SAIGON AND PHNOM PENH
Phnom Penh - Saigon
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
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 ONLINEYour Journey
PHNOM PENH
Passengers can embark the ship after 12:30. Rest of day at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh city port with its lively bars, restaurants and night life.
CAMBODIA/VIETNAM BORDER - CHAU DOC
We up anchor early morning and cruise downstream along the Mekong River to the Vietnam border with Vietnam for immigration formalities. 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.
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.
BEN TRE
Morning sail across the heart of the delta. 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.
MY THO - SAIGON
Morning disembarkation and travel by coach from My Tho to Saigon.
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
Passengers can embark the ship between 12.30 and 13.30 as passports needed for formalities. The ship will be moored at the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port, #649, Preah Sisowath Street, Sras Chork Commune, Phnom Penh.
Please note: You can arrive earlier and leave your luggage and passports however no services are available before check in time. If cabins are not ready you can use the Saloon Bar & Sundeck until your cabin is available.
Day 5 — Disembarkation
Early morning group transfer to your hotel in Saigon, arriving around 10.30am.
Please note transfers are only available for central Saigon hotels and surcharges will apply for private transfers or transfers from hotels outside of District 1 and District 3.
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.
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.
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