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Bassac Pandaw

A luxurious, colonial-styled, three-deck riverboat cruising the Mekong through Vietnam & Cambodia.

Overview

A replica of a colonial-era vessel dating from 1865, the majestic 167ft Bassac Pandaw is a luxurious three-deck riverboat. She accommodates up to 60 guests for cruises through the slow, swirling waters of the Mekong, exploring Vietnam and Cambodia’s finest scenery and peaceful beauty, ancient temples and bustling capitals, in comfort and style complemented by exceptional service.

Life On Board

Accommodation comprises 20 staterooms on the upper deck and 10 on the main deck. Each measures 170 square feet, and all have air-conditioning, french windows, and twin beds, some of which can be set up as a double. Bathrooms have good showers, with bathrobes, hair dryers, and slippers provided. Cabins also have desks and safes. You can look forward to fruit and flowers on arrival, kimonos and slippers, spa-branded amenities, unlimited mineral water, free use of a mini-DVD-player on request and a selection of DVDs from the library.

Most of your on-board leisure time will be spent on the aft of the covered upper deck and the sun deck. Here you can relax on a teak lounger and take in the sights going by; local families in their traditional floating homes will often stop what they are doing to wave as you drift past, giving you a glimpse into their water-based way of life. Local entertainment is offered, such as folkloric dancing and puppet shows.

Be sure to take advantage of the open-bridge policy; this is the captain’s deck where the weather and charts are studied, where plans for the journey are decided and where the magic happens. Wi-Fi is slow because of the remote regions traveled. However, some riverside ports in the cruise itinerary feature Internet shops. Bassac Pandaw’s guides give briefings at cocktail hour every night, and accompany all excursions, which are daily and free.

Dining is a relaxed and casual experience with meals served in the air-conditioned main deck restaurant, complemented by panoramic views. Breakfast is buffet style but preceded by coffee, tea and light bites on the sun deck for early risers. Lunch is served either buffet style or standard sit-down, while the four-course dinners feature waiter-service at the table, with a great choice of local cuisine and international favorites. Produce is fresh, regional and seasonal. There is also an extensive wine list with premium wines. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, ice cream, beer and domestic spirits are complimentary and served at the main bar/library lounge on the upper deck.

Life On The Mekong

Explore the vibrant French colonial port of Saigon. Witness the tastes and sounds of a floating market at dawn in the Mekong Delta region of South Vietnam. Cruise into the bustling hub of the Phnom Penh port in Cambodia. Soak up the classic beauty of old colonial buildings or explore the fascinating culture and history of Cambodia in the breath-taking ancient temples of Angkor.

There is no tapestry of river life as fascinating and varied as the Mekong. Discover it all aboard RV Bassac Pandaw on a choice of three itineraries—each sailable either upstream or downstream—and gain insight into the heart and soul of Vietnam and Cambodia.

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

1 / 6
4-Day DOWN
4-Day UP
5-Day DOWN
5-Day UP
8-Day DOWN
8-Day UP

4 Day - Siem Reap-Phnom Penh

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: Morning transfer by coach from the FCC Angkor by Avani hotel to your Pandaw moored at Kampong Cham. The transfer will depart at 10:00. and takes approx. 4 hours.

PM: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong and meet your crew for the next 3 nights.

Bassac Pandaw - Siem Reap-Phnom Penh-1
Location
Siem Reap - Kampong Cham
Day
1 / 4

Angkor Ban Village Walks - Silk Island

AM: In the morning we visit Angkor Ban and a local Cambodian school where the local library was built with the support of Pandaw and our guests. Guests are encouraged to bring books to donate to the library for children to read.

PM: After lunch, we study the entire silk-making process from worms to weavers as we visit 'Silk Island'. After learning about the silk process there will be a demonstration of the ancient Khmer martial art of Bokator.


Bassac Pandaw - Siem Reap-Phnom Penh-2
Location
Tonle Sap River
Day
2 / 4

Oudong - Kampong Tralach

AM: 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 city. Rejoin your ship in Kampong Tralach for lunch aboard.

PM: In the afternoon we travel by ox-cart around the river-side villages, markets, and temples. In the evening cocktails are around a village fire pit where we will be joined by village folk keen to show us their traditional dancing and more of the delightful Khmer culture.

Bassac Pandaw - Siem Reap-Phnom Penh-3
Location
Tonle River
Day
3 / 4

Disembarkation

AM: After breakfast, disembark your Pandaw Expedition in Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh.

