This four-night cruise departs from Cambodia's rich countryside and travels through the main channel and into the vast delta, where you reach the vibrant French colonial port of Saigon. Witness the contrasting culture between the bustling Vietnam Delta and the tranquility of Cambodia on this Saigon and Phnom Penh short cruise aboard RV Bassac Pandaw. Start your journey by enjoying Phnom Penh's nightlife before heading to the picturesque border towns of Chau Doc, Chham Village, and Phuoc Dien Tu. Visit a wildlife sanctuary of 1,000 acres of eucalyptus forest before sailing across the heart of the delta and into a village where you witness the process of making local products before being entertained by a Vietnamese dance troupe on deck. Disembark at My Tho and end the trip at Saigon.
Highlights
Visit the floating markets & fish farms by sampan in Chau Doc
Sail through the bustling waterways of the Mekong Delta
Experience the best of both Cambodia and Vietnam's diverse contrasting culture
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Check in to your ship at 11:00 am and enjoy lunch onboard. 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 nightlife.
You set off early and cruise down the Mekong River to the Vietnam border for immigration checks. The ship continues to Chau Doc, where you take an evening walk along the river before dinner on board.
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. After lunch aboard, continue sailing into the heart of the Mekong Delta and enjoy on-deck entertainment from your crew.
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.
In the morning, journey by sampans through mangroves and bamboo forests to the fruit orchards of Ben Tre. This is a fertile farming region, with half of Vietnam's rice production coming from the Mekong Delta. It also hosts a rich artisanal culture, which you can witness in a local village specializing in handicrafts. After returning to the ship, enjoy lunch onboard as you sail through the Cho Gao Canal toward Saigon. The Cho Gao Canal is a vital waterway link for the transportation of goods to and from the city, which was constructed in 1876 by the French and offers a fascinating insight into life along the water. In the evening, sail into central Saigon and enjoy the stunning skyline over dinner.
Day 5: Saigon | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark in central Saigon after breakfast for your onward travels.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$2,5592-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Main Deck Stateroom
10 main deck staterooms
Bedroom: 12' x 10'
Bathroom: 6' x 4'
Showeroom: 2'8" x 3'4"
Single Bed: 6'7" x 3'3"
*Available in Twin and Double Configuration
Upper Deck Staterooms
18 upper deck staterooms
Bedroom: 12' x 10'
Bathroom: 6' x 4'
Showeroom: 2'8" x 3'4"
Single Bed: 6'7" x 3'3"
*Available in Twin and Double Configuration
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
