The Song Hong or Red River rises deep in the Yunnan mountains of south-west China to flow 714 miles (1, 149km) across Northern Vietnam to discharge into the Gulf of Tonkin. It is an ancient trade route and was the route by which French explorers in the 19th century penetrated Yunnan, eventually reaching Kunming. Hanoi, capital of Vietnam straddles the river and close to its mouth lies Halong Bay, with its dramatic scenery. Using the Angkor Pandaw in 2015 we set up a remarkable Halong Bay cruise. Connecting Halong Bay through various canals and tributaries to join up with the Red River and to continue upstream to mountainous areas beyond Viet Tri and up the Lo River , one of the main tributaries. There can be no better way to explore Northern Vietnam.

The Mekong River is the 12th largest river in the world flowing 4, 350km from SW China to discharge into the sea through a vast delta in Vietnam. Discharging 16, 000 cubic meters per second this great beast of a river actually flows through or marks the boundaries of six different nations: China , Laos , Burma , Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam . Navigable approximately 3, 000km in high water from Saigon to Stuc Treng in Cambodia and again above the Cambodia Laos border formed by the impassable Khone Falls, the river is navigable from Pakse all the way to Jinghong in China. In French colonial times it was said that for officials taking up postings in Laos it took longer to sail up the Mekong from Saigon to Luang Prabang than it did to sail from Paris to Saigon. In fact, the French built a railway round the Khone Falls to connect steamer services above and below. Passengers of our famous Mekong river cruises experience enormous cultural and ecological diversity on this magnificent river. However, both ways of life and the biodiversity of this vast region will be affected by the construction of a number of new dams. Seven are planned for Laos alone, with one nearing completion. Our ship already passes through in a specially-constructed lock. Though flowing through six countries there is a far greater human diversity than merely six nationalities. Numerous minority groups and hill tribes have settled along the banks, from the Chams in Vietnam to Akas, Lisus, Shans, Dai and many others the further up you go into the Highlands. All of this makes for a truly fascinating ethnography. Pandaw operates three Mekong river cruise ships on the Lower Mekong and Tonle rivers through Vietnam and Cambodia and from Laos to China on the Upper Mekong.

The Tonle River is the Mekong's main tributary that flows down from the Tonle Sap or "Great Lake" in central Cambodia. That giant body of water is 100km from end to end and in the rains it quadruples in size flooding much of the surrounding floodplain. The Tonle river changes direction twice a year: when the monsoon arrives, the flow from the Mekong backs up to the central plain and when the rains end, the river reverses direction and empties the flood back out into the Mekong. Passengers of our famous Tonle River Cruises get the chance to experience the magical capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. This vibrant city sits astride the confluence of the Tonle and Mekong rivers and is our home port on the Lower Mekong.

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. One of the most popular spots on our Mekong river cruises is Phnom Penh for its rich history and wealth of things to do. Key facts about Phnom Penh Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and the most populous city in the country. It was founded in 1434 and it is noted for the many historical attractions and architecture, including a number of surviving French colonial buildings. It used to be known as Krong Chaktomuk. It has become the cultural, industrial, and economic centre of the nation. It has progressed to this status ever since becoming the capital once the French colonised Cambodia. What is Phnom Penh famous for? When you consider just how important Phnom Penh is in terms of the economy and culture in Cambodia, it is not hard to see why it has become such a famous city. However, there is more to Phnom Penh than this! It is actually widely referred to as the Pearl of Asia because it was deemed one of the most beautiful cities that was built by the French in the 1920s in Indochina. Phnom Penh, as well as Sihanoukville and Siem Reap, are both significant domestic and global tourist destinations for Cambodia. Waterfront at Phnom Penh Top things to do in Phnom Penh You probably won’t be surprised to learn that there are plenty of things to see and do while you are in Phnom Penh. This includes visiting the King’s official residence, which is the Royal Palace. This is a symbol of the Kingdom and it is a venue for court ceremony. Despite this, there are a number of different areas that are open to the public. You will also find the Silver Pagoda here too. This is a prominent template, which is named for its gleaming silver floor, taking a key place on the riverside. Another one of the most popular tourist spots in Phnom Penh is the National Museum of Cambodia. The good news is that you won’t need to travel far to see this, as it is right next to the Royal Palace. It is home to over 5, 000 artefacts that date back to the period of ancient Angkorian. Other places of interest include Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Cambodian Living Arts’ theatre show, and Wat Phnom. King’s Palace in Phnom Penh If you are interested in a Pandaw River Cruise , or you would like to visit Phnom Penh specifically, the best way to experience it is on our Classic Mekong cruise where you’ll visit the Royal Palace and the silver pagoda as well as the national museum with a collection of Angkorian statuary. In the afternoon, you’ll get to explore Phnom Penh’s waterfront and have high tea.