Bassac Pandaw - Siem Reap-Phnom Penh-4
Location
Phnom Penh
Day
4 / 4
1 / 4

4 Day - Short Cruise : Saigon to Phnom Penh

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: Transfer from your hotel in Saigon to the port of My Tho by small group transfer to embark cruise. Pick-up will be between 09:30 am and 11:00 am. Our representative will call you on the evening before or leave a message with the hotel to reconfirm the exact pick-up time.

PM: 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 specializing in making local products. In the evening you will be entertained by a Vietnamese dance troupe on deck.

Bassac Pandaw - Short Cruise : Saigon to Phnom Penh-1
Location
Saigon
Day
1 / 4

Gao Giong

AM: Sailing through the delta offers a real insight into life along this vast waterway.

PM: 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.

Bassac Pandaw - Short Cruise : Saigon to Phnom Penh-2
Location
Gao Giong
Day
2 / 4

Chau Doc - Vietnam/Cambodia Border

AM: We go alongside the picturesque border town of Chau Doc where we visit the floating markets & 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, the location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda. We climb the 400 steps to the top to visit the pagoda.

PM: Upon return to the ship, we navigate a web of canals before dropping anchor on the Vietnam/Cambodia border to undergo Immigration formalities.

Bassac Pandaw - Short Cruise : Saigon to Phnom Penh-3
Location
Chau Doc
Day
3 / 4

Disembarkation

AM: After breakfast, disembark your Pandaw Expedition in Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh.

Bassac Pandaw - Short Cruise : Saigon to Phnom Penh-4
Location
Phnom Penh
Day
4 / 4
1 / 4

5 Day - Short Cruise : Phnom Penh to Saigon

itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: Passengers can embark on the ship between 12.30 and 13.30 as passports are needed for formalities. Rest of day at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh city port with its lively bars, restaurants, and nightlife.

Bassac Pandaw - Short Cruise : Phnom Penh to Saigon-1
Location
Phnom Penh
Day
1 / 5

Vietnam/Cambodia Border - Chau Doc

AM: We up anchor early morning and cruise downstream along the Mekong River to the Vietnam border with Vietnam for immigration formalities. We go alongside the picturesque border town of Chau Doc where we visit the floating markets & fish farms by sampan.

PM: 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, the location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda. We climb the 400 steps to the top to visit the pagoda.

Bassac Pandaw - Short Cruise : Phnom Penh to Saigon-2
Location
Chau Doc
Day
2 / 5

Gao Giong

AM: Sailing through the delta offers a real insight into life along this vast waterway.

PM: 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.

Bassac Pandaw - Short Cruise : Phnom Penh to Saigon-3
Location
Gao Giong
Day
3 / 5

Ben Tre

AM: Morning sail across the heart of the delta.

PM: 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 specializing in making local products. In the evening you will be entertained by a Vietnamese dance troupe on deck.

Bassac Pandaw - Short Cruise : Phnom Penh to Saigon-4
Location
Ben Tre
Day
4 / 5

Disembarkation

AM: Morning disembarkation and travel by coach from My Tho to your hotel in Saigon, arriving around 10.30am.

Bassac Pandaw - Short Cruise : Phnom Penh to Saigon-5
Location
Saigon
Day
5 / 5
1 / 5

5 Day - Phnom Penh-Siem Reap

itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: Passengers can embark on the ship between 12.30 and 13.30. Rest of day at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh city port with its lively bars, restaurants, and night life.

Bassac Pandaw - Phnom Penh-Siem Reap-1
Location
Phnom Penh
Day
1 / 5

Kampong Tralach

AM: Morning at leisure in Phnom Penh with its café life and many smart boutiques.

PM: 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 around a village fire pit where we will be joined by village folk keen to show us their traditional dancing and show us more of the delightful Khmer culture.

Bassac Pandaw - Phnom Penh-Siem Reap-2
Location
Tonle River
Day
2 / 5

Oudong - Silk Island

AM: 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.

PM: 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 center 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 is believed to date back to the Angkor empire.

Bassac Pandaw - Phnom Penh-Siem Reap-3
Location
Tonle River
Day
3 / 5

Wat Hanchey - Angkor Ban Village Visit

AM: 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.

PM: In the afternoon we sail north to Wat Hanchey, an important center 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.


