The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company was established in 1865. By the 1920s, the company ran over 650 vessels on rivers of Burma and became the largest company in the world owning private ships. However, in 1942, this fleet of cruises was scuppered as an Act of Denial when Japanese invaded. In 1995, the appearance of Pandaw Cruise marked the revival of the company. Until now (2014), a fleet of Pandaw Cruise has 12 beautiful vessels, which are special built for river cruising. All of these vessels have ultra-shallow drafts that can bring passengers to remote areas, which would be unreachable by others cruises in Mekong River.
The oldest Pandaw Cruise is launched in 2001, while the youngest is operated in 2014, therefore, the fleet of Pandaw can suit all tastes and requirements of clients about a luxury Mekong cruise. Because of specially built for river cruising, each cruise is outfitted with a promenade deck and observation deck to help passengers have a panoramic views. Besides intimate and comfortable atmosphere onboard, you can find that Panda Cruise offers you a reasonable price for a long and luxury voyage in Mekong River. Almost everything is included in the price, even your drinks and crew tips. There are no hidden extra cost for your excursions.
In general, all rooms in Pandaw Cruise is large enough for you to feel the intimate atmosphere. The average space of Panda’s cabins is 168 square feet (15.6 square meters). With the warm and cozy ambience created in rooms, many clients describe that life on board a Pandaw is likely being a guest on a private motor yacht than a cruise ship.
The numbers of cabin in each vessel will vary depending on what types of vessel that you choose. With an objective of helping passengers to escape from tiresome features in international business hotels, Panda Cruise’s cabin are not be equipped with mini-bars, satellite TV’s, internet, or phones. Normally, all staterooms feature with:
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Services
Being defined as one of Mekong River luxury cruises, Pandaw Cruise takes care about every smallest detail to maximize the satisfaction of passengers. Below are general services will be served on board.
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Bar and restaurant
Panda restaurant is designed to open in daytime for welcoming fresh and natural air. Only at night, the dining room will be closed and use air condition. Receiving feedbacks from customers who already experienced Mekong River cruise, Pandaw has an informal dining room for creating intimate and cozy atmosphere for passengers. In terms of food, the cruise offers a great choice of local cuisine and exotic foods. While breakfast and lunch follow buffet style, dinner is served at tables. For those who do not like hot and spicy taste will be provided European alternatives. Besides, special diets and vegetarians are also well catered for if you inform in advance.
Spa
Passengers can choose a wide range of spa services for your relaxation including foot massages and body massages. Please book in advance if you desire to experience spa service on board.
Activities
Pandaw Cruise often organizes unobtrusive activities, which are considered as a traditional part of any Pandaw river expedition including:
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Day 1: Saigon – My Tho – Cai Be (including lunch, dinner)
In the first day, you will be transferred from a hotel in Saigon to the port of My Tho by coach for check-in the cruise. After having lunch, you will have a thrilling trip to go sightseeing in evergreen islands and at the former Imperial residence named An Kiet House by traditional junk. In the house, you will be welcomed by tea, then let’s enjoy a short walk in fruit orchards around the house. Overnight in mid-stream of Cai Be.
Day 2: Cai Be/ Sa Dec/ Cu Lao Gien/ Chau Doc (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
In the morning, passengers on Pandaw Cruise will visit Cai Be and its colorful floating market. A stop on river bank will allow you to hands-on witness local factories producing traditional products like rice pasta, coconut candies, and other local specialties. Besides, Pandaw Cruise will bring you to explore Mandarins house dating from the late 19th century. When cruising by sampan to Dong Hoa Hiep Islet, it is a good chance to discover rural life and daily activities of locals with palm tree’s weaving, traditional wooden boat factories, and fruit orchard plantations. Arriving in Tien River, you can see water hyacinths, which are known as important product of Mekong River Delta used for furniture and baskets, then you will visit a traditional brick and tile factory.
Let’s enjoy remain time in the morning with an exciting excursion to Sa Dec via Vinh Long by traditional sampan. Sa Dec will leave you interesting moments with various kinds of traditional activities on the banks. You will disembark at a local market, then on the way to a splendid and ancient house of Mr. Huyn Le Thuy, the “lover” of Marguerite Duras, who is a famous French novelist and inspiration for a film named L’Amant-The Lover directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud.
After lunch onboard, Pandaw Cruise will move to Chau Doc. You can visit Cu Lao Gien Island and a Catholic monastery named “La Providence”, which is constructed in 1875 by French nuns of “Saint Paul de Chartres” en route.
Day 3: Chau Doc/ Border Crossing (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
From the main channel of Mekong, Pandaw Cruise will take passengers to Chau Doc jetty, where you will move to small boats for exploring Cham tribal village and a cat fish farm. Let’s take time to enjoy a trishaw ride around this fantastic place for sightseeing French-colonial buildings and bustling market. At noon, the ship will move towards Cambodia border for usual formalities. In the evening, it will cruise to Mekong channel – an international shipping route. Overnight in downstream from Phnom Penh.
