Overview
With the graceful curved lines of an old-fashioned paddle steamer, finished in brass and teak, the Mekong Pandaw is a colonial-style riverboat offering a leisurely meander along the calm waters of the Mekong through the most iconic and fascinating parts of Vietnam and Cambodia. The Mekong Pandaw has been designed with an ultra-shallow draft, allowing her to travel through low water and areas that would be unreachable by deeper-drafted boats.
The ship has 24, identical, teak-lined, 70-sq-ft cabins, offering twin beds (some converting to doubles) all with premium mattresses, quality linens, duvets, and two kinds of pillows. Each cabin is fitted with air-conditioning, a spacious wardrobe, electronic safe box, writing desk, under-bed storage and an en-suite bathroom with a natural stone shower, bathrobes, hairdryers and branded amenities. All-encompassing French-balcony windows bring mesmerizing views of the Mekong River right into your bedroom.
Dine on board on tasty Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisine as well as traditional European fare and vegetarian dishes. Breakfast is a buffet, and lunch is a mix of soup and salad at the buffet with mains served at the tables. Dinner is table served. Cruises of seven nights or more offer two themed dinners in addition to the farewell gala dinner.
The dining room is a convertible open-air space, with retractable walls that only close at night. Enjoy cocktails or a tipple from the extensive premium wine list, with entertainment, in the air-conditioned bar.
Traveling on the Mekong Pandaw cruise is essentially an outdoor experience, with guests choosing to spend time sitting in the open air on the promenade decks or on the vast Observation Deck above, purported giving the vessel the largest public space to passenger ratio of any cruise ship in the world! Unlike other cruise ships, every window (except the portholes on the Lower Deck) can open. As you immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the river, you will be captivated by the great panoramas and the unceasing human and wildlife activity unfolding around you.
With a crew-to-passenger ratio of one-to-two, you can expect to receive highly attentive service. Most of the activity on board is geared toward quiet pursuits; on the Sun Deck, you will find a billiard table and sun loungers for your pleasure. You can also curl up with a good book in the stylish library, admire local artists’ work in the art gallery, work up a sweat and an appetite in the well-equipped gym, or surrender to an aromatherapy massage or a traditional Southeast Asian spa treatment.
Enrichment activities consist of talks from on-board guides, documentaries complementing the boat’s itinerary, mainstream movies, cooking classes, and cultural dance performances.
Shore excursions on the Mekong Pandaw river cruise include explorations of local markets with the on-board chef, guided walks with the resident regional expert, river and jungle trips by speedboat, or city sightseeing trips via ‘cyclos’ (three-wheeled rickshaws) in Cambodia.
The Mekong Pandaw cruise is a delightful way for you and your partner, your family or friends to explore two countries, and discover the diverse contrasts of two cultures and two ways of life linked by one great river.
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.
Embarkation
AM: Travel by coach from Siem Reap to the riverside town of Steung Trang for embarkation.
PM: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong and meet your crew for the next 3 nights before your welcome dinner is served.
Peam Chi Korng & Pak Russei Crafts
AM: 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.
PM: 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.
Life on The Tonle Sap River
AM: 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 aboard.
PM: In the afternoon we travel by oxcart 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.
Disembarkation
AM: After breakfast, disembark your Pandaw in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh.
Embarkation
AM: Embark your Pandaw vessel in central Saigon and relax on the spacious sundeck as we set sail past the towering skyscrapers of Vietnam’s bustling metropolis.
PM: After lunch onboard, you will meet the crew and enjoy local entertainment on the deck as we sail toward the Mekong Delta. We moor overnight on the Vam Co River.
Ben Tre & Fertile Waterways
AM: Early morning we set sail through the Cho Gao Canal, 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. We reach Ben Tre and journey by sampans through mangroves and bamboo forests to the fruit orchards abundant in the area. 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 specializing in handicrafts.
PM: Back aboard we sail deeper into the delta toward Chau Doc.
Chau Doc and Into Cambodia
AM: 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.
PM: Afterwards, we visit the nearby floating fish farms by Sampan before being treated to a private Lion dance performance at a local Village. Upon return to the ship, we navigate a web of canals before dropping anchor on the Vietnam/Cambodia border to undergo Immigration formalities.
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.
Disembarkation
AM: After breakfast, disembark your Pandaw Expedition in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh.
Embarkation
AM: Check-in to your Pandaw expedition at 11:00am and meet your crew before enjoying lunch onboard.
PM: 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.
Life on The Tonle Sap River
AM & PM: We leave the dock at Phnom Penh early morning and sail up the winding channels of the Tonle Sap River to Kampong Tralach. We travel by oxcart 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.
Oudong Meditations & Pak Russei Silk
AM: 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 its impressive Khmer architecture and experience a short meditation class to quieten your mind. We re-join our ship at Prek Kdam before sailing back onto the Mekong proper during lunch.
PM: 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.
Peam Chi Korng Pottery
AM: 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.
PM: In the afternoon we continue sailing along the mighty Mekong to Steung Trang, our final destination before your crew provides some final evening entertainment and a sumptuous farewell dinner is prepared by your kitchen team.
