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Pandaw River Cruises currently has two boutique vessels plying the waters of the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia with a third on the way later this year. In 2003 they were the first to attempt this extraordinary journey in its entirety surmounting complex bureaucratic and navigational obstacles. I recently had the pleasure of experiencing one of these magnificent river trips.
 Apart from the fact that, as with all cruises, you only need to unpack and pack once this is a highly practical shipping connection between Saigon in Vietnam and Siem Reap in Cambodia. There is no longer any need to endure bumpy roads and checking in and out of hotels. On these extremely comfortable Pandaw ships you can seamlessly link your time experiencing what interests you in Vietnam with the major tourist attractions in Cambodia including the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and the incredible Angkor Wat complex near Siem Reap. During the 8-Day/7-Night journey you will have many opportunities to experience not only the major tourist attractions but also the life of the people of Vietnam and Cambodia as you travel along the river. Every day you will be able to participate in one or two shore excursions by smaller boat or bus, led by local English speaking guides, into the towns and villages along and around the river. You will visit markets, schools, local people’s homes, factories and handicraft workshops, historical sights and temples. From the vessel itself you will be spellbound viewing and absorbing the tremendous amount of human and wildlife activity on the river from either the Promenade Deck just outside your cabin or the Sun Deck on the roof as the ship navigates the river.
 Whilst experiencing this adventure passengers are cushioned with the comforts of a home away from home onboard the ship. The spacious 15 square metre cabins are tastefully finished in traditional brass and teak but have all the necessary mod-cons including air-conditioning and private facilities. The dining delights onboard the ship add to your experience. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style whilst dinner is served at the tables. There is a range of food available to cater for those who want to experiment with some local dishes as well as for those that prefer to stick with the food they are used to or vegetarian options. The staff provide an exceptional level of service and care in a very friendly atmosphere. There is one staff member for every two guests. I should also mention that there is a never ending supply of bottled mineral water provided free of charge by the staff both on the ship and on excursions.
Prices for the cruises are fully inclusive from start to finish in the true sense of the word. Apart from the expected inclusions of accommodation, meals and transport they also include transfers from Saigon or Seam Riep to the cruise starting point and from the point of cruise completion, drinks onboard including locally brewed alcoholic drinks and all daily shore excursions (including entrance fees) that are organised by Pandaw. The only additional costs are gratuities, imported alcoholic drinks and beverages, (e.g. wine), laundry (if required), visa costs and the greatest travel bugbear of all these days, fuel surcharges.
The 8-Day/7-Night itinerary from Saigon to Siem Reap can be downloaded by Clicking Here. This itinerary can also be done in reverse. The itinerary can be extended to 11-Days/10-Nights in the period immediately following the wet season between September and November when river levels are higher. It includes watching dolphins near Kratie further upstream on the Mekong River in Cambodia.
Please contact us at Canadian Bay Travel on (03) 9787 9477 if you would like further details or if you have any questions. If you wish you can email us with your requirements by going to do the “How to Book” page. Prices are available on this page.
I highly recommend this river journey to those who enjoy the adventures of exploring a foreign land at a relaxed pace whilst retaining all the comforts and luxury that a real holiday should bring,
Hans Went
Canadian Bay Travel
Mount Eliza, Victoria 3930
Click Here to order a Brochure or Get a Quote.
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