Saigon and Phnom Penh Short Cruise

You hop on your Pandaw ship in central Saigon and settle in on the sundeck as it cruises past the city’s skyscrapers. After lunch, you meet the crew and catch some local entertainment while sailing toward the Mekong Delta. The ship docks overnight on the Vam Co River.

Early in the morning, you cruise through the Cho Gao Canal, a key waterway built by the French in 1876 for transporting goods. It gives you a clear view of life along the water. You arrive at Ben Tre and take sampans to explore mangroves, bamboo forests, and local fruit orchards. This fertile area produces half of Vietnam's rice and has a strong artisanal culture, which you’ll see in a village known for handicrafts. Back on the ship, you continue sailing deeper into the delta toward Chau Doc.

In the morning, take minivans for a short drive to Sam Mountain, the location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda. After climbing the steps, you are greeted with stunning views across the Mekong. For those not keen on the stairs, explore the local market instead. Afterward, visit the nearby floating fish farms by Sampan before being treated to a private lion dance performance at a local village. Upon return to the ship, navigate a web of canals before dropping anchor on the Vietnam/Cambodia border to undergo immigration formalities.

Note: During high water periods in October and November, navigation into Chau Doc may be hampered by low bridges, meaning today's excursion can be replaced with a local village visit at Long Thuan.

After breakfast, disembark your Pandaw Expedition in Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh.