SOPHIE RAY, AUSTRALIA, THE CLASSIC MEKONG, JUL 2018
Dear Pandaw team
Just a few days ago, we finished the Mekong Pandaw 7 day cruise from Siem Reap to Saigon (7 - 14 July). My hubby and I travelled with our two daughters (7 and 9yo). In booking the cruise, we were a little apprehensive about whether it would really be suitable for kids and also whether the trip would be too touristy (we are very independent, experienced travellers who tend to stay away from organised tours). How wrong we were!
All I can do is rave! This was possibly the best holiday we’ve ever had as a family. Everything about the boat itself was luxurious and spacious and let us have a really switched off and pampered break. There was plenty of room to escape from others and just watch the river slip by. But we also found that all the other travellers were lovely so didn’t feel the need to do that. The food was amazing, and the attention to detail with things like being met from excursions with a drink, cold towel and shoe cleaning was just so impressive.
The excursions were fabulous too - we met no other tourists except when we were in the city, and the variety of activities coupled with the excellent guides (especially our Cambodian guide Sam) made us feel like we were really getting a little local insight. We really appreciated Sam’s knowledge, great humour, relaxed manner and willingness to share his personal history and insights. It was also great having the headsets and earpieces.
As to whether the children enjoyed it, let’s just say they are already demanding to know when we’re going back on our next Pandaw cruise. That was almost entirely due to the outstanding crew on board who, without exception, were warm, welcoming, fun and genuinely caring. From the captain, purser Sam and Deputy purser Jimmy, to the hospitality and housekeeping teams and engineers- nothing was too much trouble and they really made us feel like part of a big family. Little touches like waving us off on excursions and writing a note from the Cambodian tooth fairy in Khmer for us to put under our daughter’s pillow when she lost a tooth on board made us feel like we were more than just clients.
All in all, I cannot speak more highly of the Mekong Pandaw and its team. When you see both passengers and crew in tears as they farewell each other, you know you’ve experienced something special. We will be back soon!
Best wishes
Sophie Ray
(Australia)