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 . It’s a city that’s brimming with life and excitement, and you certainly won’t be short of things to do and see while you’re there. Read on to find out more about Saigon and what the city has to offer. Saigon City Hall An Introduction to Saigon Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City, is the largest city in Vietnam and is a major commercial centre for the country. It’s a busy and often overwhelming city, but it’s also a place with a lot to see, explore and experience. It has a population of over eight million people and a culture all of its own. Saigon was only founded in the 18th century, which makes it quite young in the wider context of Asian cities. It’s also a place that has experienced all of the ups and downs of Vietnamese history since then. It was a logistical base for US operations and the capital of South Vietnam until the country was reunified in 1975, when it was renamed Ho Chi Minh City after the revolutionary leader of Vietnam. Top Attractions and Things to See/Do in Saigon If you’re going to be spending time in Saigon, there are some things that you’ll want to spend your time on. These are the top attractions and things to do and see while you’re in Saigon. Binh Tay Market When you’re looking for the authentic and real side of Saigon, you simply need to head to the vibrant and historical Binh Tay Market. There are plenty of great foods for sale here too. War Remnants Museum If you want to learn more about the Vietnam War from a Vietnames perspective, you should take the time to visit the War Remnants Museums. There are some fascinating things and you’ll learn a lot. Cao Dai Temple Cao Dai is a unique spiritual religion that mixes lots of elements from other faiths. Be sure to visit the temple because tourists are allowed inside. It’s a simply beautiful space. Bitexco Tower and Sky Deck If you’re looking to experience the best of what modern Saigon has to offer, simply head to the top of the Bitexco Tower and enjoy the view over the city from the Sky Deck. Picturesque tourist jetty in Saigon What Saigon is Most Famous For Saigon is famous for a few things. Of course, the history of the country in relation to the Vietnam War is something people associate with it. But things are quite different today. It’s famous for being a bustling and lively city, as well as a growing commercial capital in Asia. It’s also famous for being home to some of the very best food Vietnam has to offer, particularly the pho and pork rolls you’ll find there. If you’re looking to visit Saigon anytime soon, be sure to make the most of these top attractions and the other information outlined above. It’s an incredible part of the world with a unique culture you’ll have a great time delving into and learning more about. It’ll be the trip of a lifetime!

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 the most popular tourist destinations in Cambodia and one of the most exciting stops on our Mekong River cruises . Top Tourist Attractions In Siem Reap Once the capital of the Khmer Empire, Angkor is known all over the world for its temples, monuments, and history. Believed to be the earthly representation of Mt Meru and ancient gods, the temples reflect the spiritual commitment and devotion of their creators. Angkor Wat Recognised as the largest religious building in the world, Angkor Wat is one of the must-see sights in Siem Reap. Surrounded by a wide moat, the iconic structure is a sight to behold. A series of bas-reliefs stretches 800 meters around Angkor Wat, whilst the central tower rises 55 meters above the ground. In continuous for centuries, Angkor Wat has religious, cultural and historical symbolism. Featured on the national flag, it is Cambodia’s most well-known site and is a great source of pride for native Cambodians. With almost two-hundred unique heavenly nymphs, or apsaras, carved into the temple walls, there is something to behold at every turn. Whilst you could spend days exploring Angkor Wat, most guides recommend you allow at least two hours to explore the main parts of the temple. For those who want to take a guided tour of the bas-reliefs or visit the upper level, also known as the Bakan, a half-day visit to Angkor Wat is a more realistic option. Angkor Wat Visiting the Temples of Angkor at Siem Reap Although the Angkor Wat is the most well-known temple in Angkor, it is surrounded by other stunning temples and buildings. The 12th-century state of the temple of Jayavarman VII, Bayon, comprises 54 towers, adorned by 216 epic faces of Avalokiteshvara. With 11, 000 figures featured in the temple’s 1. 2km of bas-reliefs, Bayon is a wonderful example of the creativity and spiritual belief employed by the architects of Cambodia’s famous temples. Ta Prohm To experience a truly atmospheric ruined temple, a visit to Ta Prohm is a must. Seemingly overtaken by the jungle, the ruins of Ta Prohm are intertwined with vines and root system, the land surrounding Ta Prohm is surprisingly clear, with only the largest trees remaining. Constructed in the 12th century and maintained by over 80, 000 people, Ta Prohm served as a functioning temple for centuries, before it was claimed by nature. Ta Prohm Temple One of the smallest sites in the area, Banteay Srei features exquisite carving, artworks, and monuments. When you’ve finished exploring the largest religious building on earth, be sure to pay a visit to one of the smallest in Angkor. Arranging a visit to travel to Siem Reap is easy with Pandaw river cruises . The 3-night Phnom Penh and Siem Reap river cruise feature a stop here, so you’ll find it simple and straightforward to visit the Temples of Angkor. Similarly, the 7-night Classic Mekong river cruise includes a stop at Siem Reap, so guests will have the opportunity to explore this ancient city, its temples and its ruins.