experiences - all tailored to suit individual preferences and ages.

Included are visits to traditional villages and walks into the unspoilt Tra Su Forest and Udong Hill; a cable car ride in Chau Doc to the top of Sam Mountain, and highlights of bustling Phnom Penh and HoChiMinh City (HCMC).

Toum Tiou II (TT2)

The boutique-size 14-berth TT2 riverboat reflects a bygone era of romantic river cruising in harmony with traditional Khmer culture. Built of teak with the safety of a steel hull, passengers relax in privacy, comfort and safety with delicious meals and friendly service.                                            

Features include cosy air-conditioned double cabins with private en-suite bathrooms, large lounge areas, panoramic viewing and strolling spaces, and serviced bar-restaurants.

The CFM New Discovery Tour is now on sale with prices discounted to A$2,453 (US$1,642) for Main Deck cabins double/twin share. A bonus free singles supplement on all tours is being offered on first 25 tickets sold.

All meals, on-land tour features, English speaking guides and WiFi are included. Details are available through office@cfmekong.com and the 2023/24 CFM New Discovery Program brochure.

* Prepared and issued by Savage Communications on behalf of CF Mekong River Cruises