Classic Mekong River Cruise - Upstream

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 local entertainment on the deck as we sail toward the Mekong Delta. We moor overnight on the Vam Co River.

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 and journey by sampans through mangroves and bamboo forests to the fruit orchards abundant in the area. This is a fertile farming region with half of Vietnam's rice production coming from the Mekong Delta. It also hosts a rich artisanal culture which we will witness at a local village specialising in handicrafts. Back aboard we sail deeper into the delta toward Chau Doc.

In the morning, we take minivans for a short drive to Sam Mountain, the location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda. After climbing the steps we are greeted with stunning views across the Mekong. For those not keen on the stairs, explore the local market instead. Afterwards, we visit the nearby floating fish farms by Sampan before being treated to a private Lion dance performance at a local Village. Upon return to the ship, we navigate a web of canals before dropping anchor on the Vietnam/Cambodia border to undergo Immigration formalities.

Note: During high water periods in October and November, navigation into Chau Doc may be hampered by low bridges meaning today's excursion will be replaced with a local village visit at Long Thuan.

Morning orientation of Phnom Penh by cyclo visiting the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda followed by the National Museum with its marvellous collection of Angkorian statuary. In the afternoon we visit the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum to learn more about the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. We dock overnight in Phnom Penh city port with its lively bars, restaurants and nightlife. Feel free to explore the city before returning to your hotel on the water.

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 in rural Cambodia. In the evening cocktails are served around a fire pit at a small fishing village where we will be joined by village folk keen to share tales and show us their traditional dancing.

In the morning, travel by coach to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong where we visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre. Walk around the vast complex with it's impressive Khmer architecture and experience a short meditation class to quieten your mind. We re-join our ship at Prek Kdam before sailing back onto the Mekong proper during lunch. This afternoon we step ashore at Pak Russei, a small and remote village on the banks of the Mekong. We will explore on foot and visit local craftspeople weaving silk and producing handmade noodles. Before returning to the ship, we learn about the ancient art of Bokator, a traditional form of martial art with a private performance in the village.

Enjoy morning Tai Chi or just a coffee on deck as we take a sunrise cruise to Peam Chi Korng, an untouched gem that is a hub of pottery in Cambodia. After a short tuk tuk ride from the banks of the Mekong, we witness the local potters in action before continuing to explore the village and local fresh market where you can test your language skills. In the afternoon we continue sailing along the mighty Mekong to Steung Trang, our final destination before your crew provides some final evening entertainment and a sumptuous farewell dinner is prepared by your kitchen team.

Disembark after breakfast and travel by coach from Steung Trang through stunningly lovely countryside to reach Siem Reap. Arrival into Siem Reap betweeen 12 - 1pm at the FCC Angkor Hotel, located next to the Royal Palace.

Itineraries are subject to change.

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

Vessel Type: Luxury River Cruising

Passenger Capacity: 60 passengers

Length: 170.27ft / 51.90m

Built: 2009

ACCOMMODATION

20 upper deck, 10 main deck staterooms - 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass - Unlimited mineral water - Central AC with individual control - Premium mattresses - 24h laundry service

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 - 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 - 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

ONBOARD STAFF

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

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.