Classic Mekong - Pandaw River Cruises
Overview
Step aboard a Pandaw river cruise and slip gently into a slower rhythm of life—one where time lingers like the morning mist on the Mekong. With a nod to the golden age of river travel, Pandaw’s Classic Mekong journey between Vietnam and Cambodia blends old-world charm with deep cultural immersion.
Sailing aboard hand-crafted teak and brass vessels modelled after colonial-era steamers, guests trace the lifeblood of Southeast Asia from the vibrant delta to hidden villages rarely touched by tourism. It’s not merely a cruise—it’s a passage into the heart of the region, where authenticity reigns and every bend in the river reveals another layer of history, hospitality, and timeless wonder.
HIGH WATER NOTICE: During the months September to November, water levels may rise significantly leading to issues accessing the Tonle Sap River. During this time, we may replace itinerary points on the Tonle Sap with sailing north to Kratie and excursions at the dolphin grounds.
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1/3 - Seim Reap – Kampong Cham. Fly overnight from UK to Siem Reap where you transfer to your overnight hotel. The following day transfer from your hotel Kampong Cham for embarkation. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong and meet your crew for the next 7 nights.
Day 2
Day 4 -Angkor Ban Village Walks - Silk Island. In the morning, we visit Angkor Ban and a local Cambodian school where the local library was built with the support of Pandaw and our guests. Guests are encouraged to bring books to donate to the library for children to read. After luch, we study the entire silk making process from worms to weavers as we visit 'Silk Island'. After learning about the silk process there will be a demonstration of the ancient Khmer martial art of Bokator.
Day 3
Day 5 - Oudong - Kampong Tralach. In the morning, travel by coach to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong. On the way we stop to visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre before taking a drive around the city. Rejoin your ship in Kampong Tralach for lunch aboard. In the afternoon we travel by ox-cart around the river-side villages, markets and temples. In the evening cocktails are round a village fire pit where we will be joined by village folk keen to show us their traditional dancing and more of the delightful Khmer culture
Day 4
Day 6 - Phnom Penh. Morning orientation of Phnom Penh by cycle visiting the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda followed by the National Museum with its marvellous collection of Angkorian statuary. In the afternoon we visit the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum to learn more about the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. Overnight in Phnom Penh city port with its lively bars, restaurants and night life.
Day 5
Day 7 - Vietnam Border - Long Thuan Village. We up anchor early morning and cruise downstream along the Mekong River to the Vietnam border for immigration formalities. We go alongside at the picturesque border town of Long Thuan where we visit the floating fish farms by sampan. We make a stop at a Taoist temple where we meet a local fortune teller before continuing by Xi Loi through the riverside village and their various farms. Before heading back to the ship, we enjoy a traditional Vietnamese Lion dance onshore.
Day 6
Day 8 - Con Phuoc Island Sailing through the delta offers a real insight into life along this vast waterway. We pass through a small canal and head ashore to Con Phuoc Island where we visit local craftspeople weaving bamboo baskets the traditional way. After a demonstration, we try our hand at making our own. We then take a local tuk-tuk for a drive through this peaceful village, stopping at a 100-year-old church and meeting more of the friendly local community.
Day 7
Day 9 - Ben Tre – Saigon. In the morning, we journey by sampans through mangroves and bamboo forests to the fruit orchards of Ben Tre. This is an area rich in birdlife which we will explore via local transport before transferring to a local rowboat. We will journey slowly through the bamboo covered canals before arriving at a village specialising in making local products. During lunch onboard, 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
Day 8
Day 10/11 - Morning disembarkation in central Saigon and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Alternatively call us to organise an extended stay to enjoy more of Vietnam and beyond.