Classic Mekong

Hop on your Pandaw boat in central Saigon and get comfortable on the sundeck as the ship sails past the skyscrapers of Vietnam’s busy city. After lunch, you meet the crew and catch some local entertainment while heading toward the Mekong Delta. The boat docks overnight on the Vam Co River.

In the morning, you sail through the Cho Gao Canal, a waterway built by the French in 1876 that's used to move goods in and out of the city. You reach Ben Tre and take sampans through mangroves and bamboo forests to visit local fruit orchards. This area produces half of Vietnam's rice and is known for its artisanal culture, which you can see in a village that makes handicrafts. Then, you head back on the boat and sail 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, you 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.

Morning orientation of Phnom Penh by cyclo visiting the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda followed by the National Museum with its marvelous collection of Angkorian statuary. In the afternoon you 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.

Leave the dock at Phnom Penh early in the morning and sail up the winding channels of the Tonle Sap River to Kampong Tralach. You travel by oxcart around the riverside villages, markets, and temples to get a sense of life in rural Cambodia. In the evening, cocktails are served around a fire pit at a small fishing village, where you can be joined by village folk keen to share tales and show you their traditional dancing.

In the morning, travel by coach to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong, where you visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Center. Walk around the vast complex with its impressive Khmer architecture and experience a short meditation class to quieten your mind. You re-join the ship at Prek Kdam before sailing back onto the Mekong proper during lunch. This afternoon, step ashore at Pak Russei, a small and remote village on the banks of the Mekong. Explore on foot and visit local craftspeople weaving silk and producing handmade noodles. Before returning to the ship, learn about the ancient art of Bokator, a traditional form of martial art with a private performance in the village.

Enjoy morning Tai Chi or just a coffee on the deck as you take a sunrise cruise to Peam Chi Korng, an untouched gem that is a hub of pottery in Cambodia. After a short tuk tuk ride from the banks of the Mekong, witness the local potters in action before continuing to explore the village and local fresh market, where you can test your language skills. In the afternoon, continue sailing along the mighty Mekong to Steung Trang, the final destination, before your crew provides some final evening entertainment and a sumptuous farewell dinner is prepared by your kitchen team.

Disembark after breakfast and travel by coach from Steung Trang through stunningly lovely countryside to reach Siem Reap. Arrival at Siem Reap between 12 - 1 pm at the FCC Angkor Hotel, located next to the Royal Palace.