Mekong River

Mekong River Cruises

Mekong River

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Discover the hidden worlds on the Mekong River

If you're travelling to South East Asia and want to immerse yourself in the rich culture, what better way to do so than on a Mekong River cruise.

The Mekong River is the 12th largest in the world, it winds its way from Southwest China through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia before it reaches the vast delta of Vietnam.

With an estimated length of 4,350km, there are many places to visit and embarking on a river cruise with Pandaw allows you to experience these remote towns and villages in a way like no other. From the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, (formerly Siagon) to the sleepier town of Luang Prabang in Laos. From the majestic Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia, to the multi-cultural town of Jinghong in China's Yunnan Province; we can take you there.

Meet local artisans and dancers, learn about the history from the natives themselves, and with Pandaw you can do it in comfort and style. The dining experience allows you to sample the local cuisine and is cooked using ingredients sourced as locally as possible.

Your staterooms are elegant and spacious and come with added extras such as fruit and flowers on arrival, kimonos, slippers and spa-branded amenities to make your stay that little bit more special. Whilst your peace and serenity are of utmost importance to us, when you're not onshore meeting the locals you can enjoy cultural performances, cooking demonstrations or a themed movie night.

Available

Expeditions

Our Fleet In

Mekong River

The RV Laos Pandaw Ship

RV Laos Pandaw

Seeing the quality of this ship it is hard to believe it was built in a hurry. There are no proper ship yards above the Khone Falls and we could....

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The RV Bassac Pandaw Ship

RV Bassac Pandaw

The third of these rather grand Vietnamese sisters, along with the Orient and Indochina. She is a good looker, and turns many a head as she plou....

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The RV Indochina Pandaw Ship

RV Indochina Pandaw

Sister to the Orient and Bassac, the IP was built in Vietnam in 2009 and transferred over to Burma in 2011. The ship has quality mountain bikes ....

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The RV Mekong Pandaw Ship

RV Mekong Pandaw

Built in Rangoon in 2002 she was sailed round to Saigon under her own power and many a drama described in Paul Strachan’s Pandaw Story. This shi....

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The RV Tonle Pandaw Ship

RV Tonle Pandaw

Finished in rich teak and brass, the RV Tonle Pandaw recently went a retrofit in 2025 upgrading the guest accommodations to offer four luxury ca....

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The RV Champa Pandaw Ship

RV Champa Pandaw

The Champa Pandaw, sister ship of the Laos Pandaw, began cruises on the Upper Mekong from September 2016. The ship has quality mountain bikes fo....

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The RV Sabaidee Pandaw Ship

RV Sabaidee Pandaw

The RV Sabaidee was our seventeenth ship to the Pandaw Flotilla which was constructed to meet demand on our previously popular Laos to China rou....

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River Stops In

Mekong River

Bogale View

Bogale

Bogale is a small city located in the Bogale Township, Ayeyarwady Region, Myanmar. It is located on the southwestern part of Myanmar/Burma on the mainland section of the country.

Chandernagore View

Chandernagore

Chandannagar was established as a French colony in 1673, when the French obtained permission from Ibrahim Khan, the Nawab of Bengal, to establish a trading post on the right bank...

Chau Doc View

Chau Doc

Vietnam's stunning scenery, warm friendly locals and rich culture and history have long made it a favourite destination among adventure-hungry tourists.

Chiang Khong View

Chiang Khong

Chiang Khong is a small town in Northern Thailand that sits on the banks of the river Mekong, the border between Thailand proper and the country of Laos.

Cruising The Mekong View

Cruising The Mekong

Continue up the Mekong with Burma on our left and Laos on our right.

Golden Triangle View

Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle remains a favourite amongst travellers. This joining point between the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar is located in the North Thailand province of...

Guwahati View

Guwahati

If you are taking one of our Brahmaputra River Cruises , one place you should definitely consider stopping at is Guwahati. This is a large city in India, in the state of Assam.

Jorhat View

Jorhat

Jorhat is one of the major cities of Assam. Jorhat was the first town of the Greater Assam installing electricity supply in 1923.

Kalna View

Kalna

Kalna, a city and a municipality in Purba Bardhaman district in the Indian state of West Bengal is located right by the river Hooghly (or ‘lower Ganges’) meaning there’s plenty of...

Kaziranga National Park View

Kaziranga National Park

A UNESCO accredited site, the Kaziranga National Park is located in the Nagaon and Golaghat districts of Assam in India and a stop on our Brahmaputra river cruises .

Kolkata View

Kolkata

Kolkata is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal, and you’ll definitely want to make the most of it you’re seeking to see every side of what India has to offer.

Kratie View

Kratie

If you want to visit a charming and cheerful town on your Mekong River Cruise , you’ll like Kratie. The one exciting fact that you need to know about Kratie before you arrive is...

