Pandaw River Cruises
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ELEVEN NIGHT LAND & RIVER EXPLORER

CLASSIC VIETNAM & CAMBODIA TOUR

11 NIGHTS FROM US$4,387.50
NO CRUISE SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS ON SELECTED DATES

New Land & River adventures

Explore all the wonders of Southern Vietnam and the temples of Angkor in Cambodia in this new extended river & land tour from Pandaw. Combining our timeless 7-night river expedition between Saigon and Siem Reap with specially selected pre and post-cruise tours to enhance your journey, it has never been easier to book your Vietnam and Cambodia adventure with Pandaw.

New for 2024, this cruise expedition will be sailing from central Saigon, embarking in Vietnam’s bustling metropolis.

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or call TOLL FREE 1-877-872-6329
represented by Sayang Holidays
11 NIGHTS FROM US$4,387.50
NO CRUISE SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS ON SELECTED DATES

New Land & River adventures

IMAGES

EXPEDITION MAP

YOUR SHIP

YOUR HOTELS

PRE CRUISE HOTELS
Hotel des Arts Saigon

Hotel des Arts Saigon

Visit Hotel Website

POST CRUISE HOTELS
FCC Angkor

FCC Angkor

Visit Hotel Website

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS

PRE CRUISE EXTENSIONS

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

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POST CRUISE EXTENSIONS

Kratie and the Dolphin Grounds 2 Night Post Tour

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OPTIONAL PACKAGE ADDONS
NOTE: This package is only available on the cruise section

Private Dining

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NOTE: This package is only available on the cruise section

Pre-Bookable House Wine Package

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NOTE: This package is only available on the cruise section

Free Flow Drinks

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NOTE: This package is only available on the cruise section

Free Flow Drinks & Wine Package

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NOTE: This package is only available on the cruise section

Language Guides (Classic Mekong cruise portion only)

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NOTE: This package is only available on the cruise section

Pandaw Spa (Vietnam & Cambodia)

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ITINERARY

Upstream      Downstream

DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN SAIGON

Our guide will be waiting for you at the airport to transfer you to your hotel. Free time in the evening, we suggest heading to Nguyen Hue walking street to see the various artists, performers and local residents relaxing in true Vietnamese style.

Arrival In Saigon
Arrival In Saigon

DAY 2 SAIGON CITY TOUR - CUCHI TUNNELS

In the morning, drive to the extraordinary Cu Chi tunnels, about 65 Km (1.5 hours drive) from Saigon. The complicated system of underground network was built by the Viet Cong guerillas. We return to the city for lunch at a local restaurant before taking in the sights of Saigon. Visit the Reunification Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office, Former US Embassy, City Hall and War Museum of Remnants. End the day with some shopping at Ben Thanh market, one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon and symbol of the city turned tourist shopping hotspot.

DAY 3 FROM SAIGON TO THE DELTA

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the ship.

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.

More about Saigon
From Saigon To The Delta
From Saigon To The Delta

DAY 4 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 5 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.

Chau Doc And Into Cambodia
Chau Doc And Into Cambodia

DAY 6 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.

More about Phnom Penh

DAY 7 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.

Life On The Tonle Sap River
Life On The Tonle Sap River

DAY 8 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 9 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.

Peam Chi Korng Pottery Village
Peam Chi Korng Pottery Village

DAY 10 ARRIVAL SIEM REAP - ANGKOR WAT

Disembark and travel by coach from Steung Trang through stunningly lovely countryside to reach Siem Reap, adjacent to Angkor Wat.

Your guide will meet you upon arrival to Siem Reap then arrange lunch before check in. In the afternoon we visit the most famous temple of Cambodia, Angkor Wat. It is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking with a massive three tiered pyramid crowned by five beehive-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. This temple is the centerpiece of any visit to the temples of Angkor. Take in the romantic view at sunset from Bakheng Hill.

DAY 11 TEMPLES OF ANGKOR

Following breakfast in your hotel, set out for a day of exploration amongst the various temples and ruins of the Angkor Empire. The morning we will cover the large complex surrounding the imposing Bayon Temple. After lunch at a local restaurant, we discover more secluded temples including the awe inspiring and overgrown Ta Prohm, made famous by the Tomb Raider movie.

In the evening we experience a true highlight of Cambodia and meet talented young performers in a breathtaking and original Cambodian show at Phare Ponleu Selpak's Circus. Not just for entertainment, Phare is also a social enterprise supporting the youth of Cambodia gain skills and employment.

Temples of Angkor
Temples of Angkor

DAY 12 DEPARTURE

After breakfast check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your onward flight.

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, hotel accommodation as specified (or similar), excursions and meals as outlined in the itinerary.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is included on your Pandaw cruise. Land tour includes meals as follows; Day 1: No meals, Day 2: Breakfast & Lunch, Day 11: Breakfast & Lunch, Day 12: Breakfast.

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. NOTE: Drink packages are only available on the cruise section.

TRANSFERS & JOINING

DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN SAIGON

Please take note your driver/guide will be waiting for you at Column No 12 outside the arrival area (either the International Arrival area or Domestic Arrival area, depending on your flight). Upon exiting the Arrival Terminal please look for column No 12. In case you do not see the driver/guide at column No 12, please call the Pandaw hotline number and remain standing at the column No 12 in order for the guide/driver to locate you. Please be on the lookout for the Pandaw welcome sign in front of Column No 12.

DAY 3 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 10 ARRIVAL SIEM REAP - ANGKOR WAT

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

TESTIMONIALS

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