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.

Highlights


• Travel by horse cart through the lush Vietnamese countryside

• 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

• Explore the labyrinthine canal system around Tan Chau to visit a Taoist temple where the monks will read fortunes

This itinerary is also available in reverse. Click here for additional dates.

Transfer from Saigon to the river port for embarkation. After lunch, 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. In the evening you will be entertained by a Vietnamese dance troupe on deck.
Sailing through the delta offers a real insight into life along this vast waterway. After lunch, a short coach journey through the lush countryside to Gao Giong ‘green oasis’, a 1,000-acre eucalyptus forest and listed wildlife sanctuary. Here a diverse selection of water birds and egrets gather in their tens of thousands across the Duong Tharp Muoi or ‘Plain of Reeds’. Rowboats traverse the canals to take us to view the principal nesting areas where photo opportunities abound.
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 before 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. Upon return to ship, we navigate a web of canals before dropping anchor on the Vietnam/Cambodia border to undergo Immigration formalities.
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. 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.
Morning at leisure in Phnom Penh with its café life and many smart boutiques. After lunch, we 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.
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.
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.
Disembark and travel by coach from Kampong Cham through stunningly lovely countryside to reach Siem Reap, adjacent to Angkor Wat.
Itineraries are subject to change.

This itinerary is also available in reverse. Click here for additional dates.

Main Deck Stateroom. From

$3,732 USD pp
Main Deck Stateroom. From
• 20 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms • 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass • Panoramic French window, leading to personal deck space • Kimonos and slippers • Spa-branded amenities • Unlimited mineral water • Electric mini safe • Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows • Premium mattresses • Convertible bed configuration • Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift • Make-up mirror • Multi-configuration plugs • Generous closet space and under-bed storage • Hair dryer • Nightly turndown service • 24h laundry service • Complimentary evening canapés

Upper Deck Stateroom. From

$4,579 USD pp
Upper Deck Stateroom. From
• 20 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms • 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass • Panoramic French window, leading to personal deck space • Kimonos and slippers • Spa-branded amenities • Unlimited mineral water • Electric mini safe • Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows • Premium mattresses • Convertible bed configuration • Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift • Make-up mirror • Multi-configuration plugs • Generous closet space and under-bed storage • Hair dryer • Nightly turndown service • 24h laundry service • Complimentary evening canapés

Main Deck Stateroom. From

$3,732 USD pp
Main Deck Stateroom. From
• 20 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms • 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass • Panoramic French window, leading to personal deck space • Kimonos and slippers • Spa-branded amenities • Unlimited mineral water • Electric mini safe • Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows • Premium mattresses • Convertible bed configuration • Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift • Make-up mirror • Multi-configuration plugs • Generous closet space and under-bed storage • Hair dryer • Nightly turndown service • 24h laundry service • Complimentary evening canapés

Upper Deck Stateroom. From

$4,579 USD pp
Upper Deck Stateroom. From
• 20 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms • 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass • Panoramic French window, leading to personal deck space • Kimonos and slippers • Spa-branded amenities • Unlimited mineral water • Electric mini safe • Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows • Premium mattresses • Convertible bed configuration • Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift • Make-up mirror • Multi-configuration plugs • Generous closet space and under-bed storage • Hair dryer • Nightly turndown service • 24h laundry service • Complimentary evening canapés

Main Deck Twin Sharing. From

$4,072 USD pp
Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
Finished in brass and teak, the main and upper deck rooms are very spacious at 168 square feet (15.6 sqm). Much loved by all our passengers we have ensured that with each ship we build the stateroom remains the same. Our cabins do not have mini-bars, satellite TV’s, internet or phones. Our passengers usually want to escape from the tiresome features found in international business hotels. All our cabins have the same size and signature amenities. All cabins are twin, beds can be pushed together to form doubles. Special to Your Stateroom: fruit and flowers on arrival, kimonos and slippers, spa-branded amenities, unlimited mineral water, free use of mini DVD player on request and selection of DVDs from our library (subject to availability).

Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From

$4,996 USD pp
Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
Finished in brass and teak, the main and upper deck rooms are very spacious at 168 square feet (15.6 sqm). Much loved by all our passengers we have ensured that with each ship we build the stateroom remains the same. Our cabins do not have mini-bars, satellite TV’s, internet or phones. Our passengers usually want to escape from the tiresome features found in international business hotels. All our cabins have the same size and signature amenities. All cabins are twin, beds can be pushed together to form doubles. Special to Your Stateroom: fruit and flowers on arrival, kimonos and slippers, spa-branded amenities, unlimited mineral water, free use of mini DVD player on request and selection of DVDs from our library (subject to availability).

