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Luxury small ship river cruises in Asia

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Worlds Best River Cruise Suite 2023 Winner

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THE ORIGINAL AND BEST CRUISE ON THE MEKONG

CLASSIC MEKONG

7 NIGHTS FROM US$2,559.00
SAVE UP TO 10% AND NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON SELECTED DATES

Save 10%, No Single Supplement & Kids go FREE on selected dates

New for 2024, Pandaw's Classic Mekong expedition will be sailing from central Saigon. Embarking or disembarking in Vietnam’s bustling metropolis our 7-night expedition takes intrepid travellers along the mighty Mekong River through the vast delta so rich in human life and endeavour, to the serene countryside of Cambodia.

There can be no tapestry of river life as fascinating and varied as the River Mekong and our specially designed expedition ships are the perfect hosts to explore this delightful region in comfort and style and experience truly authentic culture, people and adventures as we sail off-the-beaten-track in keeping with the Pandaw spirit.

HIGH WATER NOTICE: During the months September to November, water levels may rise significantly leading to issues accessing the Tonle Sap River. During this time, we may replace itinerary points on the Tonle Sap with sailing north to Kratie and excursions at the dolphin grounds.

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or call TOLL FREE 1-877-872-6329
represented by Sayang Holidays

7 NIGHTS FROM US$2,559.00
SAVE UP TO 10% AND NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON SELECTED DATES

Save 10%, No Single Supplement & Kids go FREE on selected dates

Click Here for Dates and Book Online

IMAGES

EXPEDITION MAP

YOUR SHIP

RV BASSAC PANDAW

RV MEKONG PANDAW

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MORE IMAGES OF THE RV MEKONG PANDAW

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CAMBODIA
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VIETNAM
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OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS

PRE CRUISE EXTENSIONS

5 Night Vietnam's Heritage Road: Hue, Hoi An & Saigon Pre Tour

Saigon & Surroundings Pre Tour

POST CRUISE EXTENSIONS

Exploring Angkor (Jaya House Riverpark) Post Tour

Exploring Angkor (FCC Angkor) Post Tour

Kratie and the Dolphin Grounds 2 Night Post Tour

OPTIONAL PACKAGE ADDONS

Private Dining

Pre-Bookable House Wine Package

Free Flow Drinks

Free Flow Drinks & Wine Package

Language Guides (Classic Mekong cruise portion only)

Pandaw Spa (Vietnam & Cambodia)

ITINERARY

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DAY 1 FROM SAIGON TO THE DELTA

Embark your Pandaw vessel in central Saigon and relax on the spacious sundeck as we set sail past the towering skyscrapers of Vietnam’s bustling metropolis. After lunch onboard you will meet the crew and enjoy local entertainment on the deck as we sail toward the Mekong Delta. We moor overnight on the Vam Co River.

DAY 2 BEN TRE AND THE FERTILE WATERWAYS

Early morning we set sail through the Cho Gao Canal, a vital waterway link for the transportation of goods to and from the city which was constructed in 1876 by the French and offers a fascinating insight to life along the water. We reach Ben Tre and journey by sampans through mangroves and bamboo forests to the fruit orchards abundant in the area. This is a fertile farming region with half of Vietnam's rice production coming from the Mekong Delta. It also hosts a rich artisanal culture which we will witness at a local village specialising in handicrafts. Back aboard we sail deeper into the delta toward Chau Doc.

DAY 3 CHAU DOC AND INTO CAMBODIA

In the morning, we take minivans for a short drive to Sam Mountain, the location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda. After climbing the steps we are greeted with stunning views across the Mekong. For those not keen on the stairs, explore the local market instead. Afterwards, we visit the nearby floating fish farms by Sampan before being treated to a private Lion dance performance at a local Village. Upon return to the ship, we navigate a web of canals before dropping anchor on the Vietnam/Cambodia border to undergo Immigration formalities.

Note: During high water periods in October and November, navigation into Chau Doc may be hampered by low bridges meaning today's excursion will be replaced with a local village visit at Long Thuan.

DAY 4 PHNOM PENH

Morning orientation of Phnom Penh by cyclo visiting the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda followed by the National Museum with its marvellous collection of Angkorian statuary. In the afternoon we visit the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum to learn more about the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. We dock overnight in Phnom Penh city port with its lively bars, restaurants and nightlife. Feel free to explore the city before returning to your hotel on the water.

DAY 5 LIFE ON THE TONLE SAP RIVER

We leave the dock at Phnom Penh early morning and sail up the winding channels of the Tonle Sap River to Kampong Tralach. We travel by ox-cart around the river-side villages, markets and temples to get a sense of life in rural Cambodia. In the evening cocktails are served around a fire pit at a small fishing village where we will be joined by village folk keen to share tales and show us their traditional dancing.

DAY 6 OUDONG MEDITATIONS AND PAK RUSSEI SILK

In the morning, travel by coach to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong where we visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre. Walk around the vast complex with it's impressive Khmer architecture and experience a short meditation class to quieten your mind. We re-join our ship at Prek Kdam before sailing back onto the Mekong proper during lunch. This afternoon we step ashore at Pak Russei, a small and remote village on the banks of the Mekong. We will explore on foot and visit local craftspeople weaving silk and producing handmade noodles. Before returning to the ship, we learn about the ancient art of Bokator, a traditional form of martial art with a private performance in the village.

DAY 7 PEAM CHI KORNG POTTERY VILLAGE

Enjoy morning Tai Chi or just a coffee on deck as we take a sunrise cruise to Peam Chi Korng, an untouched gem that is a hub of pottery in Cambodia. After a short tuk tuk ride from the banks of the Mekong, we witness the local potters in action before continuing to explore the village and local fresh market where you can test your language skills. In the afternoon we continue sailing along the mighty Mekong to Steung Trang, our final destination before your crew provides some final evening entertainment and a sumptuous farewell dinner is prepared by your kitchen team.

DAY 8 SIEM REAP DISEMBARKATION

Disembark after breakfast and travel by coach from Steung Trang through stunningly lovely countryside to reach Siem Reap. Arrival into Siem Reap betweeen 12 - 1pm at the FCC Angkor Hotel, located next to the Royal Palace.

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WHATS INCLUDED

Cruise Price Includes: Entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes, transfers between the meeting point and the ship in Siem Reap.

Cruise Price Excludes: International flights, port dues (if levied), laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions), all beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes and tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.

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TRANSFERS & JOINING

DAY 1 FROM SAIGON TO THE DELTA

Join your Pandaw ship in central Saigon between 10-11am latest.

Dock address: Cruise Passenger Port, No. 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Ward 12, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City.

Please note: Your cabin may not be available until after lunch.

DAY 8 SIEM REAP DISEMBARKATION

Early morning coach transfer to the FCC Angkor by Avani hotel in Siem Reap, arriving mid-afternoon (approx. 13.30). Transfer by coach from Steung Trang to Siem Reap takes approx 4 hours.

VISA INFORMATION

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E-visa for Cambodia are not accepted at the river border. Visa on arrival for Cambodia will be arranged for you by the crew. Please bring 1x passport photo and fee of $35 USD.
Click here for full visa information.

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E-visa for Vietnam are now accepted at the river border. On your application, please enter SONG TIEN LANDPORT as your arrival port.
Click here for full visa information.