VPT

 MEKONG RIVER CRUISES - THE PANDAW
Cruise route (upstream): Saigon - Phnompenh - Siemreap
8Days 7Nights

Mekong river cruises - Saigon - Phnompenh -Siemreap with Pandaw

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.

Pandaw at Mekong river Vietnam

DAY 1 SAIGON - MY THO - BEN TRE

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.

DAY 2 GAO GIONG

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.

DAY 3 CHAU DOC - VIETNAM/CAMBODIA BORDER

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.

DAY 4 PHNOM PENH

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.

DAY 5 KAMPONG TRALACH

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.

DAY 6 OUDONG - SILK ISLAND

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.

DAY 7 WAT HANCHEY & ANGKOR BAN VILLAGE VISIT

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.

DAY 8 SIEM REAP

Disembark and travel by coach from Kampong Cham through stunningly lovely countryside to reach Siem Reap, adjacent to Angkor Wat.

Beautiful landscape en route

WHATS INCLUDED

Cruise Price Includes: Entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes. Transfers between the meeting point and the ship at the start and end of a voyage.

Cruise Price Excludes: International flights, port dues (if levied), laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions), all beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes and tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.

TRANSFERS & JOINING

DAY 1 SAIGON - MY THO - BEN TRE

Transfer from your hotel in Saigon to the port of My Tho by small group transfer to embark cruise.

Pick up will be between 10:30am and 11:00am. Our representative will call you on the evening before or leave a message with the hotel to reconfirm the exact pick-up time.

Please note transfers are only available for central Saigon hotels and surcharges will apply for private transfers or transfers from hotels outside of District 1 and District 3.

DAY 8 SIEM REAP

 Early morning coach transfer to the FCC Angkor by Avani hotel in Siem Reap, arriving mid-afternoon (approx. 13.30). Transfer by coach from Kampong Cham to Siem Reap takes approx 4 hours.