Overview
A replica of a colonial-era vessel dating from 1865, the majestic 167ft Bassac Pandaw is a luxurious three-deck riverboat. She accommodates up to 60 guests for cruises through the slow, swirling waters of the Mekong, exploring Vietnam and Cambodia’s finest scenery and peaceful beauty, ancient temples and bustling capitals, in comfort and style complemented by exceptional service.
Life On Board
Accommodation comprises 20 staterooms on the upper deck and 10 on the main deck. Each measures 170 square feet, and all have air-conditioning, french windows, and twin beds, some of which can be set up as a double. Bathrooms have good showers, with bathrobes, hair dryers, and slippers provided. Cabins also have desks and safes. You can look forward to fruit and flowers on arrival, kimonos and slippers, spa-branded amenities, unlimited mineral water, free use of a mini-DVD-player on request and a selection of DVDs from the library.
Most of your on-board leisure time will be spent on the aft of the covered upper deck and the sun deck. Here you can relax on a teak lounger and take in the sights going by; local families in their traditional floating homes will often stop what they are doing to wave as you drift past, giving you a glimpse into their water-based way of life. Local entertainment is offered, such as folkloric dancing and puppet shows.
Be sure to take advantage of the open-bridge policy; this is the captain’s deck where the weather and charts are studied, where plans for the journey are decided and where the magic happens. Wi-Fi is slow because of the remote regions traveled. However, some riverside ports in the cruise itinerary feature Internet shops. Bassac Pandaw’s guides give briefings at cocktail hour every night, and accompany all excursions, which are daily and free.
Dining is a relaxed and casual experience with meals served in the air-conditioned main deck restaurant, complemented by panoramic views. Breakfast is buffet style but preceded by coffee, tea and light bites on the sun deck for early risers. Lunch is served either buffet style or standard sit-down, while the four-course dinners feature waiter-service at the table, with a great choice of local cuisine and international favorites. Produce is fresh, regional and seasonal. There is also an extensive wine list with premium wines. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, ice cream, beer and domestic spirits are complimentary and served at the main bar/library lounge on the upper deck.
Life On The Mekong
Explore the vibrant French colonial port of Saigon. Witness the tastes and sounds of a floating market at dawn in the Mekong Delta region of South Vietnam. Cruise into the bustling hub of the Phnom Penh port in Cambodia. Soak up the classic beauty of old colonial buildings or explore the fascinating culture and history of Cambodia in the breath-taking ancient temples of Angkor.
There is no tapestry of river life as fascinating and varied as the Mekong. Discover it all aboard RV Bassac Pandaw on a choice of three itineraries—each sailable either upstream or downstream—and gain insight into the heart and soul of Vietnam and Cambodia.
Itineraries & Prices
All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.
Embarkation
AM: Embark your Pandaw vessel in central Saigon and relax on the spacious sundeck as we set sail past the towering skyscrapers of Vietnam’s bustling metropolis.
PM: After lunch onboard, you will meet the crew and enjoy local entertainment on the deck as we sail toward the Mekong Delta. We moor overnight on the Vam Co River.
Ben Tre & Fertile Waterways
AM: Early morning we set sail through the Cho Gao Canal, 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 to life along the water. We reach Ben Tre and journey by sampans through mangroves and bamboo forests to the fruit orchards abundant in the area. 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 we will witness at a local village specializing in handicrafts.
PM: Back aboard we sail deeper into the delta toward Chau Doc.
Chau Doc and Into Cambodia
AM: In the morning, we take minivans for a short drive to Sam Mountain, the location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda. After climbing the steps, we are greeted with stunning views across the Mekong. For those not keen on the stairs, explore the local market instead.
PM: Afterwards, we 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, we 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 will be replaced with a local village visit at Long Thuan.
Disembarkation
AM: After breakfast, disembark your Pandaw Expedition in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh.
Embarkation
AM: Travel by coach from Siem Reap to the riverside town of Steung Trang for embarkation.
