Mekong Pandaw

Deals

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.

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.

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.

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

AM: Transfer from Saigon to the river port for embarkation.

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

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

PM: After lunch, we pass through a small canal and head ashore to Con Phuoc Island where we visit local craftspeople weaving bamboo baskets the traditional way. After a demonstration, we try our hand at making our own. We then take a local tuk tuk for a drive through this peaceful village, stopping at a 100-year-old church and meeting more of the friendly local community. After onboard lunch, the ship sails to Tan Chau for overnight.

AM: In the morning, 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. Then 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. Lion dance is presented at the Cham Village.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PM: Check-in to your cruise at 11:00am and enjoy lunch onboard. 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.

Please note: Your cabin may not be available until early afternoon.

AM & PM: We up anchor early in the morning and cruise downstream along the Mekong River to the Vietnam border for immigration formalities. The ship sails to Chau Doc then. Evening lion dance takes place onboard.

AM: In the morning, 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. Then 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.

PM: After onboard lunch, the ship sails to Con Phuoc for the shore excursion. We pass through a small canal and head ashore to Con Phuoc Island where we visit local craftspeople weaving bamboo baskets the traditional way. After a demonstration, we try our hand at making our own. We then take a local tuk tuk for a drive through this peaceful village, stopping at a 100 year old church and meeting more of the friendly local community. Ship sails to Sa Dec for an overnight.

AM: Ship sails to Ben Tre for a shore excursion. 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.

PM: Ship sails and docks in My Tho pier. In the evening you will be entertained by a Vietnamese dance troupe on deck.

AM: Morning disembarkation and travel by coach from My Tho to Saigon.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

AM: After a short 45-minute drive to Siem Reap inland port, we embark and set sail into the Tonle Sap Lake. Bird life along the lake’s edges is profuse and look out for the grey headed fish eagle. Crocodiles and snakes abound in these shallow waters which are home to the giant Mekong catfish, the largest ever caught being 648 punds in May 2004. There are 148 other species of fish in the lake which provide the main source of protein for the entire Cambodian population.

PM: In the afternoon we visit a floating village and learn more about life on the lake.

AM & PM: Continue crossing this tranquil lake before reaching Kampong Chhnang, an important trading town that focusses on fishing and creating local pottery. We explore the back waters by local boat before returning to the boat and sailing downstream to moor alongside a remote fishing village where we enjoy evening cocktails around the campfire with the village people.

AM: Arriving in the morning to Kampong Trallach, we travel by oxcart around the river-side villages, markets and temples to get a sense of life along the river.

PM: After lunch we visit the ancient capital of Oudong and discover the Vipassana Dhura meditation center before mooring alongside Koh Chen, a silversmith village know for furnishing the royal families for centuries.

AM: Morning orientation of Phnom Penh by cycle 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 night life.

AM & PM: 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.

AM: Visit Koh trong Island, a community-based tourism site since 2008. We explore the fruit orchards and sample the local delicacies before we head to a community tree project and plant trees together with the local people.

PM: Moor overnight alongside the island.

AM & PM: Morning excursion by coach and smapan to hopefully spot the Irrawaddy dolphins abundant in the waters below Stuc Treng. This is a real highlight of the expedition.

AM & PM: Today the ship sails to Con Phuoc for the shore excursion. We pass through a small canal and head ashore to Con Phuoc Island where we visit local craftspeople weaving bamboo baskets the traditional way. After a demonstration, we try our hand at making our own. We then take a local tuk tuk for a drive through this peaceful village, stopping at a 100 year old church and meeting more of the friendly local community.

AM & PM: We cross into Vietnam by the river border in the morning before going alongside the picturesque border town of Chau Doc in the afternoon. Taking minivans for a short drive to Sam Mountain, location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda. We climb the steps to the top to visit the pagoda with breath-taking viewpoints available along the way for those who do not want to climb the full distance. We then return to the river and visit the floating fish farms by sampan, making a stop at a Chham Village on the way to observe the lives of Vietnamese Muslims. A traditional Lion dance is presented at the Cham Village.

AM: Today 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.

PM: We sail the afternoon through the Chao Gao canal on the way to central Saigon, entering the city and enjoying a sunset dinner cruise along the Saigon River before we dock centrally. Please note we will be unable to leave the ship during this evening due to immigration formalities.

AM: After breakfast, disembark in the heart of Saigon for your onward journey.

PM: Embark 1200 at Saigon city port and sail according to the tide for My Tho passing through a complex network of shipping canals linking the Saigon River with the Mekong itself.

AM: Today 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.

PM: In the evening you will be entertained by a Vietnamese dance troupe on deck.

AM: In the morning, we go alongside at the picturesque border town of Chau Doc. Taking minivans for a short drive to Sam Mountain, location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda. We climb the steps to the top to visit the pagoda with breath-taking viewpoints available along the way for those who do not want to climb the full distance. We then return to the river and visit the floating fish farms by sampan, making a stop at a Chham Village on the way to observe the lives of Vietnamese Muslims. A traditional Lion dance is presented at the Cham Village.

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

AM & PM: 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.

AM: Visit Koh trong Island, a community-based tourism site since 2008. We explore the fruit orchards and sample the local delicacies before we head to a community tree project and plant trees together with the local people.

PM: Moor overnight alongside the island.

AM & PM: Morning excursion by coach and sampan to spot the Irrawaddy dolphins abundant in the waters below Stuc Treng. Whilst numbers have increased in recent years, they remain endangered and we learn more about the work of locals to support dolphin numbers and how Pandaw is supporting. This is a real highlight of the expedition.

AM: Morning orientation of Phnom Penh by cycle 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 night life.

AM: We leave the dock at Phnom Penh early morning and sail up the winding channels of the Tonle 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.

PM: 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.

AM & PM: By local boat we explore the backwaters with fish farms around this important trading town. In the wetlands around the mouth of the lake are elaborate bamboo fish traps. Returning to ship, enter the Tonle Sap to moor overnight in open waters savoring the peace and tranquility of this lake that in high water covers 6,200 miles and in low water shrinks to 1,000 square miles.

AM & PM: Continue the traverse of the great lake stopping to visit a floating village and reaching Siem Reap inland port in the evening. Bird life along the lake’s edges is profuse and look out for the grey headed fish eagle. Crocodiles and snakes abound in these shallow waters which are home to the giant Mekong catfish, the largest ever caught being 648 pounds in May 2004. There are 148 other species of fish in the lake which provide the main source of protein for the entire Cambodian population.

AM: Disembark Siem Reap Port and transfer the short distance to Siem Reap city by car.