There can be no tapestry of river life as fascinating and varied as the Mekong River. Indeed there can be no more striking a cultural contrast as that between the bustling Vietnam Delta and the tranquility of Cambodia. This three night cruise passes from the vibrant French colonial port of Saigon, through the vast delta so rich in human life and endeavor, to travel along the main channel into the rich countryside of Cambodia. Your journey will end in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh.
New for 2024, this cruise expedition will be sailing from central Saigon, embarking or disembarking in Vietnam’s bustling metropolis.
Day 1 - Saigon
Embark your Pandaw vessel in central Saigon and relax on the spacious sundeck as we set sail past the towering skyscrapers of Vietnam’s bustling metropolis. After lunch onboard you will meet the crew and enjoy onboard entertainment as we sail toward the Mekong Delta.
Day 2 - Ben Tre
Early morning we set sail through the Cho Gao Canal, a vital waterway link for the transportation of goods to and from the city which was constructed in 1876 by the French and offers a fascinating insight to life along the water. We reach Ben Tre in the morning and journey by sampans through mangroves and bamboo forests to the fruit orchards abundant in the area. This is a region rich in birdlife which we will explore via local transport before transferring to a local rowboat. We will journey slowly through the bamboo covered canals before arriving at a village specialising in making local products. Back on board we sail deeper into the delta toward Chau Doc.
Day 3 - Chau Doc - Vietnam/Cambodia Border
In the morning, taking minivans for a short drive to Sam Mountain, location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda. We climb the 400 steps to the top to visit the pagoda. Then we go alongside at the picturesque border town of Chau Doc where we visit the floating fish farms by sampan. We make a stop at a Chham Village and observe the lives of Vietnamese Muslims. Lion dance is presented at the Cham Village. Upon return to ship, we navigate a web of canals before dropping anchor on the Vietnam/Cambodia border to undergo Immigration formalities.
Day 4 - Phnom Penh
After breakfast, disembark your Pandaw Expedition in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh.
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 - Vietnam Border – Chau Doc
We up anchor early in the morning and cruise downstream along the Mekong River to the Vietnam border for immigration formalities. The ship sails to Chau Doc then. Evening lion dance takes place onboard.
Day 3 - Chau Doc
In the morning, taking minivans for a short drive to Sam Mountain, location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda. We climb the 400 steps to the top to visit the pagoda. Then we go alongside at the picturesque border town of Chau Doc where we visit the floating fish farms by sampan. We make a stop at a Chham Village and observe the lives of Vietnamese Muslims. After onboard lunch we continue sailing into the heart of the Mekong delta.
Day 4 - Ben Tre
In the morning, we journey by sampans through mangroves and bamboo forests to the fruit orchards of Ben Tre. This is an area rich in birdlife which we will explore via local transport before transferring to a local rowboat. We will journey slowly through the bamboo covered canals before arriving at a village specialising in making local products. During lunch onboard, we sail through the Cho Gao Canal toward Saigon. The Cho Gao Canal is a vital waterway link for the transportation of goods to and from the city which was constructed in 1876 by the French and offers a fascinating insight to life along the water. In the evening we sail into central Saigon and enjoy the stunning skyline over dinner.
Day 5 - Saigon
Disembark in central Saigon after breakfast for your onward travels.
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, transfers between the meeting point and the ship in Siem Reap.
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.
