Saigon To Siem Reap, Upstream

Day One

Transfer from the Sofitel Hotel in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) by coach to My Tho where you embark the Pandaw vessel. Relax onboard as you set sail on the lower reaches of the mighty Mekong River. Enjoy all the comforts and delights aboard the ship. It will moor near the town of Cai Bei overnight.

Day Two

This morning you will visit the colourful floating market in Cai Bei. In the afternoon you will be taken on a very interesting boat excursion through narrow canals, backwaters and villages.

Day Three

You will visit a Cham tribal village and cat fish farm before arriving in the town of Chau Doc where you will go on a trishaw ride. In the afternoon we commence cruising the shipping channel towards the Cambodian border where the usual formalities are undertaken. Once completed, we will continue to cruise towards Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. We will moor overnight, a few kilometres from the city.

Day Four

You will awaken this morning with the city skyline of Phnom Penh nearby including the spectacular pagodas of the Royal Palace. You will be able to do a tour by cyclo around the city which will include the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the National Museum and the Market. In the afternoon there is an optional excursion by coach to the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng Detention Centre and the Killing Fields. The excursion is included in the cost of the cruise but you need to request the tour before departure from your home port.

Day Five

You will travel up the Tonle River towards the town of Kampong Chhnang with either the Pandaw Cruise or by coach depending on water levels. From there you will be taken by boat through the vast wetlands where the river flows into Tonle Sap Lake where a stunning variety of birdlife and enormous fishtraps will be seen.

Day Six

In the morning you will visit the silk weaving village of Chong Koh. The ship continues to cruise leisurely upstream on the Mekong River passing timeless Cambodian villages with river life and extensive fishing activities. During the afternoon you will stop at Peam Chi Kang village to visit a cloth factory and school during operating hours.

Day Seven

We start the day with a visit to the pre-Angkorian hilltop temple of Wat Hanchey. In the afternoon you will transported by bus to a farming village and an orphanage.

Day Eight

The final day of the itinerary you will be transferred by coach to Siem Reap.

Cruise Price Inclusions: -accommodation, meals, transfers to and from the vessel, local soft drink and alcoholic beverages, mineral water, jugged coffee, excursions with guides and entrance fees, gratuities for the crew.

Cruise Price Excludes: -visas, imported beverages and cappuccinos and espressos at the bar, pre and post cruise accommodation and airport transfers.

Cabins can be configured to twin or double on RV Mekong Pandaw – please advise at the time of booking.

Itineraries are subject to river conditions. Alterations may need to occur as a result.