Bassac Pandaw - Phnom Penh-Siem Reap-4
Location
Tonle Sap River
Day
4 / 5

Disembarkation

AM: Disembark and travel by coach from Kampong Cham through stunningly lovely countryside to reach Siem Reap, adjacent to Angkor Wat. Arriving mid-afternoon (approx. 13.30). Transfer by coach from Kampong Cham to Siem Reap takes approx 4 hours.

Bassac Pandaw - Phnom Penh-Siem Reap-5
Location
Siem Reap
Day
5 / 5
1 / 5

8 Day - Classic Mekong : Siem Reap-Saigon

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: Morning pick up from your hotel in Siem Reap to travel through the local countryside, skirting the Tonle Sap Lake, before arriving in Kampong Cham to embark on your Pandaw vessel and the commencement of your adventure.

Note :

Morning transfer by coach from the FCC Angkor by Avani hotel to your Pandaw moored at Kampong Cham. The transfer will depart at 10:00. and takes approx. 4 hours.

Bassac Pandaw - Classic Mekong : Siem Reap-Saigon-1
Location
Siem Reap - Kampong Cham
Day
1 / 8

Angkor Ban Village Walks - Silk Island

AM: In the morning we visit Angkor Ban and a local Cambodian school where the local library was built with the support of Pandaw and our guests. Guests are encouraged to bring books to donate to the library for children to read.

PM: After lunch, we study the entire silk-making process from worms to weavers as we visit 'Silk Island'. After learning about the silk process there will be a demonstration of the ancient Khmer martial art of Bokator.

Bassac Pandaw - Classic Mekong : Siem Reap-Saigon-2
Location
Tonle Sap River
Day
2 / 8

Oudong - Kampong Tralach

AM: 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 city. Rejoin your ship in Kampong Tralach for lunch aboard.

PM: In the afternoon we travel by ox-cart around the river-side villages, markets, and temples. In the evening cocktails are around a village fire pit where we will be joined by village folk keen to show us their traditional dancing and more of the delightful Khmer culture.

Bassac Pandaw - Classic Mekong : Siem Reap-Saigon-3
Location
Tonle River
Day
3 / 8

Phnom Penh

AM: 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.

PM: 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 nightlife.

Bassac Pandaw - Classic Mekong : Siem Reap-Saigon-4
Location
Tonle River
Day
4 / 8

Cambodia/Vietnam Border-Chau Doc

AM: We up anchor early morning and cruise downstream along the Mekong River to the Vietnam border with Vietnam for immigration formalities. We go alongside the picturesque border town of Chau Doc where we visit the floating markets & fish farms by sampan.

PM: 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, the location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda. We climb the 400 steps to the top to visit the pagoda.

Bassac Pandaw - Classic Mekong : Siem Reap-Saigon-5
Location
Mekong River
Day
5 / 8

Gao Giong

AM: Sailing through the delta offers a real insight into life along this vast waterway.

PM: 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.


Bassac Pandaw - Classic Mekong : Siem Reap-Saigon-6
Location
Mekong River
Day
6 / 8

Ben Tre

PM: 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 specializing in making local products. In the evening you will be entertained by a Vietnamese dance troupe on deck.

Bassac Pandaw - Classic Mekong : Siem Reap-Saigon-7
Location
Mekong River
Day
7 / 8

Disembarkation

AM: We disembark our Pandaw Boat and travel by coach from My Tho City through the countryside to your hotel in Saigon.

Bassac Pandaw - Classic Mekong : Siem Reap-Saigon-8
Location
My Tho-Saigon
Day
8 / 8
1 / 8

8 Day - Classic Mekong : Saigon-Siem Reap

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: Pick up from your city hotel or airport for the road trip from Saigon to My Tho City on the mighty Mekong River to embark on your Pandaw Vessel and the commencement of your adventure.

PM: After lunch, we travel 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 specializing in coconut candy & rice wine. Here you can view the process of manufacturing these specialties and try them for yourself including the local "Moonshine." In the evening you will be entertained by a Vietnamese Cultural Group highlighting “Life on the Mekong Delta”.

Note :

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

Pick-up will be between 09:30 am and 11:00 am. Our representative will call you on the evening before or leave a message with the hotel to reconfirm the exact pick-up time.

Bassac Pandaw - Classic Mekong : Saigon-Siem Reap-1
Location
Saigon-My Tho
Day
1 / 8

Gao Giong

AM: A morning of sailing through the delta provides an insight into life along this mighty waterway.

