Classic Mekong

Transfer from the meeting point in Saigon to My Tho Port. After boarding your Pandaw we sail downstream to Ben Tre and anchor midstream. In the afternoon, there is a lecture on Vietnamese life on the Mekong Delta. During cocktail hour passengers are entertained by an indigenous dance group and meet your key crew.

Travel by sampans through mangroves and bamboo groves to the fruit orchards of Ben Tre. In these local artisans are at work and are invite visitors into their homes for tea, fruit and honey products made from their own honey. This is an area rich in bird life and on our return journey we travel by horse cart through the lush countryside. After lunch, the ship moors off Cho Lach island for pot making and further glimpses of Delta life, agriculture and local Viet hospitality including a culinary lesson in making traditional Banh Xeo.

After breakfast, there is a short coach journey to the Gao Giong ‘green oasis’ with its bird sanctuary. Here a diverse selection of water and egrets that gather in the tens of thousands across the Duong Tharp Muoi or ‘Plain of Reeds’. Rowing boats traverse the canals to take us to see the principal nesting areas. After returning to the boat we cruise upstream to Con Phuoc Island. We Moor in a small canal off Con Phuoc Island and go ashore to explore the island by Xi Loi seeing basket production and visiting a 100-year old Catholic Church as well as local woodworking artisans.

Afternoon, explore the labyrinthine canal system around Tan Chau to visit a Taoist temple where the monks will read fortunes. Continue through local villages by Xi Loi stopping off to help locals tend their fields before stopping off to visit a fish farm and earn merit by releasing fish back into the Mekong. Border crossing formalities take up much of the afternoon and during this stationary period there is an optional tour of the working ship and fruit carving classes on deck.

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. Afternoon optional visit to the Killing Fields and Genocide museum or take a tuk-tuk to explore the riverfront and finish with High Tea at Raffles Hotel. Overnight in Phnom Penh city port with its lively bars, restaurants and night life.

Sail up the Tonle River to board our expedition vessel, the Pandaw Explorer, to visit Koh Okhna Tey, or ‘silk island’ to study the entire silk making process from worms to weavers. There will be a demonstration of the ancient Khmer martial art of Bokator. Return to ship and return down the Tonle River to turn up the Mekong at the confluence. Evening lecture on Angkor and Khmer culture.

Morning visit to Koh Trong Island a small Mekong River hamlet which can be explored by bicycle or ox cart with a real immersion into Khmer rural life visiting local schools and English classes then visiting a reforestation site where you can leave your mark by planting your own tree. Passengers should feel free to donate items for use in the schools such as books & pens etc. After lunch, moor off Kratie and continue to the dolphin grounds by local boat where we will observe the elusive Irrawaddy Dolphins.

Sail downstream to moor at Kampong Cham for disembarkation and road transfer to Siem Reap.

Embark on your Pandaw at Kampong Cham following a road transfer from Siem Reap (Angkor). The vessel will proceed upstream to moor midstream for cocktails and to meet the crew.

Sunrise cruise to Wat Hanchey an important centre 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. Well noted for its bizarre Fruit and Animal statues. We cruise back downstream to Kampong Cham where after lunch we travel by Bus to the local OBT Chiro Village where the education of local children is high on the agenda. Pre-Hospitality training courses, plastic recycling, bee keeping, farming and handicraft skill projects are set up to improve the skill set of local children. We then travel to the Wat Nokor Bachey dating back to the Jayarvaman VII period. Built completely from Black Sandstone which makes it standout from other temples built during this period. Many legends surround this complex one being it was built by a king who accidently killed his father then married his mother as per Greek legend. This temple was built in penance fir his crime

Sailing downstream all morning, with lectures and film presentations, past Phnom Penh and up the Tonle River to board our expedition vessel, the Pandaw Explorer, to visit Koh Okhna Tey, or ‘silk island’ to study the entire silk making process from worms to weavers. There will be a demonstration of the ancient Khmer martial art of Bokator. Return to ship and return down the Tonle River to turn up the Mekong at the confluence. Evening lecture on Angkor and Khmer culture.

Morning orientation of Phnom Penh by cyclo visiting the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda followed by the National Museum with its marvellous collection of Angkorian statuary. Afternoon optional visit to the Killing Fields and Genocide museum or take a tuk-tuk to explore the riverfront and finish with High Tea at Raffles Hotel. Overnight in Phnom Penh city port with its lively bars, restaurants and night life.

Early sailing to the Vietnam border for formalities and during this stationary period there is an optional tour of the working ship and fruit carving classes on deck. Afternoon, explore the labyrinthine canal system around Tan Chau to visit a Taoist temple where the monks will read fortunes. Continue through local villages by Xi Loi stopping off to help locals tend their fields before stopping off to visit a fish farm and earn merit by releasing fish back into the Mekong.