Main Deck Stateroom. From

$3,732 USD pp
Main Deck Stateroom. From
• 20 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms • 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass • Panoramic French window, leading to personal deck space • Kimonos and slippers • Spa-branded amenities • Unlimited mineral water • Electric mini safe • Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows • Premium mattresses • Convertible bed configuration • Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift • Make-up mirror • Multi-configuration plugs • Generous closet space and under-bed storage • Hair dryer • Nightly turndown service • 24h laundry service • Complimentary evening canapés

Upper Deck Stateroom. From

$4,579 USD pp
Upper Deck Stateroom. From
• 20 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms • 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass • Panoramic French window, leading to personal deck space • Kimonos and slippers • Spa-branded amenities • Unlimited mineral water • Electric mini safe • Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows • Premium mattresses • Convertible bed configuration • Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift • Make-up mirror • Multi-configuration plugs • Generous closet space and under-bed storage • Hair dryer • Nightly turndown service • 24h laundry service • Complimentary evening canapés

Main Deck Stateroom. From

$3,732 USD pp
Main Deck Stateroom. From
• 20 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms • 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass • Panoramic French window, leading to personal deck space • Kimonos and slippers • Spa-branded amenities • Unlimited mineral water • Electric mini safe • Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows • Premium mattresses • Convertible bed configuration • Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift • Make-up mirror • Multi-configuration plugs • Generous closet space and under-bed storage • Hair dryer • Nightly turndown service • 24h laundry service • Complimentary evening canapés

Upper Deck Stateroom. From

$4,579 USD pp
Upper Deck Stateroom. From
• 20 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms • 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass • Panoramic French window, leading to personal deck space • Kimonos and slippers • Spa-branded amenities • Unlimited mineral water • Electric mini safe • Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows • Premium mattresses • Convertible bed configuration • Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift • Make-up mirror • Multi-configuration plugs • Generous closet space and under-bed storage • Hair dryer • Nightly turndown service • 24h laundry service • Complimentary evening canapés

Main Deck Stateroom. From

$3,732 USD pp
Main Deck Stateroom. From
• 20 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms • 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass • Panoramic French window, leading to personal deck space • Kimonos and slippers • Spa-branded amenities • Unlimited mineral water • Electric mini safe • Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows • Premium mattresses • Convertible bed configuration • Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift • Make-up mirror • Multi-configuration plugs • Generous closet space and under-bed storage • Hair dryer • Nightly turndown service • 24h laundry service • Complimentary evening canapés

Upper Deck Stateroom. From

$4,579 USD pp
Upper Deck Stateroom. From
• 20 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms • 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass • Panoramic French window, leading to personal deck space • Kimonos and slippers • Spa-branded amenities • Unlimited mineral water • Electric mini safe • Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows • Premium mattresses • Convertible bed configuration • Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift • Make-up mirror • Multi-configuration plugs • Generous closet space and under-bed storage • Hair dryer • Nightly turndown service • 24h laundry service • Complimentary evening canapés

Main Deck Stateroom. From

$3,732 USD pp
Main Deck Stateroom. From
• 20 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms • 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass • Panoramic French window, leading to personal deck space • Kimonos and slippers • Spa-branded amenities • Unlimited mineral water • Electric mini safe • Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows • Premium mattresses • Convertible bed configuration • Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift • Make-up mirror • Multi-configuration plugs • Generous closet space and under-bed storage • Hair dryer • Nightly turndown service • 24h laundry service • Complimentary evening canapés

Upper Deck Stateroom. From

$4,579 USD pp
Upper Deck Stateroom. From
• 20 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms • 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass • Panoramic French window, leading to personal deck space • Kimonos and slippers • Spa-branded amenities • Unlimited mineral water • Electric mini safe • Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows • Premium mattresses • Convertible bed configuration • Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift • Make-up mirror • Multi-configuration plugs • Generous closet space and under-bed storage • Hair dryer • Nightly turndown service • 24h laundry service • Complimentary evening canapés

Main Deck Stateroom. From

$3,732 USD pp
Main Deck Stateroom. From
• 20 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms • 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass • Panoramic French window, leading to personal deck space • Kimonos and slippers • Spa-branded amenities • Unlimited mineral water • Electric mini safe • Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows • Premium mattresses • Convertible bed configuration • Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift • Make-up mirror • Multi-configuration plugs • Generous closet space and under-bed storage • Hair dryer • Nightly turndown service • 24h laundry service • Complimentary evening canapés