Day 4: Phnom Penh (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
In the past, Cambodia is used to be a French colony, therefore, the country still retains its French charm and beauty. Setting foot in Phnom Penh, you have wonderful opportunities to visit many impressive wats such as Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom, and newly painted Wat Lang Ka. Besides, the city also has many spectacular sightseeing spots like Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum.
In the morning, you will visit Phnom Penh by your own private cyclo, therefore, you can explore the city by your own way by deciding where you want to go and what you want to see. In the afternoon, an optional excursion (by coach) is arranged to Killing Fields and Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention center. Please be reminded that this tour is included in price of your cruise, however, you need to request when booking.
Day 5: Phnom Penh to Tonle River (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Depending on water levels, passengers will take part in an exciting excursion up the Tonle River to Kampong Chhnang by ship or by coach. A journey exploring Kampong Chhnang is considered as one of highlights of this voyage. You can see temples abound along the river banks and the rich tapestry of Cambodian rural life. If the water level is allowed, you can make a motor boat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Let’s enjoy the beauty of a stunning variety of birdlife and great fish traps.
Day 6: Kampong Cham (Mekong River) (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
In the morning, Pandaw Cruise will stop at the little-known Chong Koh silk weaving village for a morning walk at leisure. Then, the ship will cruise through Mekong’ timeless villages and river life with extensive fishing activities. In the afternoon, a short stop will allow you to explore Peam Chi Kang village for visiting a wat or a monastery and school. In the wat, the splendid village racing boat are stored.
Day 7: Kampong Cham Area (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
In the morning, you will visit the hilltop pre-Angkor Ian temple of Wat Hanchey. In the afternoon, you will travel by bus to visit the Twin Holy Mountains of Phnon Pros and Phnon Srey (Man and Woman Hill). Then, continuing your journey in ecotourism village of Choeungkor supported by the French-Cambodian NGO Amica and the Kampong Cham orphanage supported by the Pandaw ProBono programme.
Day 8: Siem Reap (including breakfast, lunch)
Coach transfer to a hotel in Siem Reap. Refreshment and packed lunch will be provided. Then, Pandaw Cruise will arrive at Siem Reap in midday. Trip ends.
Day 1: Siem Reap (including lunch and dinner)
You will be transferred by coach from a hotel in Siem Reap to Kampong Cham. Getting on the board, you will be served a packed lunch. The cruise will stop at Kampong Thom along the way.
Day 2: Kampong Cham (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
In the morning, you will visit the hilltop pre-Angkor Ian temple of Wat Hanchey. In the afternoon, you will travel by bus to visit the Twin Holy Mountains of Phnon Pros and Phnon Srey (Man and Woman Hill). Then, continuing your journey in ecotourism village of Choeungkor supported by the French-Cambodian NGO Amica and the Kampong Cham orphanage supported by the Pandaw ProBono programme.
Day 3: Tonle River (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Depending on water levels, passengers will take part in an exciting excursion up the Tonle River to Kampong Chhnang by ship or by coach. A journey exploring Kampong Chhnang is considered as one of highlights of this voyage. You can see temples abound along the river banks and the rich tapestry of Cambodian rural life. If the water level is allowed, you can make a motor boat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Let’s enjoy the beauty of a stunning variety of birdlife and great fish traps. In the late afternoon, the cruise will depart from Kangpong Cham heading for Phnom Penh.
Day 4: Phnom Penh (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
In the past, Cambodia is used to be a French colony, therefore, the country still retains its French charm and beauty. Setting foot in Phnom Penh, you have wonderful opportunities to visit many impressive wats such as Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom, and newly painted Wat Lang Ka. Besides, the city also has many spectacular sightseeing spots like Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum.
In the morning, you will visit Phnom Penh by your own private cyclo, therefore, you can explore the city by your own way by deciding where you want to go and what you want to see. In the afternoon, an optional excursion (by coach) is arranged to Killing Fields and Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention center. Please be reminded that this tour is included in price of your cruise, however, you need to request when booking.
Day 5: Cruising (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
In this day, Pandaw Cruise will spend all day for sailing in main Mekong channel, an international shipping route for Vietnamese border for usual formalities.
Day 6: Chau Doc (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
From the main channel of Mekong, Pandaw Cruise will take passengers to Chau Doc jetty, where you will move to small boats for exploring Cham tribal village and a cat fish farm. Let’s take time to enjoy a trishaw ride around this fantastic place for sightseeing French-colonial buildings and bustling market. At noon, the ship will move towards Cambodia border for usual formalities. In the evening, it will cruise to Mekong channel – an international shipping route.