Kuang Si Waterfalls View

Kuang Si Waterfalls

Also known as the Tat Kuang Si Waterfalls and Kuang Xi, Kuang Si Falls is a breathtaking three-tier waterfall that is adored by every tourist that visits each year and is a...

Luang Prabang View

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is a beautiful town in Laos and a favourite amongst travellers. It lies where the Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers meet, and it's a stop for several of our Mekong...

Maubin View

Maubin

A town in the Ayeyarwady Division in south-west Burma, Maubin (also known as Ma-ubin) is an incredible place to visit. Known for its growing communication and transportation...

Mayapur View

Mayapur

One of the best things about taking a river cruise is the fact that you get to experience many amazing places during one trip. This is something you can expect with one of our...

Murshidabad View

Murshidabad

Murshidabad is a city in Murshidabad district of West Bengal state in India. The city of Murshidabad is located on the southern bank of the Bhagirathi, a tributary of the Ganges...

Myaungmya View

Myaungmya

When boarding a Pandaw River Cruise, you can be prepared to visit some of the most beautiful places in Asia. One of those incredible places is Myaungmya.

Pak Beng View

Pak Beng

Sitting midway between Luang Prabang and Huay Xai lays Pakbeng on the Mekong. The river used to be the one major route for transport in the country, and over the years, Pakbeng...

Patna View

Patna

Patna is the capital and largest city of the state of Bihar in India.

Phnom Penh View

Phnom Penh

One thing that so many people love about going on a river cruise is that they get the opportunity to explore places they otherwise wouldn’t.

Pyapon View

Pyapon

On one of our Irrawaddy Delta cruises , you can experience the small town of Pyapon on the Pyapon River, a tributary of the Irrawaddy Delta.

Rangoon (Yangon) View

Rangoon (Yangon)

The largest city in Myanmar, Rangoon (Yangon) is a mix of cosmopolitan high-rises, stunning architecture and historical sights.

Saigon View

Saigon

Saigon is one of the key cities in Vietnam, and it’s probably a place many people find the time to visit when they’re making the most of a Mekong River Cruise .

Siem Reap View

Siem Reap

With unparalleled views of the Angkor monuments, Siem Reap has become increasingly popular in recent years. Known as the gateway to the ruins of Angkor, Siem Reap is now one of...

Silghat View

Silghat

If you take one of our Brahmaputra river cruises , one of the places you will be able to stop at is Silghat. There is a lot to love about this beautiful location, which can be...

Towards Majuli View

Towards Majuli

Visit a local village on what is the world’s largest river island and home to the ethnic ‘Mishing’ people. Here, women weave on hand-looms to create characterful costumes and we...

Udong View

Udong

Udong Mountain, the former capital of Cambodia with its stupas of passed kings of the Khmer empire and a sensational view over the Mekong.

Varanasi View

Varanasi

India, one of the oldest civilisations on the planet. Within its 29 states and 7 union territories, you’ll find an extraordinary variety of cultures, cuisines, arts politics and...

Vientiane View

Vientiane

Vientiane is the capital city of Laos and a popular stop-off on our Mekong River cruises , thanks to the numerous attractions to be found in this ancient, charming and bustling...

Wakema View

Wakema

In the Ayeyarwaddy Division of south-west Myanmar lies the idyllic town of Wakema. A small yet bustling town surrounded by awe-inspiring greenery and wildlife, it is known as a...

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From Our Travellers

Feedback

I had very high expectations of the whole trip, but did not expect all the additional touches from crew and front of house teams

Mrs G L Wilkinson

I have just returned from one week on your beautiful boat in Burma I wanted to write to you to commend the whole team on board the Orient.

I had very high expectations of the whole trip, but did not expect all the additional touches from crew and front of house teams.

The absolute delights just kept coming, from the unplanned cocktails and canapes on a sandbar (complete with teak tables and a bonfire!)!; plus the team bringing us Campari cocktails as we sat waiting for sunset on the lake by the U Bain bridge.

This was a team that truly deserves an accolade, from the purser himself, through to every single member of the team.

Our guide, Jay, also deserves a special mention. His command of the English language is exceptional, and this together with a lovely quiet sense of humour made such a massive difference to the shore excursions. I know he is employed by Pandaw on a freelance basis, and wanted you to know that every member of the passengers would say the same. Please continue to use this amazing young man for your cruises in Burma, he most certainly adds massive value to the experience as a whole with his incredible knowledge and gentle manner.

Please can you ensure that this commendation is passed on to the highest levels and that the team are recognised for their dedication and incredible customer service.

Regards
Mrs G L Wilkinson

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Climate in

Mekong River

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Mekong River Climate Chart

Plan your journey with our detailed climate information for Mekong River.Best travel times and weather patterns to help you prepare.

Your Life

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Essential

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