Mekong Delta Cruise 7 Day on RV Pan Daw Cruise: THE ORIGINAL AND BEST CRUISE ON THE MEKONG – CLASSIC MEKONG 7 NIGHTS FROM US$3,053.48 SAVE UP TO 10% AND NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON SELECTED DATES. There can be no tapestry of river life as attractive and varied as the River Mekong. Indeed there can be no more striking cultural contrast than that between the bustling Vietnam delta and the tranquility of Cambodia. We will pass from the vibrant French colonial port of Saigon, through the vast delta so rich in human life and endeavor, to travel along the main channel into the rich countryside of Cambodia. With a full day in charming Phnom Penh, we will then explore remoter waterways as we progress to the great monuments of Angkor.
ITINERARY OF MEKONG DELTA CRUISE 7 DAY
DAY 1 SAIGON – MY THO – BEN TRE
First, we will transfer from Saigon center to the river port for embarkation. After lunch, we will take a tourist boat through mangroves and bamboo forests to the fruit orchards of Ben Tre. This is a land region rich in birdlife which we will explore via local transport before transferring to local rowing boats. We will take rowing boats slowly through the bamboo-covered canals before reaching a village specializing in making local products. In the evening, we will be entertained by a Vietnamese dance troupe on deck.
DAY 2 GAO GIONG
Sailing through the Mekong Delta offers a real insight into life along this vast waterway. After lunch, a short coach will take you through the lush countryside to Gao Giong ‘green oasis’, a 1,000-acre eucalyptus forest and listed wildlife sanctuary. Here a diverse choice of water birds and egrets gather in their tens of thousands across the Duong Tharp Muoi or ‘Plain of Reeds’. Rowing boats will traverse the canals to take us to see the principal nesting areas where photo opportunities abound.
DAY 3 CHAU DOC – VIETNAM/CAMBODIA BORDER
We will go alongside the picturesque border town of Chau Doc where we will visit the floating markets & fish farms by sampan. We will make a stop at a Chham Village and observe the lives of Vietnamese Muslims before taking minivans for a short drive to Sam Mountain, the location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda. We will climb the 400 steps to the top to visit the pagoda. Upon return to the ship, we will navigate a web of canals before dropping anchor on the Vietnam/Cambodia border to undergo Immigration formalities.
Mekong Delta Cruise 7 Day
DAY 4 PHNOM PENH
In the morning, we will head to 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, we will visit the Killing Fields and Genocide museum to learn more about the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. We will overnight in Phnom Penh City port with its lively bars, restaurants, and nightlife.
DAY 5 KAMPONG TRALACH
In the morning, we will be at leisure in Phnom Penh with its café life and many smart boutiques. After lunch, we will sail up the winding channels of the Tonle Sap river to Kampong Tralach. We will travel by ox-cart around the river-side villages, markets, and temples to get a sense of life along the river. In the evening, cocktails will be around a village fire pit where we will be joined by village folk keen to show us their traditional dancing and show us more of the delightful Khmer culture.
DAY 6 OUDONG – SILK ISLAND
In the morning, we will travel by coach to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong. On the way, we will stop to visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre before taking a drive around the old capital. We will rejoin our ship at Prek Kdam before returning to the Mekong. After lunch, we will sail to Koh Nghe Tei (Silk Island) to study the entire silk-making process from worms to weavers. We will visit silk makers and can buy from them their lovely silk scarves and other fabrics. This village is the heart of the ancient martial art of L’bokator which roughly translates as ‘pounding a lion’. It consists of weapons techniques and is one of the oldest combat techniques in Cambodia and is believed to date back to the Angkor empire.
DAY 7 WAT HANCHEY & ANGKOR BAN VILLAGE VISIT
At sunrise, we will cruise to Angkor Ban village to see how local villagers live and visit the library which was donated by Pandaw to Angkor Ban secondary school.
NOTE: if you want to donate books, please bring along some Children’s books in English language (suitable for ages 8 to 15 yrs) which you will be able to gift to the library.
In the afternoon, we will sail north to Wat Hanchey, an important center of worship during the Chenla period located on top of a hill above the mighty Mekong River with some of the best Mekong sights in Cambodia. we will visit 8th-century structures some destroyed by American bombings during the Vietnam War.
DAY 8 SIEM REAP
We will disembark and travel by coach from Kampong Cham through stunningly lovely countryside to reach Siem Reap, adjacent to Angkor Wat.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Cruise Price consists of entrance fees, gratuities to crew, main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes. Transfers between the meeting point and the ship at the beginning and end of a voyage.
Cruise Price consists of International flights, all visa costs, port dues (if levied), laundry, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions), all beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes, and tips to bus drivers, boat operators, and cyclo drivers, tour guides, local guides
TRANSFERS & JOINING
DAY 1 SAIGON – MY THO – BEN TRE
You will transfer from your hotel in Saigon to the port of My Tho, Tien Giang Province by small group transfer to embark cruise.
Our tour guide will pick you up between 09:30 am and 11:00 am. we will call you on the evening before or leave a message with the hotel to reconfirm the exact pick-up time.
Please note transfers will be only available for central Saigon hotels and surcharges will apply for private transfers or transfers from hotels outside of central Saigon.
DAY 8 SIEM REAP
In the early morning, the coach will transfer to the FCC Angkor by Avani hotel in Siem Reap, arriving mid-afternoon (approx. 13.30). Transfer by coach from Kampong Cham to Siem Reap takes you approx 4 hours.
VISA INFORMATION
Upstream
E-visa for Cambodia is not accepted at the river border. Visa on arrival for Cambodia will be arranged for you by our guide. Please bring 1x passport photo and a fee of about 35 USD.
Click here for full visa information.
Downstream
E-visa for Vietnam is now accepted at the river border. On your application, enter SONG TIEN LAND PORT as your arrival port.
Mekong Delta Cruise 7 Day
Mekong Delta Cruise 7 Day
Mekong Delta Cruise 7 Day
Mekong Delta Cruise 7 Day
Mekong Delta Cruise 7 Day