Day 7: Sa Dec (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
In the morning you will have an exciting excursion to Sa Dec and Vinh Long by traditional sampan. Sa Dec will leave you interesting moments with various kinds of traditional activities on the banks. You will disembark at a local market, then on the way to a splendid and ancient house of Mr. Huyn Le Thuy, the “lover” of Marguerite Duras, who is a famous French novelist and inspiration for a film named L’Amant-The Lover directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud. The cruise will pass through colorful floating market in Cai Be.
Day 8: My Tho
The cruise will early sail from Cai Be to My Tho, where passengers will get off for a coach transfer to a hotel in Saigon.
Price: The price will be changed a little bit depending on the time you make a booking. Generally, the rate for both upstream and downstream itinerary is from US$ 1,765.
Day 1: Saigon – My Tho – Cai Be (including lunch, dinner)
In the first day, you will be transferred from a hotel in Saigon to the port of My Tho by coach for check-in the cruise. After having lunch, you will have a thrilling trip to go sightseeing in evergreen islands and at the former Imperial residence named An Kiet House by traditional junk. In the house, you will be welcomed by tea, then let’s enjoy a short walk in fruit orchards around the house. Overnight in mid-stream of Cai Be.
Day 2: Cai Be/ Sa Dec/ Cu Lao Gien/ Chau Doc (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
In the morning, passengers on Pandaw Cruise will visit Cai Be and its colorful floating market. A stop on river bank will allow you to hands-on witness local factories producing traditional products like rice pasta, coconut candies, and other local specialties. Besides, Pandaw Cruise will bring you to explore Mandarins house dating from the late 19th century. When cruising by sampan to Dong Hoa Hiep Islet, it is a good chance to discover rural life and daily activities of locals with palm tree’s weaving, traditional wooden boat factories, and fruit orchard plantations. Arriving in Tien River, you can see water hyacinths, which are known as important product of Mekong River Delta used for furniture and baskets, then you will visit a traditional brick and tile factory.
Let’s enjoy remain time in the morning with an exciting excursion to Sa Dec via Vinh Long by traditional sampan. Sa Dec will leave you interesting moments with various kinds of traditional activities on the banks. You will disembark at a local market, then on the way to a splendid and ancient house of Mr. Huyn Le Thuy, the “lover” of Marguerite Duras, who is a famous French novelist and inspiration for a film named L’Amant-The Lover directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud.
After lunch onboard, Pandaw Cruise will move to Chau Doc. You can visit Cu Lao Gien Island and a Catholic monastery named “La Providence”, which is constructed in 1875 by French nuns of “Saint Paul de Chartres” en route.
Day 3: Chau Doc/ Border Crossing (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
From the main channel of Mekong, Pandaw Cruise will take passengers to Chau Doc jetty, where you will move to small boats for exploring Cham tribal village and a cat fish farm. Let’s take time to enjoy a trishaw ride around this fantastic place for sightseeing French-colonial buildings and bustling market. At noon, the ship will move towards Cambodia border for usual formalities. In the evening, it will cruise to Mekong channel – an international shipping route. Overnight in downstream from Phnom Penh.
Day 4: Phnom Penh (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Pandaw Cruise will arrive in Phnom Penh in the early morning. Then, passengers will disembark.
Day 1: Phnom Penh (including lunch and dinner)
You will embark the ship by the lunch time. In the afternoon and evening, you can leisurely discover the city by your own. The cruise is moored at the tourist’s jetty at Sisowath Quay, walking distance from the Royal Palace.
Day 2: Cruising (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
In this day, Pandaw Cruise will spend all day in main Mekong channel, an international shipping route for Vietnamese border for usual formalities.
Day 3: Chau Doc/ Border Crossing (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
From the main channel of Mekong, Pandaw Cruise will take passengers to Chau Doc jetty, where you will move to small boats for exploring Cham tribal village and a cat fish farm. Let’s take time to enjoy a trishaw ride around this fantastic place for sightseeing French-colonial buildings and bustling market. At noon, the ship will move towards Cambodia border for usual formalities. In the evening, it will cruise to Mekong channel – an international shipping route. Overnight in downstream from Phnom Penh.
Day 4: Sa Dec (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
In the morning you will have an exciting excursion to Sa Dec and Vinh Long by traditional sampan. Sa Dec will leave you interesting moments with various kinds of traditional activities on the banks. You will disembark at a local market, then on the way to a splendid and ancient house of Mr. Huyn Le Thuy, the “lover” of Marguerite Duras, who is a famous French novelist and inspiration for a film named L’Amant-The Lover directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud. The cruise will pass through colorful floating market in Cai Be.
