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Pandaw - Mekong Exploration 8D/7N

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8 Days / 7 Nights from $2,387

Pandaw river expeditions

The Pandaw ships originate from the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, which had a fleet of over 650 steamers, all destroyed in 1942 during World War II. The first Pandaw ship, a restored steamer, was revived in 1995. With over 16 years’ experience in cruising, Pandaw is the largest river cruise company in Asia, with 10 luxury ships all designed as replicas of the colonial river steamers. Pandaw offers its passengers an adventurous experience with daily shore excursions and immense comfort on board through fine dining and outstanding service. Both RV Pandaw and RV Tonle Pandaw take 56 passengers and are used on the Mekong Exploration.

MEKONG RIVER

The Mekong River is the 12th longest river in the world. Originating from the mountains of Tibet, it flows through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam before flowing into the South China Sea. As you cruise along the Mekong River you will experience the contrast between the tranquility and rich countryside of Cambodia and the endless array of waterways and floating villages of the bustling Mekong Delta in Vietnam.

PANDAW STATE ROOM

One of the prime features of the Pandaw ships are the state rooms, which are the same on board each ship. The main and upper decks feature very spacious 15.6sq m cabins, all with private facilities. All cabins have air conditioning, a mini safe, storage space for your luggage, a wardrobe, writing desk and amenities such as a hairdryer and slippers. The cabins do not have minibars, internet, TVs or phones. All main and upper deck cabins have their own deck space outside the cabin.

BAR AND DINING

The Pandaw ships offer a great choice of local cuisine with breakfast served as buffet-style and lunch and dinner served a la carte (your choice from a set menu). Water is provided with all meals as well as complimentary local soft drinks, beers and some spirits, depending on availability. Tea and coffee is also complimentary and available from 6am throughout the day on the Sun Deck. Local mineral water is provided daily in your cabin.

EXCURSIONS AND DAILY SCHEDULES

Pandaw offers daily group excursions ashore to visit the main sites and cultural attractions of the area, as well as remote villages and communities along the way. Your itinerary will list the main stops of your river expedition, however, these depend on the river conditions and other local factors. A detailed daily schedule will be posted on the ship’s notice board. When the ship is moored, passengers are welcome to come and go as they wish.

TOUR ITINERARYBookmark and Share

This is a private short stay package for the independent traveller.

DAY 1: SAIGON TO MY THO

Transfer from the meeting point in Saigon to My Tho and embark on the Pandaw cruise ship this morning. (D)

DAY 2: CAI BE TO CHAU DOC

Enjoy a morning excursion by sampan to see the colourful floating market of Cai Be. Cruise to Sa Dec and see the local market and the ancient house of the 'lover' of Marguerite Duras, a famous French novelist. In the afternoon visit Cu Lao Gien Island and 'La Providence', a Catholic monastery. (B,L,D)

DAY 3: CHAU DOC TO PHNOM PENH

Visit a Cham tribal village, a catfish farm and enjoy a trishaw ride around Chau Doc. Return to the ship for lunch and cast off for the Cambodian border crossing. Moor overnight just downstream from Phnom Penh. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: PHNOM PENH

Enjoy a cyclo tour around Phnom Penh; visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. (B,L,D)

Note: In the afternoon, you have the option of taking an excursion to the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Museum. This excursion is included in the cost of your cruise but must be requested at the time of booking – please advise our reservations staff.

DAY 5: TONLE RIVER - KAMPONG CHHNANG

Enjoy an excursion up the Tonle River by boat or road (depending on water levels) to Kampong Chhnang where you will take a motorboat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. (B,L,D)

DAY 6: KAMPONG CHAM

Stop at the little-known Chong Koh silk weaving village for a leisurely morning walk. In the afternoon stop at Peam Chi Kang Village to visit a local school and monastery. (B,L,D)

DAY 7: KAMPONG CHAM

Visit the hilltop temple of Wat Hanchey this morning. This afternoon travel by bus to see the Twin Holy Mountains of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey. Later visit the village of Choeungkok and the Kampong Cham Orphanage (supported by Pandaw River Cruises). (B,L,D)

DAY 8: KAMPONG CHAM TO SIEM REAP

Disembark from the Pandaw cruise ship early this morning and transfer to the Siem Reap drop off point, stopping at Kampong Thom for refreshments en route. Arrive at Siem Reap mid-afternoon where your arrangements end. (B)

Note: Please provide your arrival and departure flight details to our reservations staff.

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