PM: 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.

Bassac Pandaw - Classic Mekong : Saigon-Siem Reap-2
Location
Mekong River
Day
2 / 8

Chau Doc, Sam Mountain & Vietnam/Cambodia Border

AM: Our boat docks alongside the picturesque border town of Chau Doc where we visit the famous floating markets & fish farms by Sampan. We make a stop at a local Chham Village and observe the lives of these local Vietnamese Muslims before boarding minivans for a short drive to Sam Mountain, the location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda. We climb the 400 steps to the top to visit the pagoda, proclaimed an 'official historic monument' on 10th July 1980 by the Ministry of Culture and Information of Vietnam.

PM: Upon return to our boat, we cruise the local canals before dropping anchor on the Vietnam/Cambodia Border to undergo Immigration Formalities.

Bassac Pandaw - Classic Mekong : Saigon-Siem Reap-3
Location
Mekong River
Day
3 / 8

Phnom Penh

AM: We dock in the Cambodian Capital of Phnom Penh where we will partake in a morning orientation of the city by cyclo, visiting the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda followed by the National Museum with its marvelous collection of Angkorian statuary.

PM: In the afternoon, we visit the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to learn about the tragic history of the area and the local people. Optional half-day and full-day tours are available during our stay in Phnom Penh at extra cost. Please contact us in advance or see your in-cabin information manual for further details. Overnight in Phnom Penh city port with its lively bars, restaurants, and nightlife.

Bassac Pandaw - Classic Mekong : Saigon-Siem Reap-4
Location
Mekong River
Day
4 / 8

Kampong Tralach

AM: Morning at leisure in Phnom Penh with its café life and many smart boutiques.

PM: 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 around a village fire pit where we will be joined by village folk keen to show us their traditional dancing and show us more of the delightful Khmer culture.

Bassac Pandaw - Classic Mekong : Saigon-Siem Reap-5
Location
Mekong River
Day
5 / 8

Oudong - Silk Island

AM: 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.

PM: 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 center 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 is believed to date back to the Angkor empire.

Bassac Pandaw - Classic Mekong : Saigon-Siem Reap-6
Location
Tonle River
Day
6 / 8

Wat Hanchey - Angkor Ban Village Visit

AM: 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.

PM: In the afternoon we sail north to Wat Hanchey, an important center 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.

Bassac Pandaw - Classic Mekong : Saigon-Siem Reap-7
Location
Tonle Sap River
Day
7 / 8

Disembarkation

AM: We disembark our Pandaw Boat and travel by coach from Kampong Cham through the countryside before arriving in the historical town of Siem Reap, home to the famous Angkor Wat.

Note :

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.

Bassac Pandaw - Classic Mekong : Saigon-Siem Reap-8
Location
Kampong Cham-Siem Reap
Day
8 / 8
1 / 8

Accommodations

Social Areas

Living Room
Terrace
Buffet
Recreation Area
Dining
Restaurant
Massage Room
Foredeck

Suites & Cabins

Bassac Pandaw - Main Deck - 1 Bassac Pandaw - Main Deck - 2
10 Cabins

Main Deck

Guests
2
Size
16 m² / 170 ft²
Beds
Double / Twin

Enjoy a peaceful night's sleep in these air-conditioned rooms that come with imported quality linens. The rooms are designed to ensure maximum guest comfort with multi-configuration plugs for all your gadgets, a spacious closet, storage under the bed, and kimonos and slippers.

Bassac Pandaw - Upper Deck - 1 Bassac Pandaw - Upper Deck - 2
20 Cabins

Upper Deck

Guests
2
Size
16 m² / 170 ft²
Beds
Double / Twin

These suites feature a panoramic French window that leads to a private deck space giving guests breathtaking scenery. The private bathrooms come with a natural stone shower, spa-branded amenities, and a hairdryer. The room also has a spacious closet and an electric safe.

Technical Information

Deck Plan

Features

  • Air conditioning
  • Excercise room
  • Massage room
  • Lecture room
  • WIFI available
  • Kosher Meals
  • Medical staff
  • Souvenir shop
  • Hot showers
  • All inclusive
  • Charging areas for electronic equipment

Equipment

  • Bicycles
  • Yoga mats
  • Flash lights
  • Water canteen/bottle
  • Insect repellent
** Use of certain equipment at additional cost, ask for details
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