SAIGON AND PHNOM PENH
Saigon - Phnom Penh
Overview
Note: Click here to see our new 4 night Saigon - Phnom Penh itinerary and departure dates.
There can be no tapestry of river life as fascinating and varied as the River Mekong. Indeed there can be no more striking a cultural contrast as that between the bustling Vietnam delta and the tranquility of Cambodia. We pass from the vibrant French colonial port of Saigon, through the vast delta so rich in human life and endeavour, to travel along the main channel into the rich countryside of Cambodia. Your journey will end in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh.
In 2003, with the RV Mekong Pandaw, we were the first ship to attempt this extraordinary journey, surmounting complex bureaucratic and navigational obstacles. We now have four ships plying this amazing waterway.
Expedition Route
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represented by Sayang Holidays
4 NIGHTS from USD 2,111.50 per person
CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK ONLINEYour Journey
SAIGON - MY THO - BEN TRE
Transfer from Saigon to the river port for embarkation. After lunch, we journey by sampans through mangroves and bamboo forests to the fruit orchards of Ben Tre. This is an area rich in birdlife which we will explore via local transport before transferring to a local rowboat. We will journey slowly through the bamboo covered canals before arriving at a village specialising in making local products. In the evening you will be entertained by a Vietnamese dance troupe on deck.
GAO GIONG
Sailing through the delta offers a real insight into life along this vast waterway. After lunch, a short coach journey through the lush countryside to Gao Giong ‘green oasis’, a 1,000-acre eucalyptus forest and listed wildlife sanctuary. Here a diverse selection of water birds and egrets gather in their tens of thousands across the Duong Tharp Muoi or ‘Plain of Reeds’. Rowboats traverse the canals to take us to view the principal nesting areas where photo opportunities abound.
CHAU DOC - VIETNAM/CAMBODIA BORDER
We go alongside at the picturesque border town of Chau Doc where we visit the floating fish farms by sampan. We make a stop at a Chham Village and observe the lives of Vietnamese Muslims before taking minivans for a short drive to Sam Mountain, location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda. We climb the 400 steps to the top to visit the pagoda. Upon return to ship, we navigate a web of canals before dropping anchor on the Vietnam/Cambodia border to undergo Immigration formalities.
PHNOM PENH
After breakfast, disembark your Pandaw Expedition in Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh.
Available
Extensions
What's Included
Included in Your Journey
Cruise Price Includes: Entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes. Transfers from meeting point in Saigon to ship or v.v.
Not Included
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. No transfers in Phnom Penh, ship docks in city center at Sisowath Quay.
Joining & Transfers
Embarkation & Disembarkation
Day 1 — Embarkation
Our meeting point for embarkation will be Hotel Des Arts Saigon (address: 76-78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Quan 1, Thành pho Ho Chí Minh).
For guests staying at Hotel Des Arts, please meet in reception at 10am for Pandaw check in and registration.
For guests staying elsewhere in Saigon, we will arrange a taxi transfer from your chosen hotel to Hotel Des Arts for registration. We will contact your hotel the night before to advise pick up time which will be between 09:30 and 09:45am. Please note transfers to Hotel Des Arts can only be arranged from hotels within central Saigon (District 1 or 3).
Group departure from Hotel Des Arts to the ship is at 10:30am.
Day 4 — Disembarkation
Disembark after breakfast (08:30am) at the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port, #649, Preah Sisowath Street, Sras Chork Commune, Phnom Penh.
More Information
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.
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Downstream
E-visa for Vietnam are now accepted at the river border. On your application, please enter SONG TIEN LANDPORT as your arrival port.
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Share Your Experience
"After experiencing a river cruise down the Mekong we are hooked!"
My husband and I have never been on any type of cruise before but after experiencing a river cruise down the Mekong we are hooked! The boat itself was beautiful, all done in teak. The rooms were well appointed and comfortable. The most impressive part of the boat for me was the sundeck that took up the whole length of the deck. Teak loungers spread throughout with sitting areas of wicker furniture positioned in different areas. Massive canopies provided shade if needed. Nice bar area with any kind of drink to be had as well as tasty snacks. There was even a pool table if you felt like participating in a little activity. There was a nice balance of excursions and relaxation time. The food was very tasty, abundant and well presented.
The staff were very professional, helpful and very nice. We were always greeted with a beautiful smile. On our last evening on the boat we were treated to a show of music, song and dance as well as being introduced to all crew members. We had the opportunity to participate in a dance party with these wonderful hardworking people which is something my husband and I will never forget.
Well done Pandaw!!
Check Availability & Book Online
or call TOLL FREE 1-877-872-6329
represented by Sayang Holidays
4 NIGHTS from USD 2,111.50 per person
CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK ONLINE