Vietnam and Cambodia Pandaw Cruises

Upstream Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to My Tho/Cai Be.
Registration is at 0830 at the Renaissance Riversideand transfer at 0900 to the Delta Port of My Tho by coach arriving at 1100 for check in followed by port and immigration formalities. My Tho is the hub of the Delta, but not of great cultural interest, so once on board you will set sail at 1300 and have lunch.

Day 2: Cai Be/Ving Long/Sadec/Cu Lao Gien/Chau Doc.
This morning board a traditional sampan boat to Sadec via Ving Long along small canals and back waters. Begin by visiting Cai Be and its colourful floating market, local factories where specialties such as coconut candies are traditionally made, and a Mandarins house dating from late 19th century. Cai Be and make a fascinating trip by traditional junk to explore evergreen islands, the colourful floating market and the ancient house of Mr. Huyn Thuy Le, the lover of Marguerite Duras, a famous French novelist. You will also visit Cu Lao Gken Island and a Catholic monastery called “la Providence.” Overnight moor mid-stream Cai Be.

Day 3: Chau Doc / Border Crossing.
From the main Mekong channel at Tan Chau we travel down the canals and backwaters by local ferry boat. At Chau Doc we transfer to small boats to visit a Cham tribal village. We also visit a cat fish farm. We take a trishaw ride round this fascinating town of fine French-colonial buildings and see its bustling market.

Return to the ship by boat for lunch and cast off for the Cambodian border for the usual formalities, which in this part of the world, take time. Evening cruise up the broad Mekong channel, which is an international shipping route. Moor overnight just downstream from Phnom Penh.

Day 4: Phnom Penh.
The capital of Cambodia retains its French charm. The old colonial architecture makes an attractive backdrop to busy cafes, and the renovated river "corniche" is full of life. The city has several impressive wats, including Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom and the newly-painted Wat Lang Ka. Pride of place goes to the spectacular Silver Pagoda, one of the few places in Cambodia where artifacts embodying the brilliance and richness of Khmer culture were preserved by the Khmer Rouge.

Passengers will be provided with their own private cyclo*. The Cyclo Centre Phnom Penh which provides the cyclos is a charity that provides basic welfare and medical services to cyclo drivers.

In the afternoon, optional excursion (by coach) to the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge's grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention centre. This tour is included in the cost of your cruise but must be requested at the time of booking in the comments box. Phnom Penh has a lively night life, and some passengers choose to dine ashore or try one of the capital's many watering holes; a favourite being the Foreign Correspondents' Club.

Day 5: Tonle River/ Kampong Chhang.
Early morning excursion up the Tonle River to Kampong Chhnang either by ship or by coach depending on water levels. In Kampong Chhnang passengers will take a wonderful motor boat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here many fishtraps may be seen

Day 6: Kampong Chhang / Mekong River.
Early morning departure to a stop at the little-known Chong Koh silk weaving village for a morning walk at leisure. We cruise past the Mekong's timeless villages and river life with extensive fishing activities.

The scenery is very lovely here, and in the distance, forested hills rise. On the river above Phnom Penh there is little shipping, just real Cambodian life. In the afternoon we stop at Peam Chi Kang village to visit the Wat or monastery and school. Passengers are at leisure to explore this peaceful and friendly community. In the Wat the splendid village racing boats are stored.

Day 7: Kampong Cham Area.
Today, passengers visit the hilltop temple of Wat Hanchey in the morning. In the afternoon, travel by bus to visit a 12th century Angkorian temple called Wat Nokor and the Pandaw supported Kampong Cham orphanage.

Day 8: Tonle Sap to Siem Reap.
There is an early morning coach transfer to the Raffles Hotel D'Angkor in Siem Reap. A packed lunch will be provided and you will stop at Kampong Thom along the way. Arrive at Siem Reap mid afternoon.

2012 - Upstream Departures

RV Mekong Pandaw:
4th Feb, 18th Feb, 3rd March, 2nd June, 16th June, 14th July, 28th July, 11th Aug, 25th Aug, 8th Sept, 22nd Sept, 6th Oct, 20th Oct, 3rd Nov, 1st Dec, 15th Dec, 29th Dec.

RV Saigon Pandaw:
12th June, 26th June, 10th July, 24th July, 7th Aug, 21st Aug, 4th Sept

RV Bassac Pandaw:
5th Oct, 19th Oct, 2nd Nov, 16th Nov, 30th Nov, 14th Dec, 28th Dec

2013 - Upstream Departures

RV Mekong Pandaw:
12th Jan, 26th Jan, 9th Feb, 23rd Feb, 9th March, 23rd March, 1st June, 15th June, 29th June, 13th July, 27th July,    10th Aug, 24th Aug, 7th Sept, 21st Sept, 5th Oct, 19th Oct, 2nd Nov, 16th Nov, 30th Nov, 14th Dec, 28th Dec

RV Tonle Pandaw:
5th Jan, 6th July, 20th July, 3rd Aug, 17th Aug, 31st Aug, 23rd Nov

PRICES:

Please request current prices.

