Classic Mekong
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,596
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$ 2,596
Itinerary View Trip Map View Trip Special
Saigon to My Tho
Transfer from the meeting point in Saigon to My Tho Port. After boarding your Pandaw we sail downstream to Ben Tre and anchor midstream. In the afternoon, there is a lecture on Vietnamese life on the Mekong Delta. During cocktail hour passengers are entertained by an indigenous dance group and meet your key crew.
| 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
Ben Tre
Travel by sampans through mangroves and bamboo groves to the fruit orchards of Ben Tre. In these local artisans are at work and are invite visitors into their homes for tea, fruit and honey products made from their own honey. This is an area rich in bird life and on our return journey we travel by horse cart through the lush countryside. After lunch, the ship moors off Cho Lach island for pot making and further glimpses of Delta life, agriculture and local Viet hospitality including a culinary lesson in making traditional Banh Xeo.
Con Phuoc Island
After breakfast, there is a short coach journey to the Gao Giong ‘green oasis’ with its bird sanctuary. Here a diverse selection of water and egrets that gather in the tens of thousands across the Duong Tharp Muoi or ‘Plain of Reeds’. Rowing boats traverse the canals to take us to see the principal nesting areas. After returning to the boat we cruise upstream to Con Phuoc Island. We Moor in a small canal off Con Phuoc Island and go ashore to explore the island by Xi Loi seeing basket production and visiting a 100-year old Catholic Church as well as local woodworking artisans.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Cambodia Border
Afternoon, explore the labyrinthine canal system around Tan Chau to visit a Taoist temple where the monks will read fortunes.
Continue through local villages by Xi Loi stopping off to help locals tend their fields before stopping off to visit a fish farm and earn merit by releasing fish back into the Mekong. Border crossing formalities take up much of the afternoon and during this stationary period there is an optional tour of the working ship and fruit
carving classes on deck.
Phnom Penh
Morning orientation of Phnom Penh by cyclo visiting the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda followed by the National Museum with its marvelous collection of Angkorian statuary. Afternoon optional visit to the Killing Fields and Genocide museum or take a tuk-tuk to explore the riverfront and finish with High Tea at Raffles Hotel.
Overnight in Phnom Penh city port with its lively bars, restaurants and night life.
Silk Island
Sail up the Tonle River to board our expedition vessel, the Pandaw Explorer, to visit Koh Okhna Tey, or ‘silk island’ to study the entire silk making process from worms to weavers. There will be a demonstration of the ancient Khmer martial art of Bokator. Return to ship and return down the Tonle River to turn up the Mekong at the confluence. Evening lecture on Angkor and Khmer culture.
Kratie and the Dolphin Grounds
Morning visit to Koh Trong Island a small Mekong River hamlet which can be explored by bicycle or ox cart with a real immersion into Khmer rural life visiting local schools and English classes then visiting a reforestation site where you can leave your mark by planting your own tree. Passengers should feel free to donate items for use in the schools such as books & pens etc. After lunch, moor off Kratie and continue to the dolphin grounds by local boat where we will observe the elusive Irrawaddy Dolphins.
Siem Reap
Sail downstream to moor at Kampong Cham for disembarkation and road transfer to Siem Reap.
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Monthly departures upstream and/or downstream. Please inquire.
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.
16 Nov 2019
