Pandaw River Cruises
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EXPLORE THE MEKONG FURTHER

DEEPER AND FURTHER ON THE MEKONG RIVER

10 NIGHTS FROM US$4,800.00

New ten night Mekong itinerary

Sailing port to port from central Saigon to Siem Reap inland port, venture deep into Vietnam’s vast Mekong Delta, explore the norther reaches of the Mekong River at the dolphin grounds at Kratie and discover the picturesque Tonle Sap as we cross the the 150 mile-long lake. This is a new itinerary never attempted in total before and only operable aboard Pandaw’s ultra-low draft vessels and only during the high water season until October.

No ship could be more appropriate for this expedition than the much-loved Mekong Pandaw that was the first ship to pioneer the river in 2002 and historically open the river border between Vietnam and Cambodia. Only the Mekong Pandaw has the shallow draft to go so far on these rivers and the low air draft to get under recently constructed bridges. Thanks to improvements in inland water navigation in these countries we can now take the ship from Saigon to Siem Reap with no long road transfers required on arrival or departure, something unimaginable in previous years.

This pioneering route is very much aimed at Pandaw club members who seek more immersive experiences in the countries Pandaw ships ply and wish to spend more days in the comfort and lively atmosphere of our beautifully crafted ships.

With 24 staterooms the Mekong Pandaw has been refitted with a sumptuous spa, library and gym this ship, built in Burma from golden teak. This is the most spacious of all Pandaw’s nineteen ships with broad promenades running around each deck and a vast sun deck of over 600 square meters on top.

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or call TOLL FREE 1-877-872-6329
represented by Sayang Holidays
10 NIGHTS FROM US$4,800.00

New ten night Mekong itinerary

IMAGES

EXPEDITION MAP

YOUR SHIP

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS

PRE CRUISE EXTENSIONS

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

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Saigon & Surroundings Pre Tour

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POST CRUISE EXTENSIONS

Exploring Angkor (Jaya House Riverpark) Post Tour

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Exploring Angkor (FCC Angkor) Post Tour

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OPTIONAL PACKAGE ADDONS

Private Dining

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Pre-Bookable House Wine Package

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Free Flow Drinks

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Free Flow Drinks & Wine Package

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Language Guides (Classic Mekong cruise portion only)

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Pandaw Spa (Vietnam & Cambodia)

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ITINERARY

Upstream      Downstream

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.

From Saigon To The Delta
From Saigon To The Delta

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.

Chau Doc And Into Cambodia
Chau Doc And Into Cambodia

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 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.

Peam Chi Korng Pottery Village
Peam Chi Korng Pottery Village

DAY 6 KOH TRONG ISLAND TREE PLANTING

Visit Koh Trong Island, a community based tourism site since 2008. We explore the island’s fruit orchards by local transportation or bicycle and sample the local delicacies before we head to a community reforestation project and plant trees to support the island. Moor overnight alongside the island.

DAY 7 KRATIE AND THE DOLPHIN GROUNDS

After breakfast we head to Kampi by coach to spot the Irrawaddy dolphins abundant in the waters below Stung Trang. We board small fishing vessels now used to monitor the dolphin populations and provide dolphin spotting for tourists to raise awareness of their plight. Whilst numbers have increased in recent years, they remain endangered and we learn more about the work of locals to support dolphin numbers and how Pandaw is supporting. This is a real highlight of the expedition. In the afternoon, we set sail downstream along the Mekong back toward Phnom Penh.

Kratie And The Dolphin Grounds
Kratie And The Dolphin Grounds

DAY 8 LIFE ON THE TONLE SAP RIVER

We sail early morning 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 9 KAMPONG CHHNANG AND THE TONLE SAP LAKE

Today we explore the backwaters of the vast Tonle Sap floodplains, with abundant fish farms around this important trading town. Returning to ship, we enter the Tonle Sap Lake to moor overnight in open waters savoring the peace and tranquility of this lake that in high water covers 6,200 miles and in low water shrinks to 1,000 square miles.

Kampong Chhnang And The Tonle Sap Lake
Kampong Chhnang And The Tonle Sap Lake

DAY 10 TONLE SAP FLOATING VILLAGES

Continue the traverse of the great lake stopping to visit a floating village where houses, schools and restaurants are all accessed only by boat. Learn more about how these communities survive on the water and how their lives are changing with the development of Cambodia. In the afternoon we continue across the lake toward Siem Reap inland port. This is the perfect chance to spot thee various bird life along the lake’s edges as well as crocodiles and snakes that are abundant in these shallow waters. Not to forget also the giant Mekong catfish, the largest ever caught being 648 pounds in May 2004. There are 148 other species of fish in the lake which provide the main source of protein for the entire Cambodian population.

DAY 11 SIEM REAP DISEMBARKATION

Disembark Siem Reap Port and transfer the short distance to Siem Reap city. The short 45 minute road journey means arrival to Siem Reap around 10-10:30am at the FCC Angkor Hotel, located next to the Royal Palace.

Siem Reap Disembarkation
Siem Reap Disembarkation

WHATS INCLUDED

Cruise Price Includes: Entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes. Transfer to Siem Reap from Ship on Day 11 (Upstream) or Transfer from Siem Reap to Ship on Day 1 (Downstream).

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, other transfers not stated in the itinerary.

TRANSFERS & JOINING

DAY 1 FROM SAIGON TO THE DELTA

Meeting point for embarkation in Saigon will be the Hotel des Arts Saigon - MGallery Collection (76-78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City) and registration will be at 11:00 AM. Shared bus will leave at 11:30 AM.

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. If you have your own transfer directly to the Saigon port, please inform us.

DAY 11 SIEM REAP DISEMBARKATION

After a leisurely breakfast onboard, transfer from Siem Reap inland port to central Siem Reap (approx. 45 minutes) and our meeting point at the FCC Angkor Hotel.

Hotel address: Next to the Royal Residence, Pokambor Avenue, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia.

VISA INFORMATION

Upstream
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.

Downstream
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.

TESTIMONIALS

Have you been on this expedition? Send us a testimonial of your experience by Clicking Here.

TRAVEL BLOGS

Kindness defeats the Killing Fields: Falling in love with Cambodia and its determination to escape the horrors of the past

By Nigel Planer For The Mail On Sunday 21:01 30 Jun 2018   I'm in a village square in the middle of Cambodia ; a teenager is showin.... read more