PRICE INCLUDES:

All main meals; Locally made soft drinks and beers, coffee, tea, mineral water; Transfers from/to the meeting point and the ship (in Saigon: Renaissance Riverside Hotel, and in Siem Reap: Koulen II Restaurant); Gratuities to crew; Sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary; Entrance fees and English speaking guide

PRICE EXCLUDES:

International flights, Imported alcoholic beverages; laundry; visa costs; fuel surcharge; Port taxes USD 65 per passenger.

ABOUT PANDAW RIVER CRUISES:

Luxury Pandaw cruising is different from other forms of cruising. The ships are full of character and comfort: colonial style promenade and observation decks, bar / lecture theatre and single sitting dining room make these ships amongst the smartest and most stylish of small ships. The atmosphere on board is informal and relaxed. Pandaw passengers like to be smart casual at night, but do not dress up.

Pandaw began twelve years ago as essentially an adventure experience, and whilst accommodation and service now is of a top standard, they refuse to compromise their tradition of respecting the passenger's independence and individuality. There is a very high level of care on board a Pandaw with impeccable service. The ratio is one staff member for every two guests.

Pandaw river cruises are essentially an outdoor experience. Whilst the staterooms are very comfortable and roomy, passengers prefer to spend their time sitting outside, on the promenade decks or on the vast observation deck above.

Exploratory shore excursions are led by local guides. When sailing, passengers sit on the deck and become absorbed by great panoramas as they unfold before them. Spellbound, one cannot help but to meditate upon the unceasing human and wildlife activity upon these spectacular waterworlds.

EXTENSION IDEA:

If you have more time, why not arrange your pre/post nights with us in Ho Chi Minh City and in Siem Reap to see the amazing Angkor Wat temples!

Or if you truly enjoy luxury river cruising, and like to cruise with Pandaw in another destination, see our river journeys on the Irrawaddy river in Myanmar, the holy river Ganges in India, and jungle experience in the rainforest of Borneo, Malaysia.

CLICK HERE FOR DOWNSTREAM ITINERARY

Downstream Itinerary

Day 1: Siem Reap to Tonle Sap.
The great lake dominates Cambodia and is over 150km in length.  Here bird life is profuse, and from the middle of the lake one cannot even see the shores.  There is a great stillness and tranquility as we pass floating fishing villages.  You will transfer by coach to Kampong Cham.  A packed lunch will be provided on the coach and you will stop at Kampong Thom, lying on the banks of the Stung Sen River, along the way.

Day 2: Kampong Cham.
Today, you will visit the hilltop temple of Wat Hanchey in the morning.  In the afternoon, you will travel by bus to visit a 12th Century Angkorian temple called Wat Nokor, and the Pandaw-supported Kampong Cham orphanage.

Day 3: Tonle River to Kampong Chhnang.
You will enjoy an excursion up the Tonle River to Kampong Chhang by either coach or the ship, depending on water levels.  In Kampong Chhnang, you will take a wonderful motorboat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river.  Here, you will have the opportunity to see the many fish traps that are utilized by the local fishermen.

Day 4: Phnom Penh.
The capital of Cambodia retains its French charm. The old colonial architecture makes an attractive backdrop to busy cafes, and the renovated river "corniche" is full of life. The city has several impressive wats, including Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom and the newly-painted Wat Lang Ka. Pride of place goes to the spectacular Silver Pagoda, one of the few places in Cambodia where artefacts embodying the brilliance and richness of Khmer culture were preserved by the Khmer Rouge. The National Museum is another highlight, with outstanding displays of Khmer crafts. An afternoon excursion is arranged to the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge's grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention centre situated in the suburbs of the city. More happily, Phnom Penh has a lively night life, and some passengers choose to dine ashore or try one of the capital's many watering holes, a favourite being the Foreign Correspondents' Club.

Day 5: Cruising the Mekong / Border crossing.
We cast off for a day cruising in the main Mekong channel, an international shipping route. Today we stop at Prek Touch, a jungle village, to visit fruit orchards, and then set off for the Vietnamese border for the usual formalities. Overnight mid-stream.

Day 6: Chau Doc to Cu Lao Gien.
We travel from the main Mekong channel at Tan Chau down the canals and backwaters by local ferry boat. At Chau Doc we visit a Cham tribal village and a cat fish farm. We make a trishaw ride round this fascinating town of fine French-colonial buildings and bustling market. We return to the ship by boat for lunch and cast off for Sadec. Stopping on the way at Cu Lao Gien island, we visit a Catholic monastery called "La Providence" built in 1875 by the French nuns of "Saint Paul de Chartres".

Day 7: Sadec/Vinh Long/Cai Be.
This morning board a traditional sampan boat to Cai Be via Vinh Long, along small canals and back waters. Sadec is a little "Venice" with its numerous narrow canals and various kinds of traditional activities on the banks. You will disembark at the local market for a visit, then proceed to the splendid ancient house of Mr. Huyn Thuy Le, the "lover" of Marguerite Duras, famous French novelist and inspiration for the film Indochine.

