RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise: Saigon – Siem Reap 8 Days

Day 1: Saigon – Mekong

Activities:Embark your Pandaw, relax on the spacious sundeck, enjoy local entertainment on the deck.

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. 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.

Meals:
Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise

Day 2: Ben Tre

Activities:Travel by sampans through mangroves and bamboo groves to the fruit orchards of Ben Tre.

Early morning, we set sail through the Cho Gao Canal, a vital waterway link for the transportation of goods to and from the city. Constructed in 1876 by the French, it offers a fascinating insight into 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. Back aboard, we sail deeper into the delta toward Chau Doc.

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise

Day 3: Con Phuoc Island

Activities:Drive to Sam Mountain, visit the nearby floating fish farms by Sampan.

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, 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.

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise

Day 4: Phnom Penh

Activities:
Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, visit the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum to learn more about the brutal Khmer Rouge regime.

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, 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.

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise

Day 5: Tonle Sap

Activities: Travel by ox-cart around the river-side villages, markets, and temples to get a sense of life in rural Cambodia.

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. 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.

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise

Day 6: Oudong

Activities:Travel by coach to the ancient capital of Cambodia, visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre, explore on foot and visit local craftspeople weaving silk and producing handmade noodles.

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 quiet your mind. We re-join our ship at Prek Kdam before sailing back onto the Mekong proper during lunch. 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.

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise

Day 7: Mekong – Steung Trang

Activities:Explore the village and local fresh market where you can test your language skills.

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. 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.

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise

Day 8: Steung Trang – Siem Reap

Activities:Coach transfer to Siem Reap.

Disembark after breakfast and travel by coach from Steung Trang through stunningly lovely countryside to reach Siem Reap. Arrival into Siem Reap between 12 – 1 pm at the FCC Angkor Hotel, located next to the Royal Palace.

Meals:
Breakfast