Day 5: My Tho (including breakfast)
Pandaw Cruise will sail early from Cai Be to My Tho, a place where you will disembark. You will be transferred from the pier to a hotel in Saigon.
Price: The price will be changed a little bit depending on the time you make a booking. Generally, the price of upstream itinerary is from US$ 794 while the cost for downstream is from US$ 1059.
Day 1: Saigon – My Tho – Cai Be (including lunch, dinner)
In the first day, you will be transferred from a hotel in Saigon to the port of My Tho by coach for check-in the cruise. After having lunch, you will have a thrilling trip to go sightseeing in evergreen islands and at the former Imperial residence named An Kiet House by traditional junk. In the house, you will be welcomed by tea, then let’s enjoy a short walk in fruit orchards around the house. Overnight in mid-stream of Cai Be.
Day 2: Cai Be/ Sa Dec/ Cu Lao Gien/ Chau Doc (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
In the morning, passengers on Pandaw Cruise will visit Cai Be and its colorful floating market. A stop on river bank will allow you to hands-on witness local factories producing traditional products like rice pasta, coconut candies, and other local specialties. Besides, Pandaw Cruise will bring you to explore Mandarins house dating from the late 19th century. When cruising by sampan to Dong Hoa Hiep Islet, it is a good chance to discover rural life and daily activities of locals with palm tree’s weaving, traditional wooden boat factories, and fruit orchard plantations. Arriving in Tien River, you can see water hyacinths, which are known as important product of Mekong River Delta used for furniture and baskets, then you will visit a traditional brick and tile factory.
Let’s enjoy remain time in the morning with an exciting excursion to Sa Dec via Vinh Long by traditional sampan. Sa Dec will leave you interesting moments with various kinds of traditional activities on the banks. You will disembark at a local market, then on the way to a splendid and ancient house of Mr. Huyn Le Thuy, the “lover” of Marguerite Duras, who is a famous French novelist and inspiration for a film named L’Amant-The Lover directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud.
After lunch onboard, Pandaw Cruise will move to Chau Doc. You can visit Cu Lao Gien Island and a Catholic monastery named “La Providence”, which is constructed in 1875 by French nuns of “Saint Paul de Chartres” en route.
Day 3: Chau Doc/ Border Crossing (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
From the main channel of Mekong, Pandaw Cruise will take passengers to Chau Doc jetty, where you will move to small boats for exploring Cham tribal village and a cat fish farm. Let’s take time to enjoy a trishaw ride around this fantastic place for sightseeing French-colonial buildings and bustling market. At noon, the ship will move towards Cambodia border for usual formalities. In the evening, it will cruise to Mekong channel – an international shipping route. Overnight in downstream from Phnom Penh.
Day 4: Phnom Penh (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
In the past, Cambodia is used to be a French colony, therefore, the country still retains its French charm and beauty. Setting foot in Phnom Penh, you have wonderful opportunities to visit many impressive wats such as Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom, and newly painted Wat Lang Ka. Besides, the city also has many spectacular sightseeing spots like Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum.
In the morning, you will visit Phnom Penh by your own private cyclo, therefore, you can explore the city by your own way by deciding where you want to go and what you want to see. In the afternoon, an optional excursion (by coach) is arranged to Killing Fields and Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention center. Please be reminded that this tour is included in price of your cruise, however, you need to request when booking.
Day 5: Cruising (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Actually, there are no fixed schedule in this day. Normally, Pandaw Cruise will run ashore to visit a village and take a walk.
Day 6: Kratie (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Kratie is the capital of a province named Kratie which is located in eastern Cambodia. This is a small town with the population of approximately 13,000 situated along the banks of Mekong River. It is dominated by a central marketplace, which is surrounded by old French colonial buildings. In this place, passengers can walk along the road fronting the rivers and enjoy the beauty of a series of French colonial and Chinese style buildings. In the afternoon, you will have free time to discover the town of Kratie – remnant of French colonialism by your own way. Overnight in Kratie.
Day 7: Cruising (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
In this day, you will travel by coach and be transferred to boat to WWF protected area where we hope to see rare river dolphins. As reaching Phnom Sabok, you will visit a variety of small wats, monasteries, and pagodas at the top of the hill and admire a wonderful view of the river and surrounding landscapes.
Day 8: Kampong Cham (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Kampong Cham is an important provincial capital of Cambodia, which has many French colonial buildings, bustling markets, and an attractive setting overlooking Mekong river. In Kampong Cham, passengers will visit rubber plantations in the morning. Later on, after a short minivan trip, you will arrive in Wat Nokor, which is a modern Theravada Buddhist pagoda squeezed into the walls of an 11th century Mahayana Buddhist shrine of sandstone and laterite
Day 9: Tonle River (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Tonle River is a connecting point between Mekong main channel at Phnom Penh and the great Tonle Sap or lake. This is considered as the most beautiful part of your river journey. In this day, the vessel will cruise up to Tonle River to Kampong Chhnang for an excursion into the lake wetlands on expedition boat and then continue the journey across the lake on Pandaw Cruise in the afternoon and evening.
Day 10: Battambang (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Battambang is the second most populous city of the country with many ancient temples, monasteries, and curious bamboo railway. A highlight in this day is a visit to an NGO-run circus school.
Day 11: Siem Reap (including breakfast)
In the early morning, we will make a visit to the Prek Toal, a virgin area freshwater swamp forest and bird sanctuary. You will disembark at Siem Reap port for 25 minutes transfer to the city and temples area.
Day 1: Halong Bay (including dinner)
In the first day of Halong Bay and Red River itinerary, passengers will be transferred from Hanoi international Airport to Halong Bay to embark the cruise.
Day 2: Halong Bay and Archipelago (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Halong Bay is famous tourism destination in Vietnam which is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty. With nearly 2000 islets and islands, Halong Bay was recognized as the world natural heritage twice by UNESCO. Cruising in Halong Bay with Pandaw Cruise, passengers can visit floating fisherman village, a floating school, and limestone caves.
Day 3: The Kinh Thay River (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
As entering Kinh Thay River and mooring at Yen Duc Village, which was recognized as one of national relics in 1993, passengers can admire a spectacular spot set amidst poetic scenery on a charming stretch of rivers with historical mountains coupled with sacred legends and relics related to Ly and Tran dynasty.
Day 4: The Duong River (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
In Duong River, you have chance visit Dong Ho village, where made a wide range of Dong Ho folk painting dating back to the 11th century. The special features of Dong Ho painting is that paper is made from rice and oysters, besides, all color is natural, which is made from natural materials such as coal, burned bamboo leaves, and so on. Later on, Pandaw Cruise will take you to Bat Trang ceramic village, a famous traditional craft village of Vietnam, where traditions of producing ceramic items are passed on from generation to generation.
Day 5: Hanoi (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
In the fifth day, Pandaw Cruise will dock in the bustling capital of Vietnam and bring passengers to well-known attractions of Hanoi such as Hanoi Hilton, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, etc. In addition, it is a great opportunity to watch the water puppet show in Vietnam style.
Day 6: Further explorations of Hanoi (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Hanoi is small but very beautiful city with both ancient and modern beauty. One day is not enough for you to discover this city. Therefore, Pandaw Cruise will spend one more day to further discover spectacular Hanoi. The outstanding attractions that you can visit in this day are Van Phuc Silk Village and Old French Quarter.
Day 7: The lower Red River (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Pandaw Cruise will move from Red River to Viet Tri, which is an excellent base for deeply entering into Higland Vietnam. Going to a shore, you can admire the beauty of emerald green paddies punctuated by lime stone rock formations. Then, you will visit Tay village, a hardly known with exquisite temples dating from 8th and 11th century and some Buddhist statuary carved from jackfruit trees. In the afternoon, as arriving in Viet Tri, you will visit an orphanage lying amidst lush gardens.
Day 8: The upper Red River (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
If the seventh day you will explore the lower Red River, in this day, you will discover remain part, the upper Red River. The Red River flows down from China’s Yunnan province. The river has been a key trade route between China and Vietnam. You can visit Hoa Ha - a typical riverine village and take a hike. Between Viet Tri and Hoa Ha, you can see mountains loom large and river narrows and flows fast.
Day 9: The Da River (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Passengers can enjoy the unspoiled beauty of Da River. Then, the cruise will pass through Ba Vi National Park, which has rich and diverse tropical and sub-tropical flora and fauna before arriving at Hoa Binh.
Day 10: Hoa Binh (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Hoa Binh is home of some ethnic groups of Vietnam. In this province, passengers will visit a museum and a local village where villagers still wear their own traditional dress. You will also visit a 400 ton statue of Ho Chi Minh which commands spectacular views over the Hoa Binh valley.
Day 11: Mai Chau (including breakfast)
In the early morning, you will take a coach to Mai Chau, a home of Black Thai and White Thai, ethnic people who still live in bamboo stilt house. In the afternoon, Pandaw Cruise will return downstream towards town of Viet Tri. After disembarkation, you will be transferred to Sapa and Tonkinese Alps or back to Hanoi International Airport.
Day 1: Viet Tri
You will be transferred to Viet Tri from your hotel. The cruise will set sail upstream for sunset and a night on the Red River.
Day 2: The upper Red River (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
If the seventh day you will explore the lower Red River, in this day, you will discover remain part, the upper Red River. The Red River flows down from China’s Yunnan province. The river has been a key trade route between China and Vietnam. You can visit Hoa Ha - a typical riverine village and take a hike. Between Viet Tri and Hoa Ha, you can see mountains loom large and river narrows and flows fast.
