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Classic Mekong River Cruise – Downstream

Classic Mekong River Cruise – Downstream

From USD $2,559

Description

New for 2024, Pandaw’s Classic Mekong expedition will be sailing from central Saigon. Embarking or disembarking in Vietnam’s bustling metropolis our 7-night expedition takes intrepid travellers along the mighty Mekong River through the vast delta so rich in human life and endeavour, to the serene countryside of Cambodia.
There can be no tapestry of river life as fascinating and varied as the River Mekong and our specially designed expedition ships are the perfect hosts to explore this delightful region in comfort and style and experience truly authentic culture, people and adventures as we sail off-the-beaten-track in keeping with the Pandaw spirit.
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.

Trip Name
Classic Mekong River Cruise - Downstream
Days
8
Overview
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

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 SIEM REAP TO THE MEKONG
Travel by coach from Siem Reap to the riverside town of Steung Trang for embarkation. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong and meet your crew for the next 7 nights before your welcome dinner is served.
Day 2 - DAY 2 PEAM CHI KORNG AND PAK RUSSEI CRAFTS
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. 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.
Day 3 - DAY 3 LIFE ON THE TONLE SAP RIVER
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. Rejoin your ship in Kampong Tralach for lunch abaord. In the afternoon 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.
Day 4 - 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. 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.
Day 5 - DAY 5 INTO VIETNAM
We up anchor early in the morning and cruise downstream along the Mekong River to the Vietnam border for immigration formalities. The ship sails toward Chau Doc where we talk an evening stroll along the river before dinner aboard.
Day 6 - DAY 6 CHAU DOC AND THE FERTILE WATERWAYS
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. After lunch aboard we continue sailing into the heart of the Mekong delta and enjoy on-deck entertainment from your crew.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.
Day 7 - DAY 7 BEN TRE AND SAILING INTO SAIGON
In the morning, we journey by sampans through mangroves and bamboo forests to the fruit orchards of Ben Tre. 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. After returning to the ship enjoy lunch onboard as we sail through the Cho Gao Canal toward Saigon. The Cho Gao Canal is 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. In the evening we sail into central Saigon and enjoy the stunning skyline over dinner.
Day 8 - DAY 8 SAIGON DISEMBARKATION
Disembark in central Saigon after breakfast for your onward travels.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
26-10-202402-11-2024USD $3,732Main Deck Stateroom. From
26-10-202402-11-2024USD $4,579Upper Deck Stateroom. From
17-11-202424-11-2024USD $3,732Main Deck Stateroom. From
17-11-202424-11-2024USD $4,579Upper Deck Stateroom. From
12-01-202519-01-2025USD $3,732Main Deck Stateroom. From
12-01-202519-01-2025USD $4,579Upper Deck Stateroom. From
26-01-202502-02-2025USD $3,919Main Deck Stateroom. From
26-01-202502-02-2025USD $4,899Upper Deck Stateroom. From
11-02-202518-02-2025USD $3,732Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
11-02-202518-02-2025USD $4,579Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
23-02-202502-03-2025USD $3,732Main Deck Stateroom. From
23-02-202502-03-2025USD $4,579Upper Deck Stateroom. From
25-02-202504-03-2025USD $3,732Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
25-02-202504-03-2025USD $4,579Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
11-03-202518-03-2025USD $3,732Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
11-03-202518-03-2025USD $4,579Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
23-03-202530-03-2025USD $3,732Main Deck Stateroom. From
23-03-202530-03-2025USD $4,579Upper Deck Stateroom. From
25-03-202501-04-2025USD $3,732Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
25-03-202501-04-2025USD $4,579Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
26-10-202502-11-2025USD $3,919Main Deck Stateroom. From
26-10-202502-11-2025USD $4,899Upper Deck Stateroom. From
09-11-202516-11-2025USD $3,919Main Deck Stateroom. From
09-11-202516-11-2025USD $4,899Upper Deck Stateroom. From
15-11-202522-11-2025USD $3,919Main Deck Stateroom. From
15-11-202522-11-2025USD $4,899Upper Deck Stateroom. From
23-11-202530-11-2025USD $3,919Main Deck Stateroom. From
23-11-202530-11-2025USD $4,899Upper Deck Stateroom. From
18-01-202625-01-2026USD $2,559Main Deck Stateroom. From
18-01-202625-01-2026USD $3,140Upper Deck Stateroom. From
01-02-202608-02-2026USD $2,559Main Deck Stateroom. From
01-02-202608-02-2026USD $3,140Upper Deck Stateroom. From
15-02-202622-02-2026USD $2,559Main Deck Stateroom. From
15-02-202622-02-2026USD $3,140Upper Deck Stateroom. From
01-03-202608-03-2026USD $2,559Main Deck Stateroom. From
01-03-202608-03-2026USD $3,140Upper Deck Stateroom. From
15-03-202622-03-2026USD $2,559Main Deck Stateroom. From
15-03-202622-03-2026USD $3,140Upper Deck Stateroom. From

Inclusions

    • Mekong Sunset Cruise: Kick off your adventure with a serene sunset cruise along the Mekong River, meeting your crew for the journey ahead.
    • Angkor Ban Village & Silk Island: Explore Angkor Ban village and its local school, followed by an intriguing tour of Silk Island, including a demonstration of the ancient Khmer martial art of Bokator.
    • Phnom Penh Cultural Tour: Immerse yourself in Phnom Penh's rich culture and history with visits to iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, alongside poignant stops at the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum.

Map