Mekong River Expedition: Siem Reap to Saigon on Pandaw Cruise

The journey begins with a five-hour road transfer from Siem Reap, bringing guests to the riverside town of Steung Treng (also known as Steung Trang). Upon arrival, you will board the Pandaw cruise ship and proceed with check-in to your allocated cabin. The afternoon allows for a relaxed start as the vessel begins its gentle navigation along the Mekong River.

As evening approaches, guests can enjoy a scenic sunset cruise, providing a beautiful introduction to the river landscape. A welcome dinner will be served onboard, offering an opportunity to meet the dedicated crew who will be assisting guests for the duration of the 7-night voyage.

The morning commences with an optional Tai Chi session on deck or a leisurely coffee as the ship sails towards Peam Chi Korng. This location is renowned for its traditional pottery. After disembarking, a short tuk-tuk ride will take you to local workshops where artisans demonstrate their craft. You will have time to explore the village and its vibrant fresh market.

In the afternoon, the cruise continues to Pak Russei, a tranquil riverside village. Here, guests can take a walking tour to observe daily life, including visits to families engaged in silk weaving and handmade noodle production. Before returning to the ship, a private performance of Bokator, an ancient Cambodian martial art, will be presented.

Today's itinerary features a coach excursion to Oudong, Cambodia's former capital. En route, a stop is made at the serene Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre, offering a moment of quiet reflection. The scenic drive continues through the city, allowing guests to absorb its historical ambiance before rejoining the ship at Kampong Tralach for an onboard lunch.

The afternoon invites guests to delve into local culture by exploring riverside villages, bustling markets, and ancient temples via an ox-cart ride. This traditional mode of transport provides a distinctive perspective on the daily routines and traditions of the communities along the riverbanks. As evening falls, cocktails will be served around a fire pit in a small fishing village, where locals share stories and perform traditional dances.

The morning begins with a guided orientation of Phnom Penh, conducted via a traditional cyclo. Guests will visit significant historical sites, including the majestic Royal Palace and the exquisite Silver Pagoda, admiring their architectural grandeur. The cultural exploration continues at the National Museum, home to a remarkable collection of Angkorian statuary that illuminates Cambodia's rich heritage.

In the afternoon, the focus shifts to Cambodia's poignant history with visits to the Killing Fields and the Genocide Museum. These sites offer a profound understanding of the Khmer Rouge regime's brutal impact and serve as a somber reminder of the resilience of the Cambodian people. The ship remains docked overnight at Phnom Penh city port, allowing guests to experience the city's lively bars, restaurants, and nightlife.

Today, the vessel departs early, continuing its downstream journey along the Mekong River towards the Vietnam border. Immigration procedures will be handled efficiently as the ship transitions between countries. Following this, the cruise proceeds to Chau Doc, a vibrant town in Vietnam.

Upon arrival in Chau Doc, guests have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing stroll along the riverside, soaking in the local atmosphere. Dinner will be served onboard, concluding a day of river cruising and cross-border travel.

The morning begins with a minivan excursion to Sam Mountain, home to the Phuoc Dien Tu (Hang Pagoda). Guests can choose to ascend 400 steps for expansive views across the Mekong Delta or explore the local market below. This is followed by a sampan visit to nearby floating fish farms, offering insights into local aquaculture. A private lion dance performance in a local village adds a cultural highlight to the morning.

After lunch served onboard, the cruise ventures deeper into the Mekong Delta. The afternoon is dedicated to relaxation and enjoying the onboard entertainment provided by the crew as the ship navigates the fertile waterways. Note: During high water periods in October and November, navigation into Chau Doc may be impacted by low bridges. In such cases, the excursion will be replaced with a visit to a local village in Long Thuan.

Today's morning activity involves exploring Ben Tre by sampan. Guests will glide through dense mangroves and bamboo forests, eventually reaching the region’s lush fruit orchards. Ben Tre is renowned as one of the most fertile areas of the Mekong Delta and is rich in artisanal traditions, which will be discovered during a visit to a local handicraft village.

Following the excursion, guests return to the ship for lunch as the cruise proceeds through the historic Cho Gao Canal towards Saigon. Constructed in 1876 during the French colonial era, this vital waterway provides a fascinating glimpse into the daily life unfolding along its banks. As evening descends, the ship sails into central Saigon, offering impressive views of the city's skyline during dinner onboard.

After breakfast is served, guests will complete the check-out process from their cabins and disembark the ship. This marks the conclusion of the cruise journey. A transfer service will then take guests back to their hotel in Saigon. Guests are kindly reminded to bid farewell to the crew.

Please note that the included transfer service is specifically for hotels located in central Saigon, typically District 1 and District 3. Additional charges may apply for private transfers or for accommodations situated outside these designated central areas.