Day 3: The Da River (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Passengers can enjoy the unspoiled beauty of Da River. Then, the cruise will pass through Ba Vi National Park, which has rich and diverse tropical and sub-tropical flora and fauna before arriving at Hoa Binh.
Day 4: Hoa Binh (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Hoa Binh is home of some ethnic groups of Vietnam. In this province, passengers will visit a museum and a local village where villagers still wear their own traditional dress. You will also visit a 400 ton statue of Ho Chi Minh which commands spectacular views over the Hoa Binh valley.
Day 5: Mai Chau (including breakfast)
In the early morning, you will take a coach to Mai Chau, a home of Black Thai and White Thai, ethnic people who still live in bamboo stilt house. In the afternoon, Pandaw Cruise will return downstream towards town of Viet Tri. In the afternoon, the vessel will take you to visit an orphanage and set in lush gardens.
Day 6: The Lower Red River
In this day, you will visit timeless Arcadian Vietnam with emerald green rice paddies. Besides, you have a great opportunity to visit Tay village, which is home of fine Buddhist statuary carved from jackfruit trees and exquisite temples appeared from 8th to 11th century.
Day 7: Hanoi (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
In the fifth day, Pandaw Cruise will dock in the bustling capital of Vietnam and bring passengers to well-known attractions of Hanoi such as Hanoi Hilton, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, etc. In addition, it is a great opportunity to watch the water puppet show in Vietnam style.
Day 8: Further explorations of Hanoi (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Hanoi is small but very beautiful city with both ancient and modern beauty. One day is not enough for you to discover this city. Therefore, Pandaw Cruise will spend one more day to further discover spectacular Hanoi. The outstanding attractions that you can visit in this day are Van Phuc Silk Village and Old French Quarter.
Day 9: The Duong River (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
In Duong River, you have chance visit Dong Ho village, where made a wide range of Dong Ho folk painting dating back to the 11th century. The special features of Dong Ho painting is that paper is made from rice and oysters, besides, all color is natural, which is made from natural materials such as coal, burned bamboo leaves, and so on. Later on, Pandaw Cruise will take you to Bat Trang ceramic village, a famous traditional craft village of Vietnam, where traditions of producing ceramic items are passed on from generation to generation.
Day 10: The Kinh Thay River (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
As entering Kinh Thay River and mooring at Yen Duc Village, which was recognized as one of national relics in 1993, passengers can admire a spectacular spot set amidst poetic scenery on a charming stretch of rivers with historical mountains coupled with sacred legends and relics related to Ly and Tran dynasty.
Day 11: Halong Bay
Pandaw Cruise will set sail in Halong Bay through its 2000 islets and islands, floating village, floating school, and limestone caves. Then, you will disembark late morning and be transferred to Hanoi.
Price: Similar to other itineraries, the price will be changed depending on the time of booking. Normally, the price is from US$ 2,340 for both upstream and downstream.
Note: Inclusions and Exclusions in price
Inclusions |
Exclusions |
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RV Pandaw Mekong River Cruise Departure Dates In 2014 & 2015:
Departure Dates |
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Saigon to Siem Reap |
Siem Reap To Saigon |
July 05 to 12, 2014 |
July 12 to 19, 2014 |
July 19 to 26, 2014 |
July 26 to August 02,2014 |
August 02 to 09, 2014 |
August 09 to 16, 2014 |
August 16 to 23, 2014 |
August 26 to September 02, 2014 |
September 02 to 09, 2014 |
September 15 to 22, 2014 |
September 27 to Octorber 04, 2014 |
Octorber 04 to 11, 2014 |
Octorber 11 to 18, 2014 |
Octorber 18 to 25, 2014 |
Octorber 25 to November 01, 2014 |
November 01 to 08, 2014 |
November 08 to 15, 2014 |
November 15 to 22, 2014 |
November 22 to 29, 2014 |
November 29 to December 06, 2014 |
December 06 to 13, 2014 |
December 12 to 19, 2014 |
December 20 to 27, 2014 |
December 27, 2014 to January 03, 2015 |
January 03 to 10, 2015 |
January 10 to 17, 2015 |
January 17 to 24, 2015 |
January 24 to 31, 2015 |
January 31 to February 07, 2015 |
February 07 to 14, 2015 |
February 07 to 14, 2015 |
February 14 to 21, 2015 |
February 21 to 28, 2015 |
February 28 to March 07, 2015 |
March 07 to 14, 2015 |
March 14 to 21, 2015 |
March 21 to 28, 2015 |
March 28 to April 04, 2015 |
April 04 to 11, 2015 |
April 11 to 18, 2015 |
April 18 to 25, 2015 |
Check-in/Check-out
Because there are different itineraries, therefore, the check-in and check-out time is different. When make a booking, you are highly recommended to ask staffs all necessary information for your smooth trip.