Back on board your sampan, we will drift down the Tien River. On the way we visit a traditional brick and tile factory. Proceed further, we see water hyacinths, an important Mekong delta product used for furniture and baskets. Travelling from Vinh Long water to Dong Hoa Hiep island on sampan we explore the rural life and daily activities of the delta inhabitants seeing palm tree leave weaving, traditional wooden boat factories and fruit orchard plantations. We also visit a Mandarins house dating from late 19th century. Reaching Cai Be, we will cruise through its colourful floating market which takes place daily in front of the catholic church.

After lunch on board the Pandaw, continue by Sampan deep into the country backwaters, passing traditional wood and bamboo bridges and suspended fishing nets. On the banks, you will be able to see large rice fields, fruit markets, plantations and visit local houses to see how people in the Delta live.

Day 8: My Tho to Chi Minh City (Saigon).
My Tho is the hub of the Delta. Sail from Cai Be for My Tho, where passengers disembark in the early morning for a coach transfer to Saigon. Arrive in the late morning.

Because the water levels of the lake and river vary a great deal according to the time of year and rainfall, we will then either:

1. High water, approximately August - November. Cross the TonleLake at dawn and disembark at Siem Reap Port for onward coach transfer to the KOULEN II RESTAURANT, arriving by 1100.
2. Low water, approximately November - August. In the early morning, coach transfer from Prek Dom on the Tonle River to the KOULEN II RESTAURANT, stopping at Kampong Thom. Packed lunch and refreshments are provided. Arrive by 1200.

2012 - Departures Downstream

RV Mekong Pandaw
28th Jan, 11th Feb, 25th Feb, 10th March, 24th March, 9th June, 23rd June, 7th July, 21st July, 4th Aug, 18th Aug, 1st Sept, 15th Sept, 29th Sept, 13th Oct, 27th Oct, 10th Nov, 24th Nov, 8th Dec, 22nd Dec

RV Saigon Pandaw
19th June, 3rd July, 17th July, 31st July, 14th Aug, 28th Aug

RV Bassac Pandaw
12th Oct, 26th Oct, 9th Nov, 23rd Nov, 7th Dec, 21st Dec

2012 - Departures Downstream

RV Mekong Pandaw -
5th jan, 19th Jan, 2nd Feb, 16th Feb, 2nd March, 16th March, 30th March, 8th June, 22nd June, 6th July, 20th July, 3rd Aug, 17th Aug, 31st Aug, 14th Sept, 28th Sept, 12th Oct, 26th Oct, 9th Nov, 23rd Nov, 7th Dec, 21st Dec

RV Tonle Pandaw
26th Jan, 9th Feb, 23rd Feb, 13th July, 27th July, 10th Aug, 24th Aug, 30th Nov 

PRICES:

Please request current prices.

PRICE INCLUDES:

All main meals; Locally made soft drinks and beers, coffee, tea, mineral water; Transfers from/to the meeting point and the ship (in Saigon: Renaissance Riverside Hotel, and in Siem Reap: Koulen II Restaurant); Gratuities to crew; Sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary; Entrance fees and English speaking guide

PRICE EXCLUDES:

International flights, Imported alcoholic beverages; laundry; visa costs; fuel surcharge; Port taxes USD 65 per passenger.

ABOUT PANDAW RIVER CRUISES:

Luxury Pandaw cruising is different from other forms of cruising. The ships are full of character and comfort: colonial style promenade and observation decks, bar / lecture theatre and single sitting dining room make these ships amongst the smartest and most stylish of small ships. The atmosphere on board is informal and relaxed. Pandaw passengers like to be smart casual at night, but do not dress up.

Pandaw began twelve years ago as essentially an adventure experience, and whilst accommodation and service now is of a top standard, they refuse to compromise their tradition of respecting the passenger's independence and individuality. There is a very high level of care on board a Pandaw with impeccable service. The ratio is one staff member for every two guests.

Pandaw river cruises are essentially an outdoor experience. Whilst the staterooms are very comfortable and roomy, passengers prefer to spend their time sitting outside, on the promenade decks or on the vast observation deck above.

Exploratory shore excursions are led by local guides. When sailing, passengers sit on the deck and become absorbed by great panoramas as they unfold before them. Spellbound, one cannot help but to meditate upon the unceasing human and wildlife activity upon these spectacular waterworlds.

EXTENSION IDEA:

If you have more time, why not arrange your pre/post nights with us in Ho Chi Minh City and in Siem Reap to see the amazing Angkor Wat temples!

Or if you truly enjoy luxury river cruising, and like to cruise with Pandaw in another destination, see our river journeys on the Irrawaddy river in Myanmar, the holy river Ganges in India, and jungle experience in the rainforest of Borneo- Malaysia.

CLICK HERE FOR UPSTREAM ITINERARY