PM: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong and meet your crew for the next 3 nights before your welcome dinner is served.
Peam Chi Korng & Pak Russei Crafts
AM: Enjoy morning Tai Chi or just a coffee on deck as we 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, we witness the local potters in action before continuing to explore the village and local fresh market where you can test your language skills.
PM: This afternoon we step ashore at Pak Russei, a small and remote village on the banks of the Mekong. We will explore on foot and visit local craftspeople weaving silk and producing handmade noodles. Before returning to the ship, we learn about the ancient art of Bokator, a traditional form of martial art with a private performance in the village.
Life on The Tonle Sap River
AM: In the morning, travel by coach to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong where we visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre. Walk around the vast complex with it's impressive Khmer architecture and experience a short meditation class to quieten your mind. Rejoin your ship in Kampong Tralach for lunch aboard.
PM: In the afternoon we travel by oxcart around the river-side 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 we will be joined by village folk keen to share tales and show us their traditional dancing.
Disembarkation
AM: After breakfast, disembark your Pandaw in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh.
Embarkation
AM: Check-in to your Pandaw expedition at 11:00am and meet your crew before enjoying lunch onboard.
PM: In the afternoon we visit the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum to learn more about the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. We dock overnight in Phnom Penh city port with its lively bars, restaurants and nightlife. Feel free to explore the city before returning to your hotel on the water.
Life on The Tonle Sap River
AM & PM: We leave the dock at Phnom Penh early morning and sail up the winding channels of the Tonle Sap River to Kampong Tralach. We travel by oxcart around the river-side 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 we will be joined by village folk keen to share tales and show us their traditional dancing.
Oudong Meditations & Pak Russei Silk
AM: In the morning, travel by coach to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong where we visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre. Walk around the vast complex with its impressive Khmer architecture and experience a short meditation class to quieten your mind. We re-join our ship at Prek Kdam before sailing back onto the Mekong proper during lunch.
PM: This afternoon we step ashore at Pak Russei, a small and remote village on the banks of the Mekong. We will explore on foot and visit local craftspeople weaving silk and producing handmade noodles. Before returning to the ship, we learn about the ancient art of Bokator, a traditional form of martial art with a private performance in the village.
Peam Chi Korng Pottery
AM: Enjoy morning Tai Chi or just a coffee on deck as we 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, we witness the local potters in action before continuing to explore the village and local fresh market where you can test your language skills.
PM: In the afternoon we continue sailing along the mighty Mekong to Steung Trang, our final destination before your crew provides some final evening entertainment and a sumptuous farewell dinner is prepared by your kitchen team.
Disembarkation
AM: Disembark after breakfast and travel by coach from Steung Trang through stunningly lovely countryside to reach Siem Reap. Arrival into Siem Reap betweeen 12 - 1pm at the FCC Angkor Hotel, located next to the Royal Palace.
Embarkation
AM: Check-in to your Pandaw expedition at 11:00am and meet your crew before enjoying lunch onboard.
PM: In the afternoon we visit the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum to learn more about the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. We dock overnight in Phnom Penh city port with its lively bars, restaurants and nightlife. Feel free to explore the city before returning to your hotel on the water.
Into Vietnam
AM: We up anchor early in the morning and cruise downstream along the Mekong River to the Vietnam border for immigration formalities.
PM: The ship sails toward Chau Doc where we talk an evening stroll along the river before dinner aboard.
Chau Doc & The Fertile Waterways
AM: In the morning, we take minivans for a short drive to Sam Mountain, the location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda. After climbing the steps we are greeted with stunning views across the Mekong. For those not keen on the stairs, explore the local market instead. Afterwards, we visit the nearby floating fish farms by Sampan before being treated to a private Lion dance performance at a local Village. PM: After lunch aboard, we 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 will be replaced with a local village visit at Long Thuan.
Ben Tre & Sailing Into Saigon
AM: In the morning, we 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 we will witness at a local village specializing in handicrafts.
