Combine the ancient temples of Angkor in Siem Reap with Cambodia’s bustling capital city Phnom Penh with this expeditions on the Tonle and Mekong Rivers.
There can be no tapestry of river life as fascinating and varied as the River Mekong. Indeed there can be no more striking a cultural contrast as that between the bustling Vietnam delta and the tranquility of Cambodia. We pass from the vibrant French colonial port of Saigon, through the vast delta so rich in human life and endeavour, to travel along the main channel into the rich countryside of Cambodia. With a full day in charming Phnom Penh we then explore remoter waterways as we progress to the great monuments of Angkor.
HIGH WATER NOTICE: During the months September to November, water levels may rise significantly leading to issues accessing the Tonle Sap River. During this time, we may replace itinerary points on the Tonle Sap with sailing north to Kratie and excursions at the dolphin grounds.
Day 1 - Phnom Penh
Check-in to your Pandaw Expedition at 11:00am and enjoy lunch onboard. In the afternoon we visit the Killing Fields and Genocide museum to learn more about the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. Overnight in Phnom Penh city port with its lively bars, restaurants and night life.
Please note: Your cabin may not be available until early afternoon.
Day 2 - Kampong Tralach
We leave the dock at Phnom Penh early morning and sail up the winding channels of the Tonle Sap river to Kampong Tralach. We travel by ox-cart around the river-side villages, markets and temples to get a sense of life along the river. In the evening cocktails are round a village fire pit where we will be joined by village folk keen to show us their traditional dancing show us more of the delightful Khmer culture.
Day 3 - Oudong - Silk Island
In the morning, travel by coach to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong. On the way we stop to visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre before taking a drive around the old capital. We re-join our ship at Prek Kdam before returning to the Mekong. After lunch we sail to Koh Nghe Tei (Silk Island) to study the entire silk-making process from worms to weavers. We visit silk makers and can buy from them their lovely silk scarves and other fabrics. This village is a centre of the ancient martial art of L’bokator which roughly translates as 'pounding a lion'. It includes weapons techniques and is one of the oldest combat techniques in Cambodia and believed to date back to the Angkor empire.
Day 4 - Wat Hanchey - Angkor Ban Village Visit
Sunrise cruise to Angkor Ban village to see how local villagers live and visit the library which was donated by Pandaw to Angkor Ban secondary school.
NOTE: if you want to donate books, please bring along some Children’s books in English language (suitable for age 8 to 15 yrs) which you can personally gift to the library.
In the afternoon we sail north to Wat Hanchey, an important centre of worship during the Chenla period located on top of a hill above the mighty Mekong River with some of the best Mekong views in Cambodia. Visit 8th century structures some destroyed by American bombings during the Vietnam War.
Day 5 - Siem Reap
Disembark and travel by coach from Kampong Cham through stunningly lovely countryside to reach Siem Reap, adjacent to Angkor Wat.
Day 1 - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham
Travel by coach from Siem Reap to Kampong Cham for embarkation. Enjoy an sunset cruise on the Mekong and meet your crew for the next 7 nights
Day 2 - Angkor Ban Village Walks - Silk Island
In the morning we visit Angkor Ban and a local Cambodian school where the local library was built with the support of Pandaw and our guests. Guests are encouraged to bring books to donate to the library for children to read. After luch, we study the entire silk making process from worms to weavers as we visit 'Silk Island'. After learning about the silk process there will be a demonstration of the ancient Khmer martial art of Bokator.
Day 3 - Oudong - Kampong Tralach
In the morning, travel by coach to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong. On the way we stop to visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre before taking a drive around the city. Rejoin your ship in Kampong Tralach for lunch abaord. In the afternoon we travel by ox-cart around the river-side villages, markets and temples. In the evening cocktails are round a village fire pit where we will be joined by village folk keen to show us their traditional dancing and more of the delightful Khmer culture.
Day 4 - Phnom Penh
After breakfast, disembark your Pandaw Expedition in Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh.
Cruise Price Includes: Entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals (from Dinner day 1 to Breakfast Day 5 for Downstream), local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes. Transfer from Meeting Point in Siem Reap to ship or v.v.
Cruise Price Excludes: International flights, port dues (if levied), laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions), all beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes and tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers. No transfers in Phnom Penh, ship docks in city center at Sisowath Quay.
All bookings are subject to availability
Very Important : Before booking be sure you read our Terms and Deposit section for important information.