Children and extra beds
Free of charge for children below 5 years old, in parents' room and using existing bedding.
Baby cots are available.
Children above 5 years must occupy a separate bed and further charge.
Cancellation
To know detailed information about cancellation’s policy, you should contact Pandaw’s staffs. Pleased be reminded that as other Mekong River cruises, the sooner you inform cancellation, the less you will be cost.
Cards accepted
Passengers can make payment by various ways such as bank transfer, Western Union, credit cards (Visa, Master Card, American Express, JCB card).
How safe is your boat?
To ensure the safety and security of passengers onboard:
- All onboard crew is trained and certified as per international marine standards
- Fire alarm system in all cabins, public areas and back areas
- Firefighting system in all ship areas
- Expert marine superintendent
- 24 hours watch on duty
What is difference between upstream and downstream?
Upstream and downstream indicate the direction that the ship will move. For example, if upstream is from Saigon to Siem Reap, downstream is in opposite direction, it means from Siem Reap to Saigon. Generally, all activities and programs in upstream and down stream’s itinerary is similar to each other. The only one difference is that the ship moves from the opposite direction.
4-OCT-2014 DOWNSTREAM Save In Style 20% Discount. Cabins from US$2,071.44 per person.
11-OCT-2014 UPSTREAM Save In Style 20% Discount. Cabins from US$2,071.44 per person.
18-OCT-2014 DOWNSTREAM Save In Style 20% Discount. Cabins from US$2,071.44 per person.
25-OCT-2014 UPSTREAM Save In Style 20% Discount. Cabins from US$2,071.44 per person.
8-NOV-2014 UPSTREAM Last Minute 10% Discount. Cabins from US$2,330.37 per person. Only 4 Cabins Are Available!
6-DEC-2014 UPSTREAM Singles Welcome! No Single Supplement
13-DEC-2014 DOWNSTREAM Singles Welcome! No Single Supplement
18-JUL-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 21-Sep-2014. Cabins from US$1,765.80 per person.
8-AUG-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 12-Oct-2014. Cabins from US$1,765.80 per person.
15-AUG-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 19-Oct-2014. Cabins from US$1,765.80 per person.
5-SEP-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 9-Nov-2014. Cabins from US$1,765.80 per person.
12-SEP-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 16-Nov-2014. Cabins from US$1,765.80 per person.
3-OCT-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 7-Dec-2014. Cabins from US$2,330.55 per person.
10-OCT-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 14-Dec-2014. Cabins from US$2,330.55 per person.
17-OCT-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 21-Dec-2014. Cabins from US$2,330.55 per person.
24-OCT-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 28-Dec-2014. Cabins from US$2,330.55 per person.
31-OCT-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 4-Jan-2015. Cabins from US$2,330.55 per person.
14-NOV-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 18-Jan-2015. Cabins from US$2,330.55 per person.
21-NOV-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 25-Jan-2015. Cabins from US$2,330.55 per person.
28-NOV-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 1-Feb-2015. Cabins from US$2,330.55 per person.
5-DEC-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 8-Feb-2015. Cabins from US$2,330.55 per person.
12-DEC-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 15-Feb-2015. Cabins from US$2,330.55 per person.
19-DEC-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 22-Feb-2015. Cabins from US$2,330.55 per person.
26-DEC-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 1-Mar-2015. Cabins from US$2,330.55 per person.
2-JAN-2016 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 8-Mar-2015. Cabins from US$2,563.20 per person.
9-JAN-2016 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 15-Mar-2015. Cabins from US$2,563.20 per person.
23-JAN-2016 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 29-Mar-2015. Cabins from US$2,563.20 per person.
30-JAN-2016 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 5-Apr-2015. Cabins from US$2,563.20 per person.
6-FEB-2016 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 12-Apr-2015. Cabins from US$2,563.20 per person.
13-FEB-2016 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 19-Apr-2015. Cabins from US$2,563.20 per person.
20-FEB-2016 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 26-Apr-2015. Cabins from US$2,563.20 per person.
27-FEB-2016 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 3-May-2015. Cabins from US$2,563.20 per person.
5-MAR-2016 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 10-May-2015. Cabins from US$2,563.20 per person.
12-MAR-2016 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 17-May-2015. Cabins from US$2,563.20 per person.
19-MAR-2016 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 24-May-2015. Cabins from US$2,563.20 per person.
26-MAR-2016 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 31-May-2015. Cabins from US$2,563.20 per person.
7-OCT-2014 DOWNSTREAM Save In Style 20% Discount. Cabins from US$1,183.60 per person.
11-OCT-2014 UPSTREAM Save In Style 20% Discount. Cabins from US$887.71 per person.