Upper Deck Stateroom. From

$4,579 USD pp
Upper Deck Stateroom. From
• 20 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms • 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass • Panoramic French window, leading to personal deck space • Kimonos and slippers • Spa-branded amenities • Unlimited mineral water • Electric mini safe • Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows • Premium mattresses • Convertible bed configuration • Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift • Make-up mirror • Multi-configuration plugs • Generous closet space and under-bed storage • Hair dryer • Nightly turndown service • 24h laundry service • Complimentary evening canapés

Main Deck Stateroom. From

$3,732 USD pp
Main Deck Stateroom. From
• 20 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms • 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass • Panoramic French window, leading to personal deck space • Kimonos and slippers • Spa-branded amenities • Unlimited mineral water • Electric mini safe • Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows • Premium mattresses • Convertible bed configuration • Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift • Make-up mirror • Multi-configuration plugs • Generous closet space and under-bed storage • Hair dryer • Nightly turndown service • 24h laundry service • Complimentary evening canapés

Upper Deck Stateroom. From

$4,579 USD pp
Upper Deck Stateroom. From
• 20 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms • 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass • Panoramic French window, leading to personal deck space • Kimonos and slippers • Spa-branded amenities • Unlimited mineral water • Electric mini safe • Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows • Premium mattresses • Convertible bed configuration • Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift • Make-up mirror • Multi-configuration plugs • Generous closet space and under-bed storage • Hair dryer • Nightly turndown service • 24h laundry service • Complimentary evening canapés

Additional charges:

Port Taxes: 65 USD pp

Vessel Type: River Boat

Length: 167ft / 50.9m

Passenger Capacity: 60

Built: 2012

The third of these rather grand Vietnamese sisters, along with the Orient and Indochina. She is a good looker, and turns many a head as she ploughs in state across the Delta or into the bustling hub of the Phnom Penh port.

ACCOMMODATION

• 20 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms

• 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass

• Panoramic French window, leading to personal deck space

• Kimonos and slippers

• Spa-branded amenities

• Unlimited mineral water

• Electric mini safe

• Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows

• Premium mattresses

• Convertible bed configuration

• Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift

• Make-up mirror

• Multi-configuration plugs

• Generous closet space and under-bed storage

• Hair dryer

• Nightly turndown service

• 24h laundry service

• Complimentary evening canapés

WINING & DINING

• Local master chef heading an experienced international culinary team

• Semi-buffet breakfast, Semi-buffet lunch, and seated theme dinners

• Daily lean & light menu options

• Complimentary local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes

• Extensive wine list with premium wines

• Series of cultural performances, educational talks, cooking classes, and ship tour

• Welcome drink on arrival

• Welcome cocktail

• Farewell reception

• Theme dinners

• Spacious, air-conditioned saloon bar with nightly entertainment

• Sundeck bar with complimentary ice cream from sunrise to sunset

• 24hrs hospitality bar

• Onboard bakery with daily freshly baked breads and rolls

ON EXCURSIONS

• Admissions

• Shoe cleaning after excursions

• Bottled drinking water

• We give away aluminium water bottles

• Cold towel service after excursions

• Refreshing drink following excursions

• Full-size motor coach on all excursions

• Deluxe sampans with cold towel service, fresh fruit, and tea/coffee

• Comfortable "Pandaw Explorer" excursion boat

• 1st aid trained assistant guide to follow all tours and excursions

SAFETY & SECURITY

• All onboard crew is trained and certified as per international marine standards (VIRES)

• Fire alarm system in all cabins, public areas and back areas

• Fire fighting system in all ship areas

• Expert marine superintendant

• 24 hrs watch on duty

• Certified hygiene standards for all areas (Johnson & Diversey)

ONBOARD STAFF

• Captain

• River Pilot

• First Officer

• Chief Engineer

• 1st Engineer

• Electrician

• Bosun & nautical crew

• Ship manager

• Housekeeping

• Dining

• Bar keeper

• Chefs

• Spa therapist

• Local tour guides

PUBLIC SPACES

• Guest relation desk

• Fair-trade shop

• Lecture and meeting room with oversized flat screen TV, LSD projector and sound system

• Art gallery featuring local art and artists

• Library with contemporary and classic literature

• Wireless internet in all public areas

Cabin layout for Bassac Pandaw

Vessel Type: Luxury River Cruising

Length: 60m

Passenger Capacity: 48 pax

Built: 2002 / Refurbished: 2013

Built in Rangoon in 2002 she was sailed round to Saigon under her own power and many a drama described in Paul Strachan’s Pandaw Story. This ship was designed specially for the Mekong and unlike our other P class ships does not have a flying bridge. The reason was so she could get under a road bridge. She did actually scrape under on her maiden but it was so scary that Paul Strachan, then standing on the bridge, never dared attempt it again. As a result, we ended up with this incredible 750 square meter teak deck that even has a full size billiard table.

