Vietnam & Cambodia Pandaw Cruises

Upstream Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to My Tho. Registration is at 0830 at the Renaissance Riverside Hotel in Saigon and 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 we set sail at 1300 and have lunch. In the afternoon we moor near Cai Be and make a fascinating trip by traditional junk to explore evergreen islands and at the former Imperial residence, the An Kiet House. Surviving members of the Kiet family will welcome us with tea and we can wander in the fruit orchards around the house. Overnight moor mid-stream Cai Be.

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. Cruise further by sampan to Dong Hoa Hiep island to explore rural life and daily activities of the delta inhabitants seeing palm tree leave weaving, traditional wooden boat factories and fruit orchard plantations. Back on board your sampan, we will cruise up the Tien River where we see water hyacinths, an important Mekong delta product used for furniture and baskets and then visit a traditional brick and tile factory.

Sadec will then appear like 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.

After lunch on board the Pandaw, cast off for Chau Doc. En route visit Cu Lao Gien island and a Catholic monastery called “La Providence” built in 1875 by the French nuns of “Saint Paul de Chartres”

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.

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: Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham. Early morning departure from Phnom Penh and 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 6: Kampong Cham Area. Morning journey upriver to the hilltop pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Dating from the 8th century, these ancient brick structures characterize the architecture of the Chenla Empire which predated the glories of Angkor. Sail back downstream over lunch for an exploration of the Kampong Cham Area.

We travel by bus to the 12th century Angkorian temple of Wat Nokor. This colourful temple is unique in Cambodia, as a modern Wat is set within the ruins of an ancient temple. We continue to the twin holy mountains of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei, or Man and Woman Hills. Legends abound about the origins of these hills, and there are many pagodas and shrines on the hilltops.

Day 7: Tonle River. We glance by the capital Phnom Penh in the early morning to change pilots, and then sail the Tonle River which connects Tonle Lake with the Mekong and Bassac Rivers that merge at Phnom Penh. This river journey is a highlight of the trip. We wind our way through jungle, and as the river narrows we feel we can almost reach out and touch the houses and people who come out to cheer our ship on.

Temples abound along the river banks at Kampong Chanting, and we see the rich tapestry of Cambodian rural life. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. Mooring mid-stream, we make a truly wonderful motor boat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of bird life may be seen and of considerable interest are the great fish traps, some half a kilometer long, which nets a huge tonnage of fish after each monsoon as the fish migrate from the falling lake into the Tonle River.

Day 8: Tonle Sap to Siem Reap. The great lake dominates Cambodia and is over 150 Km 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.

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 SiemReapPort 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 TonleRiver to the KOULEN II RESTAURANT, stopping at Kampong Thom. Packed lunch and refreshments are provided. Arrive by 1200.

2010 / 2011 - Upstream Departures

Into the Heart of Cambodia
Siem Reap To Phnom Penh - 5 days/ 4nights

RV Mekong Pandaw
2010 - June 22, July 20, Aug. 17, Aug. 31, Sept 14, Sept 28, Oct 12, Oct 26,  Nov. 23, Dec. 7
2011 – Jan. 4, Feb 1, Feb 15, March 15, March 29

Mekong Delta
Saigon to Phnom Penh - 5days/4nights, 4days/3 nights

RV Tonle Pandaw
2010 – Jan. 30, March 13

RV Mekong Pandaw
2010 – June 19, July 17, Aug. 14, Aug. 28, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 20, Dec. 4
2011 - Jan. 1, Jan. 29, Feb. 12, March 12, March 26

Mekong Exploration
Ho Chi Minh City (My Tho) To Tonle Sap (Siem Reap) - 8 days, 7 nights

RV Tonle Pandaw
2010 – Jan. 16, Jan. 30

RV Mekong Pandaw
2010 – Jan. 23, Feb. 20, June 19, July 17, Aug. 14, Aug. 28, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 20, Dec. 4
2011 – Jan. 1, Jan. 29, Feb. 12, March 12, March 26

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.

Downstream Itinerary

Day 1: Siem Reap to Tonle Sap. The great lake dominates Cambodia and is over 150 Km 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 tranquillity as we pass floating fishing villages. Because of seasonal high winds and varying water levels, we will start our journey one of the following ways:

1. High water, approximately August - November. At 1100, register at KOULEN II RESTAURANT in Siem Reap to transfer to the ship at Siem Reap Port. On the way to the ship excursion by motor boat to the floating villages of Tonle Sap. Embark the ship at 1300 and lunch onboard. Cross the great lake in the afternoon and drop the anchor after sunset. Moor overnight at the edge of the Tonle Lake.
2. Low water, approximately November - August. At 1200, register at KOULEN II RESTAURANT in Siem Reap to transfer by coach to Prek Dom on the Tonle River, enjoying snacks and cold drinks on the way with a stop at Kampong Thom. Arrive by 1700 and cruise to Kampong Chhnang for overnight mooring.

Day 2: Kampong Chanang. Low Water: This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. Mooring mid-stream, we make a truly wonderful motor boat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of bird life may be seen, and of considerable interest are the great fish traps. We touch the capital Phnom Penh in the afternoon to change pilots and enter the Upper Mekong bound for Kampong Cham and stop for an afternoon walk at a rural village.

High Water: Early morning sailing with a brief stop at Kampong Chhnang after breakfast. Cruise all day passing Phnom Penh to enter the Mekong River. Proceed upstream and stop for an afternoon walk at a rural village.

Day 3: Kampong Cham. Morning journey upriver to the hilltop pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Dating from the 8th century, these ancient brick structures characterize the architecture of the Chenla Empire which predated the glories of Angkor. Sail back downstream over lunch for an exploration of the Kampong Cham Area. We travel by bus to the 12th century Angkorian temple of Wat Nokor. We continue to the eco village of Cheungkok supported by the French-Cambodian NGO AMICA and the Kampong Cham orphanage, supported by the Pandaw ProBono programme. We make a late afternoon departure from Kampong Cham heading for Phnom Penh. Overnight mid-stream.

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 SiemReapPort 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 TonleRiver to the KOULEN II RESTAURANT, stopping at Kampong Thom. Packed lunch and refreshments are provided. Arrive by 1200.

2010 - 2011 - Departures Downstream

Into the Heart of Cambodia
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap - 5 days/ 4nights

RV Tonle Pandaw
2010 - Feb 8

RV Mekong Pandaw
2010 - Feb 13, June 26, 24Jul, Aug. 21, Sept. 4, Sept. 18, Oct 2, Oct 16, Oct 30, Dec. 11
2011 – Jan. 8, Jan. 22, Feb.5, Feb. 19, March 5, March 19

Mekong Delta
Phnom Penh to Saigon - 5days/4nights, 4days/3 nights

RV Tonle Pandaw
2010 – Jan. 26, Feb. 9

RV Mekong Pandaw
2010 – Feb. 16, June 29, July 27, Aug. 24, Sept. 7, Sept. 21, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 14
2011 - Jan. 11,  Jan. 25, Feb. 8, Feb. 22, March 8, March 22

Mekong Exploration
Tonle Sap (Siem Reap) to Ho Chi Minh City (My Tho) - 8 days, 7 nights

RV Tonle Pandaw
2010 – Jan. 23, Feb. 6

RV Mekong Pandaw
2010 – Jan. 16, Feb. 13, June 26, July 24, Aug. 21, Sept. 4, Sept. 18, Oct. 2, Oct. 30, Dec. 11
2011 - Jan. 22, Feb. 5, Feb. 19, March 5, March 19

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.