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Aboard the Pandaw Classic Mekong expedition, experience the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia on a seven-night journey from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to Siem Reap. This immersive voyage takes you through the heart of the Mekong Delta, where you’ll visit floating markets, riverside villages, and traditional craft workshops, gaining insight into the daily life of those who call the river home. Cruise past lush landscapes, bustling fishing ports, and timeless monasteries while enjoying the ship’s renowned hospitality and colonial-style elegance.
Highlights include the vibrant capital of Phnom Penh, where French colonial architecture meets Cambodia’s regal history, and the tranquil countryside of Kampong Tralach, reached by ox-cart. Stop at Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital, and visit local villages where artisans weave silk and pottery using age-old techniques. Every day brings new discoveries, from floating fish farms in Tan Chau to a Bokator martial arts performance in Prek Kdam. This cruise offers the perfect blend of relaxation, cultural immersion, and scenic beauty, culminating in Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat.
Your journey begins in the bustling metropolis of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), where modern skyscrapers blend with colonial-era architecture and bustling street markets. In the late morning, a comfortable transfer takes you south to My Tho, a gateway to the Mekong Delta. As the roads give way to waterways, you’ll board the Pandaw cruise ship, your home for the next seven nights.
Once onboard, take time to settle into your cabin and explore the ship. A welcome briefing introduces you to the crew and outlines the adventure ahead. As the ship glides along the Mekong River, soak in the changing scenery from the Sundeck, where small fishing boats and stilted river villages paint a picture of traditional life. That evening, enjoy a welcome dinner, a perfect introduction to Vietnamese cuisine, as the sun sets over the water. The ship continues its gentle course upstream, offering a peaceful start to your expedition.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Wake up to the soothing rhythm of the Mekong Delta, where palm-fringed canals weave through a landscape of lush rice paddies and fruit orchards. The morning’s excursion takes you to Ben Tre, a region famous for its coconut plantations and traditional handicrafts. You’ll board a sampan, a traditional wooden boat, to explore the quiet waterways, passing local homes and farmers tending their crops. Stopping at a family-run workshop, watch artisans craft coconut candies and woven mats, time-honoured skills passed down through generations.
Back onboard, lunch is served as the ship sails deeper into the delta, making its way towards Tan Chau, a border town known for its silk production and floating fish farms. A relaxed afternoon onboard offers the chance to unwind, attend a cultural talk, or simply take in the Mekong’s timeless scenery. As the sun dips below the horizon, dinner is served, with regional specialities bringing the flavours of Vietnam to your plate.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The morning begins with a visit to Tan Chau, a laid-back riverside town with a strong artisan culture. Travelling by rickshaw, you’ll explore the town’s bustling market, where vendors sell everything from exotic fruits to handwoven textiles. A visit to a silk-weaving workshop provides insight into the meticulous craftsmanship behind Vietnam’s famous textiles. Nearby, floating fish farms dot the river, where families have lived and worked for generations, cultivating one of the Mekong’s main exports.
After lunch, the ship sails towards the Vietnam-Cambodia border. This leisurely afternoon offers time to relax, whether it’s enjoying a book on deck, joining a talk on Cambodian history, or simply watching life unfold along the riverbanks. As the ship clears immigration, the landscape subtly shifts, with golden pagodas appearing along the shoreline—a first glimpse of Cambodia’s cultural heritage. That evening, a special Cambodian-inspired dinner marks your arrival in a new country.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Waking up in Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia, you’ll step ashore for a day of exploration. The morning’s tour by cyclo (traditional rickshaw) winds through tree-lined boulevards to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, home to Cambodia’s royal family and a dazzling collection of gold and jewel-encrusted artefacts. Nearby, the National Museum houses an impressive array of Angkorian sculptures, offering a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s artistic heritage.
In the afternoon, the focus shifts to Cambodia’s darker history with visits to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21). These sites offer a sobering insight into the Khmer Rouge era, providing a powerful reminder of the country’s resilience. After returning to the ship, the evening is yours—relax onboard, or head out to explore Phnom Penh’s lively bars, riverside restaurants, and night markets.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Phnom Penh behind, the ship sails up the Tonle Sap River, a unique waterway that dramatically changes with the seasons. This morning’s excursion takes you to Kampong Tralach, where you’ll travel by ox-cart through emerald-green rice fields to a remote village monastery. The monks here welcome visitors for a traditional blessing, an intimate and spiritual experience.
Returning to the ship, enjoy lunch as the Pandaw continues its journey up the Tonle Sap, where rare birdlife thrives along the riverbanks. In the afternoon, you’ll visit a floating village, where homes, schools, and temples drift with the river’s flow. The day concludes with an evening cocktail gathering around a firepit, where villagers share local folklore and traditional dances.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, a short drive takes you to Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital, nestled among rolling hills and golden stupas. Here, you’ll visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre, an important Buddhist sanctuary. A guided meditation session provides an opportunity to experience Cambodia’s deep spiritual traditions.
Returning to the Mekong, the journey continues to Prek Kdam, where you’ll visit a silk-weaving village. Watching skilled artisans at work, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the delicate craftsmanship involved in producing Cambodia’s luxurious silk scarves. Before heading back to the ship, a private performance of Bokator, Cambodia’s ancient martial art, offers a thrilling glimpse into the country’s warrior traditions.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A peaceful morning cruise brings you to Peam Chi Korng, a riverside community renowned for its pottery. Travelling by tuk-tuk, you’ll visit local workshops, where artisans shape and fire traditional clay pots, using techniques passed down for centuries. A visit to the bustling fresh market provides a sensory immersion into daily Cambodian life, with vibrant stalls selling everything from tropical fruits to aromatic spices.
