RV Tonle Pandaw Cruise Downstream Cruising Siem Reap - Saigon - 8 Days
Destination: Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Peam Chi Korng, Pak Russei, Oudong, Kampong Tralach, Phnom Penh, Tan Chau, Chau Doc, Ben Tre, Cho Gao Canal, Saigon
Departure date of itinerary: Contact us for details
Itinerary of RV Tonle Pandaw Cruise Downstream Cruising Siem Reap - Saigon - 8 Days
Your journey begins as you travel by coach from the historic city of Siem Reap to the riverside town of Steung Trang.
Upon arrival, you will embark on the RV Tonle Pandaw, which will be your elegant home for the next seven nights. Guests can enjoy a romantic sunset cruise on the Mekong as they meet the professional crew.
The evening concludes with a warm welcome dinner, marking the perfect start to your luxury Mekong river cruise.
You can start your morning with a calming Tai Chi session or a fresh coffee on deck during a sunrise cruise to Peam Chi Korng. This untouched gem serves as a hub for Cambodia's traditional pottery.
After a short tuk-tuk ride, you will witness local potters in action and can test your language skills at the local fresh market.
In the afternoon, you will step ashore at Pak Russei, a remote village where you can visit craftspeople weaving silk and producing handmade noodles.
Before you return to the ship, you will watch a private performance of Bokator, an ancient Khmer martial art, a true highlight of this boutique Mekong cruise.
In the morning, you will travel by coach to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong, where you will visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre. You can walk around the vast complex and experience a short meditation class to quieten your mind. You will rejoin the ship in Kampong Tralach for lunch.
During the afternoon, you will travel by ox-cart around the riverside villages and temples to get a sense of life in rural Cambodia.
In the evening, the crew serves cocktails around a fire pit in a small fishing village, where you will be joined by local folk sharing traditional dancing and tales.
You will enjoy a morning orientation of Phnom Penh by cyclo, visiting the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum.
The afternoon offers a deeper look into history as you visit the Killing Fields and the Genocide Museum to learn about the Khmer Rouge regime. The ship docks overnight in the Phnom Penh city port.
You are free to explore the city's lively bars and restaurants before returning to your "hotel on the water" for the night.
The crew will up anchor early in the morning as the ship cruises downstream toward the Vietnam border. You can relax on the sundeck and enjoy the Mekong river cruise experience while the vessel undergoes immigration formalities.
The ship then sails toward the charming town of Tan Chau. You may take an evening stroll along the riverbank to soak in the local atmosphere before your dinner is served on board.
You will take a short drive to Sam Mountain to visit the sacred Hang Pagoda (Phuoc Dien Tu), which offers stunning views across the Mekong. If you prefer to stay on level ground, you can explore the vibrant local market instead.
Afterward, you will visit nearby floating fish farms by private sampan and enjoy a traditional Lion Dance performance in a local village. As the RV Tonle Pandaw continues its journey into the heart of the Delta, you can enjoy onboard entertainment provided by the crew.
Note: During high water periods (typically October and November), navigation into Chau Doc may be hampered by low bridges. In this case, the excursion will be replaced with an authentic local village visit at Long Thuan.
In the morning, you will journey by sampans through mangroves and bamboo forests to reach the fruit orchards of Ben Tre. You will witness a rich artisanal culture at a local village specializing in handicrafts.
After you return to the ship, you will enjoy lunch as the vessel sails through the Cho Gao Canal. This vital waterway was constructed by the French in 1876 and offers a fascinating insight into life along the water.
In the evening, you will sail into central Saigon and enjoy the stunning city skyline during your farewell dinner.
You will enjoy a final breakfast in the heart of Vietnam’s bustling metropolis. You will disembark in central Saigon for your onward travels, concluding your Mekong cruise Cambodia to Vietnam adventure.
What's included
All entrance fees and sightseeing entrance tickets as per the itinerary.
Expert services of professional English-speaking guides for all shore excursions.
Onboard gratuities for the ship's crew.
Full board meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Complimentary local beverages including soft drinks, beers, and spirits.
Daily selection of teas, tisanes, jugged coffee, and mineral water.
Scheduled group transfers between the ship and designated meeting points.
International airfares and travel insurance.
Port dues (if applicable) and laundry services.
All costs related to visa applications and processing.
Fuel surcharges as specified in the terms and conditions.
Premium imported drinks such as wines, liqueurs, and specialty spirits.
Specialty bar orders including espresso, cappuccino, and canned soft drinks.
Tips for land-based service providers including local guides, drivers, and boat operators.