Disembarkation
AM: Disembark after breakfast and travel by coach from Steung Trang through stunningly lovely countryside to reach Siem Reap. Arrival into Siem Reap betweeen 12 - 1pm at the FCC Angkor Hotel, located next to the Royal Palace.
Embarkation
AM: Check-in to your Pandaw expedition at 11:00am and meet your crew before enjoying lunch onboard.
PM: 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.
Into Vietnam
AM: We up anchor early in the morning and cruise downstream along the Mekong River to the Vietnam border for immigration formalities.
PM: The ship sails toward Chau Doc where we talk an evening stroll along the river before dinner aboard.
Chau Doc & The Fertile Waterways
AM: 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. PM: 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.
Ben Tre & Sailing Into Saigon
AM: 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 specializing in handicrafts.
PM: 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.
Disembarkation
AM: Disembark in central Saigon after breakfast for your onward travels.
Embarkation
AM: Embark your Pandaw vessel in central Saigon and relax on the spacious sundeck as we set sail past the towering skyscrapers of Vietnam’s bustling metropolis.
PM: After lunch onboard, you will meet the crew and enjoy local entertainment on the deck as we sail toward the Mekong Delta. We moor overnight on the Vam Co River.
Ben Tre & Fertile Waterways
AM: Early morning we set sail through the Cho Gao Canal, 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. We reach Ben Tre and journey by sampans through mangroves and bamboo forests to the fruit orchards abundant in the area. 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 specializing in handicrafts.
PM: Back aboard we sail deeper into the delta toward Chau Doc.
Chau Doc and Into Cambodia
AM: 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. PM: Upon return to the ship, we navigate a web of canals before dropping anchor on the Vietnam/Cambodia border to undergo Immigration formalities.
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.
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. 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.
Life on The Tonle Sap River
AM: We leave the dock at Phnom Penh early morning and 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 in rural Cambodia.
PM: 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.
Oudong Meditations & Pak Russei Silk
AM: 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. We re-join our ship at Prek Kdam before sailing back onto the Mekong proper during lunch.
PM: 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.
Peam Chi Korng Pottery
AM: 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.
PM: In the afternoon we continue sailing along the mighty Mekong to Steung Trang, our final destination before your crew provides some final evening entertainment and a sumptuous farewell dinner is prepared by your kitchen team.
Disembarkation
AM: Disembark after breakfast and travel by coach from Steung Trang through stunningly lovely countryside to reach Siem Reap.
PM: Arrival into Siem Reap betweeen 12 - 1pm at the FCC Angkor Hotel, located next to the Royal Palace.
Embarkation
AM: Travel by coach from Siem Reap to the riverside town of Steung Trang for embarkation.
PM: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong and meet your crew for the next 7 nights before your welcome dinner is served.
Peam Chi Korng & Pak Russei Crafts
AM & PM: 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.
Life on The Tonle Sap River
AM: 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.
PM: 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.
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. 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.
Into Vietnam
AM: We up anchor early in the morning and cruise downstream along the Mekong River to the Vietnam border for immigration formalities. PM: The ship sails toward Chau Doc where we talk an evening stroll along the river before dinner aboard.
Chau Doc and Into Cambodia
AM: 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.
PM: 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.
Ben Tre & Sailing Into Saigon
AM: 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 specializing in handicrafts.
PM: 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.
Disembarkation
AM: Disembark in central Saigon after breakfast for your onward travels.
Embarkation
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.
Tonle Sap Lake & Kampong Chhnang
AM: Wake up on the 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. We continue sailing 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 sailing downstream to moor alongside a remote fishing village. PM: Enjoy evening cocktails around a fire pit in the village where we will be joined by village folk keen to share tales and show us their traditional dancing.
Life on The Tonle Sap River
AM: We sail early morning along 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 in rural Cambodia. Over lunch we sail past Phnom Penh and onto the Mekong River.
PM: In the 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.
Peam Chi Korng Pottery
AM: 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.
PM: In the afternoon we continue sailing along the mighty Mekong.
Koh Trong Island Tree Planting
AM & PM: Visit Koh Trong Island, a community-based tourism site since 2008. We explore the island’s fruit orchards by local transportation or bicycle and sample the local delicacies before we head to a community reforestation project and plant trees to support the island.
Kratie & The Dolphins
AM & PM: After breakfast we head to Kampi by coach to spot the Irrawaddy dolphins abundant in the waters below Stung Trang. We board small fishing vessels now used to monitor the dolphin populations and provide dolphin spotting for tourists to raise awareness of their plight. 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. In the afternoon, we set sail downstream along the Mekong back toward Phnom Penh.
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. 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.
Into Vietnam
AM: We up anchor early in the morning and cruise downstream along the Mekong River to the Vietnam border for immigration formalities.
PM: The ship sails toward Chau Doc where we talk an evening stroll along the river before dinner aboard.
Chau Doc & The Fertile Waterways
AM: 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. PM: After lunch aboard, we continue sailing into the heart of the Mekong delta and enjoy on-deck entertainment from your crew.
Ben Tre & Sailing Into Saigon
AM: 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 specializing in handicrafts.
PM: 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.
Disembarkation
AM: After breakfast, disembark in the heart of Saigon for your onward journey.