The afternoon is spent cruising towards the final stretch of the journey. This is a chance to unwind—perhaps with a traditional Khmer massage, a cooking demonstration, or simply enjoying the ever-changing landscapes from the deck. As night falls, a farewell dinner celebrates the journey’s highlights, with a menu inspired by the flavours of both Vietnam and Cambodia.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The adventure concludes with an early morning arrival in Siem Reap, the gateway to the fabled temples of Angkor. After breakfast, bid farewell to the Pandaw crew, leaving with memories of a journey filled with cultural discovery, breathtaking scenery, and authentic encounters along the mighty Mekong River.
For those continuing their travels, Siem Reap offers the chance to explore Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites. Whether staying on or heading home, this journey through the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia will leave a lasting impression.
Meals: Breakfast
Mekong Pandaw (Built 2003) – Capacity: 60 Passengers
A spacious P-Class vessel featuring panoramic French windows, a dining hall serving international and local cuisine, a bar, and a sundeck for relaxation.
Tonle Pandaw (Built 2002) – Capacity: 56 Passengers
Designed for comfort, this ship offers cozy cabins, an observation deck, a dining area, and a lounge bar, ensuring a relaxing cruising experience.
Indochina Pandaw (Built 2009) – Capacity: 60 Passengers
Blending traditional craftsmanship with modern comforts, this ship features elegant staterooms, a spacious sundeck, and a dining room serving diverse culinary delights.
Onboard Experience
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Price & Availability
All bookings are subject to availability at the time of your request. Once we receive your booking enquiry, we’ll confirm availability within 24 hours.
Prices are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD). If your package includes services priced in other currencies, currency conversion will be processed at midnight (AEST) each day. Please be aware that due to the constantly changing nature of exchange rates and supplier pricing, all package prices are subject to change until full payment is received and booking is confirmed.
Self-Guided Packages – Terms & Conditions
Our Self-Guided Packages are designed for travellers who want the freedom to explore independently, without the hassle of planning every detail. Each package follows a tried-and-tested itinerary that includes a combination of pre-booked services, such as accommodation and transport, and optional group tours or private experiences. You’ll have the flexibility to discover each destination at your own pace, with the confidence of having essential logistics taken care of and access to local support if needed.
Accommodation Flexibility
We understand that every traveller has different needs, so our itineraries offer flexibility in accommodation. You can choose from a range of hotels, from 3-star options to luxury 5-star properties, in most locations. If your first-choice hotel is not available at the time of booking, we will offer you an alternative of similar standard, quality, and location.
Travellers are welcome to customise their accommodation preferences before confirming their booking. If you’re unsure about the best options for your travel style, our team is happy to recommend alternatives.
Booking On Request
All packages are offered on request basis. In most cases, a deposit may be required before we can secure accommodation and services.
Once we receive your deposit and booking enquiry, we aim to confirm your package within 24 hours (longer if weekends or public holidays apply).
If your preferred travel dates are not available, we’ll suggest the closest alternatives or offer a full refund of your deposit.
Dynamic Pricing
Many of our accommodation providers and local suppliers use dynamic pricing models, which means prices fluctuate depending on factors such as demand, travel seasons, and availability.
Our listed “from” prices represent the lowest available rates based on low season travel with full availability. When you request a quote for your preferred travel dates, we’ll provide an accurate, up-to-date price based on availability at the time of quoting.
Prices may vary between the time we provide a quote and when you confirm your booking. Should there be any price differences, we will notify you before final confirmation and payment.
Itinerary Order & Availability
The order of your itinerary, including accommodation, tours, and transport, may be adjusted to secure the best availability and ensure a smooth travel experience. While we strive to follow the proposed itinerary as closely as possible, changes may be necessary, particularly during peak travel periods or when bookings are made close to your departure date.
For bookings made well in advance and outside of peak seasons, itinerary changes are uncommon. Any adjustments will be communicated to you in advance and are made with the aim of maintaining or improving the overall experience.
The final itinerary—including the order of your activities and accommodations—will be confirmed after your booking is secured.
Payment Terms
• A deposit may be required to secure your booking.
• Full payment is due no later than 45 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
• If additional deposits are required by certain hotels or service providers, we will advise you at the time of confirmation.
• Your booking is not confirmed until full payment is received.
• Payments can be made via direct deposit, credit card, or other approved methods (merchant fees may apply).
Changes & Cancellations
• Your deposit is non-refundable once your booking is confirmed.
• Changes to your booking are permitted up to 120 days prior to departure, subject to availability and supplier approval. Additional fees may apply depending on the nature of the change.
• Cancellations within 120 days of arrival will incur a 100% cancellation fee, unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation.
• Any rail tickets and flight tickets included in your package are non-refundable once issued and confirmed. These are subject to airline and supplier policies, which may include strict cancellation and amendment terms.
• We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect against unforeseen changes or cancellations.
Additional Information
• Please review visa requirements, health advice, and local regulations for your chosen destination prior to travel.
• We recommend allowing extra time for processing visas or travel documentation, especially during busy travel seasons.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all bookings to cover unexpected events, including illness, cancellations, or delays.
If you’d rather chat, give one of our Travelcation Experts a call today to begin crafting your bespoke holiday experience.