The MP as she is affectionately known is our most spacious ship with wider promenades, a larger dining hall and more public space per passenger than any known ship afloat. Seriously!

In 2012 she was refitted and lower deck cabins removed in favour of a professional spa, gym, library lounge and office. She is quite justifiably the most splendid ship on the Mekong and the envy of anything that floats by.

ACCOMMODATION

18 upper deck, 6 main deck staterooms - 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass - Panoramic French window, leading to personal deck space - New bathrooms with natural stone shower and branded quality fittings - Kimonos and slippers - Spa-branded amenities - Unlimited mineral water - Electric mini safe - Central AC with individual control - Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows - Premium mattresses - Convertible bed configuration - Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift - Mirror - Multi-configuration plugs - Generous closet space and under-bed storage - Hair dryer - Daily nightly turndown service - 24h laundry service - Complimentary evening canapés

WINING & DINING

Local master chef heading an experienced international culinary team - Semi-buffet breakfast, Semi-buffet lunch, and seated theme dinners - Daily lean & light menu options - Complimentary coffee, water, tea, soft drinks, local beer, local spirits, juices - Extensive wine list with premium wines - Series of cultural performances, educational talks, cooking classes, and ship tour - Welcome drink on arrival - Welcome cocktail - Farewell reception - Theme- and gala dinners - Spacious, air-conditioned saloon bar with nightly entertainment - Sundeck bar with complimentary ice cream from sunrise to sunset - Pool table on sundeck - 24hrs hospitality bar - Onboard bakery with daily freshly baked breads and rolls

ON EXCURSIONS

Admissions - Shoe cleaning after excursions - Bottled drinking water - Cold towel service after excursions - Refreshing drink following excursions - Maximum 24 guests per guide on all excursions - Full-size motor coach on all excursions (maximum of 24 passengers per coach) - Deluxe sampans with cold towel service, fresh fruit, and tea/coffee - Comfortable “Pandaw Explorer” excursion boat - 1st aid trained assistant guide to follow all tours and excursions

SAFETY & SECURITY

All onboard crew is trained and certified as per international marine standards (VIRES) - Fire alarm system in all cabins, public areas and back areas - Fire fighting system in all ship areas - Expert marine superintendant - 24 hrs watch on duty - Certified hygiene standards for all areas (Johnson & Diversey)

ONBOARD STAFF

Captain - First Officer - Chief Engineer - 1st Engineer - Electrician - Bosun & nautical crew - Ship manager - Housekeeping - Dining - Bar keeper - Chefs - Spa therapist - Local tour guides

PUBLIC SPACES

Guest relation desk - Largest public space to passenger ratio of any cruise ship in the world - Shop, supporting fair trade - Lecture and meeting room with oversized flat screen TV, LSD projector and sound system - Art gallery featuring local art and artists - Library with contemporary and classic literature - Wireless internet in all public areas.

Cabin layout for Mekong Pandaw

Optional tours and excursions available. Please contact us for more details.

Inclusions


• Voyage on board in selected cabin categoryWelcome cocktail party
• Signature hors d’oeuvres at cocktails each evening
• Afternoon tea with cakes or cookies when cruising
• Celebration cake and gift on birthdays and anniversaries
• Cookery demonstrations and classes using local produce
• All scheduled excursions
• At least two cultural performances per cruise
• Tour of the engine rooms, galley and working parts of the ship
• Film presentations on local culture and history
• Local mineral water
• Cold towels on deck all day
• Jugged coffee, tea and tisanes on deck from sunrise till sunset
• Crew gratuities are included in your cruise program price

Exclusions


• International and domestic flights
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs
• Port taxes where applicable
• Gratuities for land guides/drivers
• Spa service including foot, head and body massages (Mekong only)
• Personal laundry service
• Local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes are all complimentary. All other drinks will be charged.
8 Days from
$3,732 USD pp

or call us on

NZ Freephone
0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

to help you make your reservation

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