THE FULL MEKONG, FOUR COUNTRY COMBO CRUISE

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.

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.

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.

Please 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Disembark after breakfast and travel by coach from Steung Trang through stunningly lovely countryside to Siem Reap airport for your flight to Vientiane. On arrival in Vientiane you will be met by our guide and transfered to your hotel for the evening.

Your journey begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Vientiane, the charming, old French capital of Laos known for its relaxed atmosphere and colonial architecture. You will board a traditional Laotian long-tail boat for an expedition upstream, a lovely introduction to river life before you even step on board your Pandaw vessel. As the city recedes, enjoy lunch and drinks served by our Pandaw chef and bar staff while watching the lush jungle scenery and tiny riverside villages unfold. In the afternoon, you will embark your ship, settle in, and join the crew for a welcome briefing and drinks as we moor for the night at Pak Lay.

Today is dedicated to pure river immersion as we sail upstream against the Mekong's powerful current. From the sundeck, meditate on the unfolding panorama of stunning mountain scenery and deep, verdant gorges where the river carves its path through the landscape. In the morning, join a presentation on the Lao language to learn more about the local culture. We also stop for a short, invigorating walk at Pha Laeb village to stretch our legs and meet some of the friendly locals in this remote region.

After a morning walk through the Khummu minority village of Ban Pak Bor, prepare for a fascinating encounter with modern engineering. You will experience passage through the Xayabouri Hydroelectric Dam, getting an inside look at the workings of this massive structure as your ship expertly navigates the locks. In the afternoon, we visit Ban Na San, a Hmong minority village, offering a precious opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of one of Laos' most distinct ethnic groups, known for their vibrant textiles and silver jewelry.

We moor at the small village of Ban Mouang Khai to visit one of Laos’ most spectacular natural wonders: the Kuang Si Waterfalls. These falls cascade down multiple tiers into a series of stunningly beautiful, turquoise-blue pools where you are welcome to take a refreshing swim. On the way back, we stop at the Laos Buffalo Farm, a social enterprise working to improve the local farming community through sustainable dairy production. In the afternoon, we arrive in the heart of the enchanting, UNESCO-protected city of Luang Prabang, where we will moor for the next three nights. We then climb the 328 steps to Mount Phou Si Temple, where the best views of Luang Prabang can be found, followed by an orientation tour before returning to the ship.

We explore Luang Prabang's rich historical and artistic heritage by tuk-tuk. In the morning, we visit the bustling local morning market, the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, and the landmark temple of Wat Xieng Thong, celebrated for its sweeping roofs. After lunch on board, we travel to Ock Pop Tok, a wonderful social enterprise providing sustainable employment for local weavers, and stop at the historic Wat Mai temple. The day concludes on board with a traditional Baci ceremony and a graceful performance of the Pha Lak Pha Lam dance-drama.

Today is dedicated to immersive local traditions with a selection of hands-on workshops. Our morning features an interactive cooking class and candle-making session, where you will learn to master authentic Lao dishes, enjoy the food you have cooked, and practice traditional candle-crafting. In the afternoon, we travel by tuk-tuk to the Lao Living Land farm. Here, local community members guide you through the entire lifecycle of rice cultivation, from planting in the fields to preparing ready-to-eat rice, offering a wonderful opportunity to step into the paddies and try traditional farming techniques for yourself.

Your day begins before dawn with a short walking tour to witness the sacred and silent morning alms-giving ceremony (Tak Bat). After breakfast, we visit Ban Xang Khong to see traditional paper making and silk weaving before casting off at midday. In the afternoon, we transfer to a local boat to visit the traditional "Whisky Village" of Ban Xang Hai to see how local rice spirit is distilled. We then explore the extraordinary Pak Ou Buddha Caves, a sacred sanctuary filled with thousands of Buddha images left by pilgrims over centuries.

This day is spent sailing through some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the Upper Mekong. We'll take a morning walk through Ban Ton village to experience life in a place that few outsiders get to see, observing the daily rhythms of the local community. In the evening, a special Pandaw experience awaits, we moor alongside a secluded sandbank for a riverside barbecue and cocktail party. As darkness falls, you will light and release paper lanterns with the crew, their soft glow floating into the night sky over the river—a truly magical moment.

Laos is famously known as ‘The Land of a Million Elephants’, and today we visit a sanctuary that is helping to preserve these majestic animals. The Pak Beng Elephant Sanctuary is a rescue center that provides a sustainable and ethical alternative for elephants and their mahouts who once worked in the logging industry. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see these gentle giants in a more natural environment. In the afternoon, we take a walk through the Khummu village of Ban Pak Sith to learn about the traditions of this ethnic group.

Today we sail the final leg of our journey, continuing upstream towards the Thai border. The scenery remains just as spectacular as the river carves its way through the mountains. You'll have time for a ship tour to see the inner workings of the vessel and a fruit carving demonstration from your talented Pandaw Chef. As we approach our final mooring in Chiang Khong, Thailand, you'll cross over the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge. Tonight, we celebrate our incredible journey with farewell cocktails and a traditional Thai dance performance on board.

After a final breakfast, you will disembark in Chiang Khong. Before your transfer, you will explore the historic Golden Triangle region, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. This includes a fascinating visit to the Hall of Opium Museum, which details the area's notorious past and the history of the opium trade. Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel or the airport in either Chiang Rai (a 2-hour drive) or Chiang Mai (a 6-hour drive).