21-OCT-2014 DOWNSTREAM Save In Style 20% Discount. Cabins from US$1,183.60 per person.
25-OCT-2014 UPSTREAM Save In Style 20% Discount. Cabins from US$887.71 per person.
8-NOV-2014 UPSTREAM Last Minute 10% Discount. Cabins from US$998.68 per Person. Only 4 Cabins Are Available!
21-JUL-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 24-Sep-2014. Cabins from US$1,059.30 per person.
8-AUG-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 12-Oct-2014. Cabins from US$794.70 per person.
18-AUG-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 22-Oct-2014. Cabins from US$1,059.30 per person.
5-SEP-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 9-Nov-2014. Cabins from US$794.70 per person.
15-SEP-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 19-Nov-2014. Cabins from US$1,059.30 per person.
3-OCT-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 7-Dec-2014. Cabins from US$1,048.95 per person.
13-OCT-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 17-Dec-2014. Cabins from US$1,398.15 per person.
17-OCT-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 21-Dec-2014. Cabins from US$1,048.95 per person.
27-OCT-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 31-Dec-2014. Cabins from US$1,398.15 per person.
31-OCT-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 4-Jan-2015. Cabins from US$1,048.95 per person.
14-NOV-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 18-Jan-2015. Cabins from US$1,048.95 per person.
24-NOV-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 28-Jan-2015. Cabins from US$1,398.15 per person.
28-NOV-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 1-Feb-2015. Cabins from US$1,048.95 per person.
8-DEC-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 11-Feb-2015. Cabins from US$1,398.15 per person.
12-DEC-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 15-Feb-2015. Cabins from US$1,048.95 per person.
22-DEC-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 25-Feb-2015. Cabins from US$1,398.15 per person.
26-DEC-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 1-Mar-2015. Cabins from US$1,048.95 per person.
5-JAN-2016 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 11-Mar-2015. Cabins from US$1,538.10 per person.
9-JAN-2016 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 15-Mar-2015. Cabins from US$1,153.35 per person.
23-JAN-2016 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 29-Mar-2015. Cabins from US$1,153.35 per person.
2-FEB-2016 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 8-Apr-2015. Cabins from US$1,538.10 per person.
6-FEB-2016 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 12-Apr-2015. Cabins from US$1,153.35 per person.
16-FEB-2016 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 22-Apr-2015. Cabins from US$1,538.10 per person.
20-FEB-2016 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 26-Apr-2015. Cabins from US$1,153.35 per person.
1-MAR-2016 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 6-May-2015. Cabins from US$1,538.10 per person.
5-MAR-2016 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 10-May-2015. Cabins from US$1,153.35 per Person.
15-MAR-2016 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 20-May-2015. Cabins from US$1,538.10 per person.
19-MAR-2016 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 24-May-2015. Cabins from US$1,153.35 per person.
29-MAR-2016 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 3-Jun-2015. Cabins from US$1,538.10 per person.
30-JUL-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 3-Oct-2014. Cabins from US$2,340.00 per person.
10-AUG-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 14-Oct-2014. Cabins from US$2,340.00 per person.
30-AUG-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 3-Nov-2014. Cabins from US$2,340.00 per person.
10-SEP-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 14-Nov-2014. Cabins from US$2,340.00 per person.
30-SEP-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 4-Dec-2014. Cabins from US$2,925.00 per person.
10-OCT-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 14-Dec-2014. Cabins from US$2,925.00 per person.
20-OCT-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 24-Dec-2014. Cabins from US$2,925.00 per person.
30-OCT-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 3-Jan-2015. Cabins from US$2,925.00 per person.
9-NOV-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 13-Jan-2015. Cabins from US$2,925.00 per person.
19-NOV-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 23-Jan-2015. Cabins from US$2,925.00 per person.
19-DEC-2015 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 22-Feb-2015. Cabins from US$2,925.00 per person.
29-DEC-2015 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 4-Mar-2015. Cabins from US$2,925.00 per person.
8-JAN-2016 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 14-Mar-2015. Cabins from US$2,925.00 per person.
18-JAN-2016 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 24-Mar-2015. Cabins from US$2,925.00 per person.
28-JAN-2016 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 3-Apr-2015. Cabins from US$2,925.00 per person.
7-FEB-2016 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 13-Apr-2015. Cabins from US$2,925.00 per person.
17-FEB-2016 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 23-Apr-2015. Cabins from US$2,925.00 per person.
27-FEB-2016 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 3-May-2015. Cabins from US$2,925.00 per person.
8-MAR-2016 UPSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 13-May-2015. Cabins from US$2,925.00 per person.
18-MAR-2016 DOWNSTREAM Early Bird Discounted 10% Through 23-May-2015. Cabins from US$2,925.00 per person.
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