In the morning sail up a small canal to moor off Con Phuoc Island and go ashore to explore the island by tuk-tuk seeing basket production and visiting a 100-year old Catholic Church and local woodworking artisans. After a short cruise downstream in the afternoon we take a short coach trip where we visit Gao Giong ‘green oasis’ with its bird sanctuary. Here a diverse selection of water birds and egrets that gather in the tens of thousands across the Duong Tharp Muoi or ‘Plain of Reeds’. Rowing boats traverse the canals to take us to see the principal nesting areas.

After breakfast the ship moors off Cho Lach island for pot making and further glimpses of Delta life, agriculture and local Viet hospitality including a culinary lesson in making traditional Banh Xeo. Upon return to the boat we take a cruise downstream to Ben Tre. Where we travel by sampans through mangroves and bamboo groves to the fruit orchards of Ben Tre. In these local artisans are at work and are invite visitors into their homes for tea, fruit and honey products made from their own honey. This is an area rich in bird life and on our return journey we travel by horse cart through the lush countryside.

Moor at My Tho for road transfer to Saigon.

Stay in a choice of two resort hotels in Siem Reap whilst visiting the Angkor temple complexes.  and getting to know the local Cambodian culture.

Visit the famous temple of Cambodia, Angkor Wat. It is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. Its massive three tiered pyramid crowned by five beehive-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. This temple is the centerpiece of any visit to the temples of Angkor.

Take in the romantic view at sun set from Bakheng Hill.

With airconditioned car and guide visit South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphoun, Terrace of Elephant, Terrace of Leper King and Pimean Akas. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Thommanon, Chau Say Teveda, Ta Keo, Ta Promh, Banteay Kdei and Sras Srang. In the evening experience a highlight and meet talented young performers in a breathtaking, entertaining and original Cambodian show at Phare Ponleu Selpak’s Circus. Pandaw guests receive a special VIP treatment.

Post Cruise: After breakfast travel by air conditioned car to visit Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, East Meborn. Transfer to the airport.

Pre Cruise: Check out of the hotel and transfer to your ship.

Please note some meals and touring options vary between pre & post cruise options. This is a private tour.

Arrive in Saigon and transfer to your hotel. Free time in Saigon.

In the morning, drive to the extraordinary Cu Chi tunnels, about 65 Km (1.5 hours drive) from Sai Gon. The complicated system of underground network was built by the Viet Cong guerillas. En route, you have chance to see rural people live and work. View occupations such as cashew nut farming, duck breeding, rice farming and production of rice paper, a key ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. Around 11.30am return to Sai Gon for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Reunification Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office, Former US Embassy, City Hall and War Museum of Remnants. End the day with shopping at Ben Thanh market.

After breakfast free time until your departure.  This is a private tour.

Hue and Hoi An are two of Vietnam’s scenic and historic highlights and a ‘must see’ on most people’s visit to this most wonderful country. This trip includes a fascinating ride along the Perfume River and a visit to the enormous Hue Citadel.

Hoi An is best explored independently and retains a charming village feel which comes alive after sunset with the glow of red lanterns and the senses of Asia. And, of course, plenty of time to relax at your beach resort.

We are pleased to offer a pre or post extension including connecting domestic flight, all transfers, excursions in Hue, a scenic journey from Hue to Hoi An and a 2-night stay in Hoi An. You will be staying in a delightful selection of boutique hotels.

Welcome to Vietnam. After arrival at Hue Airport meet your guide and driver for the transfer to your hotel. Rest of day at leisure.

This morning we take a boat on the serene Perfume River to the best known pagoda in Middle Vietnam, Thien Mu. We then pay a visit to the impressive tomb of former Emperor Tu Duc and a beautiful garden once belonging to royalty followed by a royal style lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Hue citadel including Moon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Royal Urns and the ruins of the Forbidden Purple City.

After breakfast we leave Hue for Hoian. En route we pause to unwind on top of the Ocean Clouds Pass, on the Non Nuoc Beach and then visit the fascinating Cham Museum.

We then proceed to the quaint town of Hoian for check in and to relax. In the afternoon, there is time to explore this charming and wonderfully preserved merchant town that retains Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European influences from its flourishing old days.

Day at leisure. Explore the beautiful old town of Hoi An or relax at the beach.

Transfer to the airport for a flight from Danang 08.00 to Saigon 09.25 (flight times subject to change). Upon arrival, drive to the extraordinary Cu Chi tunnels, about 65 Km (1½ hours’ drive) from Saigon. This complicated underground network was built by Viet Cong guerillas. En route, you have the chance to see how rural people live and work such as cashew nut farming, duck breeding, rice farming and production of rice paper, a key ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine.

After lunch in a local restaurant, return to Saigon. In the afternoon, visit to Reunification Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office, Former US Embassy, City Hall, War Museum of Remnants. Shopping at Ben Thanh market.

Pre Cruise: Morning at leisure. Transfer with your fellow Pandaw passengers to My Tho to embark your ship.

Post Cruise: Itinerary operates in reverse