In January 2025, I sailed aboard Bassac Pandaw on the Lower Mekong.
It was my first time visiting Vietnam and Cambodia, and I wasn’t sure what to expect—but I can say with certainty that this trip will stay with me for a long time.

To me, some holidays are just that: a holiday. You visit a place, relax, eat good food, return home, and don’t think about it much again. Other holidays become a part of you—you bring back the feeling of the place, and you return home slightly changed. This is what Vietnam and Cambodia did to me.

I travelled with family, and before embarking we spent time in Hoi An and Saigon, and later in Siem Reap after disembarkation. I highly recommend doing this if time allows, as these are fascinating places to explore. However, the true highlight of the trip was the cruise aboard Bassac Pandaw.

On arrival, we were welcomed by the Cruise Director, given safety instructions and an overview of ship life, and settled into our cabins.

Life Along the River

Most days included two outings, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Depending on the itinerary, the ship anchored overnight at the riverbank, sailing again early in the morning and sometimes during lunch. This maximised the number of places we could visit. Disembarkation was usually via the riverbank, which could be steep, but the crew were always on hand to assist.

Once ashore, the activities varied. In rural areas we visited local businesses and learned about traditional ways of life, while in cities we joined guided tours of key landmarks. Some memorable experiences included:

• Visiting a family-run noodle shop that has operated for generations


• Meditating with a monk at a Buddhist temple


• Exploring a bustling local market and sampling fresh produce


• Touring a village using traditional modes of transport


• Spending an unforgettable evening around a bonfire, dancing with local children after a warm welcome from their community

That evening in particular will stay with me forever. My daughter even formed a bond with one of the girls from the village, and they have since exchanged letters and photos with the help of the ship’s crew.

Life on Board

The cabins were comfortable and well-equipped, each with drinking water, a Nespresso machine, storage, and a heat pump. All cabins were the same size and opened onto the outdoor deck. While functional, we didn’t spend much time there, preferring the upper deck with its loungers, tables, and chairs—the perfect place to watch the river drift by. This was also where we enjoyed performances, daily recaps, and cocktail hour at 6 p.m., when the Cruise Manager outlined the next day’s plans.

Meals were served in the dining room, with buffet-style breakfast and lunch, and à la carte dinners (selected at lunchtime). Dietary needs were well catered for. The crew’s attention to detail was exceptional—one morning I ate all the papaya, and from the next day onwards, a full tray appeared at breakfast just for me!

This voyage was truly unforgettable, made even more special by the warmth of the crew, the knowledge and enthusiasm of our guide, and the kindness of the people we met along the way.

Thank you, Bassac Pandaw!

Tomasa travelled with Pandaw in January 2025.