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.
Check-in to your Pandaw expedition at 11:00am and meet your crew before enjoying lunch onboard. 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.
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Port Charges. From: $35 USD
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.
Optional tours and excursions available. Please contact us for more details.