Classic Mekong
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,475
Cruising on the Mekong River, the lifeline joining several countries, on the luxury Pandaw ship from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Siem Reap in Cambodia is the perfect river trip.
A wonderfully carefree and relaxing way to travel through the heart of South East Asia is to experience it aboard the Pandaw cruise ship. Intimate but with all the necessary facilities, life on board alone could be worth the trip. However, the path of the Mekong River is perfect as it meanders through the highlights of both Southern Vietnam and Cambodia. Commencing in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, the first port of call is the Mekong Delta where one can view the every day life of the inhabitants of the many colourful towns which line the banks. These include Cai Be with its lively floating market and Chau Doc where an off the beaten track side trip is taken to a local Cham village.
After crossing the border into Cambodia and sailing north, the cruise reaches the capital, Phnom Penh a city which has retained its French colonial character. Start with a visit to the Royal Palace and grounds. Afterwards, an insight into fairly recent Cambodian history is experienced with visits to Tuol Sleng, a detention centre during the days of the Khmer Rouge occupation followed by a visit to the infamous Killing Fields.
Then it’s upstream to experience the Cambodian countryside and the lifestyle of the local people eventually reaching Siem Reap, the last stop on the cruise and home to the amazing site of Angkor Wat. Here ends a week of discovery and enjoyment.
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,475
Itinerary View Trip Map
Saigon to My Tho
Transfer by coach from our meeting point in Saigon to the port of My Tho, embarking the ship in time for welcome drinks, a briefing and lunch. Sail across the vast Mekong Delta. Your guide will collect your passports at the meeting point so we can arrange the immigration formalities. (The meeting point is the InterContinental Asiana Saigon Hotel. Please arrive no later than 10:00am; the transfer will depart at 10:30am.)
| Meal Plan | Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 Nights |
| Accommodation |
RV Mekong Pandaw |
| Location | View map |
-
RV Mekong Pandaw
Built in Rangoon in 2002, RV Mekong Pandaw was sailed round to Saigon under it's own power and many drama described in Paul Strachan's Pandaw Story. This ship was designed specially for the Mekong and unlike the other P class ships does not have a ...
Built in Rangoon in 2002, RV Mekong Pandaw was sailed round to Saigon under it's own power and many drama described in Paul Strachan's Pandaw Story. This ship was designed specially for the Mekong and unlike the other P class ships does not have a flying bridge. RV Mekong Pandaw is a spacious ship with wide promenades, a large dining hall and more public space per passenger than any known ship afloat.
Facilities
- Deck
- Guest Services Desk
- Laundry Service
- Library
- Meeting Facilities
- Restaurant
- Sundeck
- Turn down service
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Sa Dec
This morning, take a Sampan boat excursion to Sa Dec, via Vinh Long, along canals and backwaters. Visit the local market and the ancient house of Mr, Huyn Thuy Le, the lover of famous French novelist Marguerite Duras.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Chau Doc
Visit a Muslim Cham tribal village and a cat fish farm in Chau Doc, or if you prefer, borrow a mountain bike and explore the local market and Catholic church on your own. Return to the ship for lunch and cast off for the Cambodian border. This evening, cruise up the broad Mekong channel, which is an international shipping route. Moor overnight just downstream from Phnom Penh.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Phnom Penh
While in Phnom Penh you will be provided with your own private cyclo courtesy of the Cyclo Centre Phnom Penh, a charity which provides basic welfare and medical services to cyclo drivers. Visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and National Museum. In the afternoon, take an optional excursion by coach to the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge's grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention centre.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Tonle River
Take a trip up the Tonle River to visit two villages, Kampong Trolach, known for its silver making, and Chong Koh. This excursion will be made either by ship or by coach depending on water levels. You'll witness vibrant local life along the banks of the Tonle.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Kratie
This morning, take a walk at Angkor Ban, then sail all day through the delightful Cambodian countryside, reaching the charming French colonial town of Kratie in the evening. **Please note: between mid-February and the end of March, due to low water levels, an alternate itinerary and excursions will apply should the vessel not be able to reach Kratie and the river dolphins.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Kratie to Kampong Cham
From Kratie, travel further upstream by local bus to view the dolphin grounds, located in a national park protected area. In the afternoon, travel downstream, stopping at a curious shrine known as the Monkey Temple. Moor overnight near Kampong Cham.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Kampong Cham to Siem Reap
Early this morning, transfer by coach transfer to Siem Reap, stopping at Kampong Thom along the way. Arrive Siem Reap at approximately 1:30pm (drop-off point is the Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES
UPSTREAM
2017: Jan 14, 15, 28, 29; Feb 11, 12, 25, 26; Mar 11, 25; Apr 8; Jul 2, 15; Aug 12, 13, 26; Sep 9, 10; Oct 7, 8, 21, 22; Nov 4, 5, 18, 19; Dec 2, 3, 16, 17, 30, 31.
2018: Jan 13, 14, 27, 28; Feb 10, 11, 24; Mar 10, 11, 24, 25.
DOWNSTREAM
2017: Jan 7, 21, 22; Feb 4, 5, 18, 19; Mar 4, 18; Apr 1; Jul 8, 9; Aug 5, 6; Sep 2, 3, 30; Oct 1, 14, 15, 28, 29; Nov 11, 12, 25, 26; Dec 9, 10, 23, 24.
2018: Jan 6, 7, 20; Feb 3, 17, 18; Mar 3, 4, 17, 18.
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 7 nights’ private cabin accommodation
- Guided touring as per itinerary, including entrance fees
- Meals as specified
- Local beverages on board (soft drinks, beer, spirits)
- Mineral water/jugged coffee/tea on board
- Crew gratuities
- Arrival/departure coach transfers to/from meeting points in Saigon and Siem Reap
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Airfare and all taxes
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Imported beverages and espresso drinks
- Optional excursions
- Other gratuities
- Port dues (if levied)
- Fuel surcharges
- Items of a personal nature
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from", per person, based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates will apply, Limited seats/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request -- please inquire.
24 Mar 2018
