Asia, Southeast Asia

Saigon & Phnom Penh Short River Cruise

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There can be no tapestry of river life as fascinating and varied as the Mekong River bringing together bustling Vietnam Delta and the tranquility of Cambodia. This three to four night cruise departs from downtown Saigon sailing through the vast delta so rich in human life and endeavor, to travel along the main channel into the rich countryside of Cambodia ending in the country's capital of Phnom Penh.

Highlights

• Fruit Orchards of Ben Tre: Journey through mangroves and bamboo forests by sampans to reach the fruit orchards of Ben Tre. Explore the area rich in birdlife and enjoy a slow rowboat ride through bamboo covered canals. Visit a village specializing in local products and be entertained by a Vietnamese dance troupe in the evening.

• Con Phuoc Island: Discover Con Phuoc Island as you sail through the delta. Visit local craftspeople who weave bamboo baskets in the traditional way and try your hand at making your own. Take a tuk-tuk ride through the peaceful village, stopping at a 100-year-old church and interacting with the friendly local community.

• Chau Doc and Vietnam/Cambodia Border: Explore the picturesque border town of Chau Doc. Visit floating fish farms by sampan and observe the lives of Vietnamese Muslims in Chham Village. Take a short drive to Sam Mountain, where you can climb 400 steps to visit the Hang Pagoda. Return to the ship and navigate canals before anchoring at the Vietnam/Cambodia border for immigration formalities. Alternatively, during high water periods, visit Long Thuan village.

1 - From Saigon To The Delta

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.

2 - Ben Tre And The Fertile Waterways

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.

3 - Chau Doc And Into Cambodia

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.

4 - Phnom Penh Disembarkation

After breakfast, disembark your Pandaw in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh.

Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

03 November, 2026 to 07 November, 2026(reverse)
Mekong Pandaw

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Main Deck Twin Single Use

$4,552 AUD pp

Main Deck Twin Single Use

Main Deck Twin Sharing

$4,552 AUD pp

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 Single Use

$5,585 AUD pp

Upper Deck Twin Single Use

Upper Deck Twin Sharing

$5,585 AUD pp

Additional charges:

Port Taxes and Fees: $35 USD

Mekong Pandaw

Vessel Type: Luxury River Cruising

Length: 60m

Passenger Capacity: 48 pax

Built: 2002 / Refurbished: 2013

The RV Mekong Pandaw, affectionately known as the MP, is the most spacious ship in the Pandaw fleet and a true icon of river cruising. Purpose-built for the Mekong, she boasts generous promenades, an expansive dining hall, and an impressive 750-square-metre teak deck complete with a full-size billiard table. With 24 beautifully appointed staterooms featuring panoramic French windows, imported linens, and thoughtful touches such as Nespresso machines, complimentary minibars, and spa-branded amenities, she offers unmatched comfort and elegance on the river. Guests also enjoy yoga mats in every cabin, evening canapés, and attentive service including daily turndown and 24-hour laundry.

Onboard, the experience is enriched by exceptional dining led by a local master chef, with semi-buffet breakfasts and lunches, themed seated dinners, and a wide selection of fine wines. A welcoming atmosphere is complemented by cultural performances, cooking classes, and fascinating talks, while the saloon and sundeck bars provide social spaces with complimentary treats and nightly entertainment. Excursions are thoughtfully organised with deluxe sampans, comfort services, and expert local guides, while safety and service standards remain uncompromisingly high. With its refined facilities including a spa, gym, library, and art gallery, the Mekong Pandaw is quite justifiably regarded as the most splendid ship on the Mekong.

Land Extensions

Singles welcome! No Single Supplement.

Inclusions

• Welcome 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
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• Transfers between the meeting point and the ship in Siem Reap.

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.
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• Port dues
• No transfers in Phnom Penh, ship docks in city center at Sisowath Quay