PM: After returning to the ship enjoy lunch onboard as we 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 to life along the water. In the evening, we sail into central Saigon and enjoy the stunning skyline over dinner.
Disembarkation
AM: Disembark in central Saigon after breakfast for your onward travels.
Embarkation
AM: Travel by coach from Siem Reap to the riverside town of Steung Trang for embarkation.
PM: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong and meet your crew for the next 7 nights before your welcome dinner is served.
Peam Chi Korng & Pak Russei Crafts
AM & PM: Enjoy morning Tai Chi or just a coffee on deck as we 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, we witness the local potters in action before continuing to explore the village and local fresh market where you can test your language skills. This afternoon we step ashore at Pak Russei, a small and remote village on the banks of the Mekong. We will explore on foot and visit local craftspeople weaving silk and producing handmade noodles. Before returning to the ship, we learn about the ancient art of Bokator, a traditional form of martial art with a private performance in the village.
Life on The Tonle Sap River
AM: In the morning, travel by coach to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong where we visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre. Walk around the vast complex with it's impressive Khmer architecture and experience a short meditation class to quieten your mind. Rejoin your ship in Kampong Tralach for lunch abaord.
PM: In the afternoon we travel by ox-cart around the river-side 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 we will be joined by village folk keen to share tales and show us their traditional dancing.
Phnom Penh
AM: 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.
PM: In the afternoon we visit the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum to learn more about the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. We dock overnight in Phnom Penh city port with its lively bars, restaurants and nightlife. Feel free to explore the city before returning to your hotel on the water.
Into Vietnam
AM: We up anchor early in the morning and cruise downstream along the Mekong River to the Vietnam border for immigration formalities. PM: The ship sails toward Chau Doc where we talk an evening stroll along the river before dinner aboard.
Chau Doc & The Fertile Waterways
AM: In the morning, we take minivans for a short drive to Sam Mountain, the location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda. After climbing the steps we are greeted with stunning views across the Mekong. For those not keen on the stairs, explore the local market instead. Afterwards, we visit the nearby floating fish farms by Sampan before being treated to a private Lion dance performance at a local Village.
PM: After lunch aboard we 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 will be replaced with a local village visit at Long Thuan.
Ben Tre & Sailing Into Saigon
AM: In the morning, we 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 we will witness at a local village specializing in handicrafts.
PM: After returning to the ship enjoy lunch onboard as we 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 to life along the water. In the evening, we sail into central Saigon and enjoy the stunning skyline over dinner.
Disembarkation
AM: Disembark in central Saigon after breakfast for your onward travels.
Embarkation
AM: Embark your Pandaw vessel in central Saigon and relax on the spacious sundeck as we set sail past the towering skyscrapers of Vietnam’s bustling metropolis.
PM: After lunch onboard, you will meet the crew and enjoy local entertainment on the deck as we sail toward the Mekong Delta. We moor overnight on the Vam Co River.
Ben Tre & Fertile Waterways
AM: Early morning we set sail through the Cho Gao Canal, 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 to life along the water. We reach Ben Tre and journey by sampans through mangroves and bamboo forests to the fruit orchards abundant in the area. 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 we will witness at a local village specializing in handicrafts.
PM: Back aboard we sail deeper into the delta toward Chau Doc.
Chau Doc and Into Cambodia
AM: In the morning, we take minivans for a short drive to Sam Mountain, the location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda. After climbing the steps we are greeted with stunning views across the Mekong. For those not keen on the stairs, explore the local market instead. Afterwards, we visit the nearby floating fish farms by Sampan before being treated to a private Lion dance performance at a local Village. PM: Upon return to the ship, we 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 will be replaced with a local village visit at Long Thuan.
Phnom Penh
AM: 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.
PM: In the afternoon we visit the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum to learn more about the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. We dock overnight in Phnom Penh city port with its lively bars, restaurants and nightlife. Feel free to explore the city before returning to your hotel on the water.
Life on The Tonle Sap River
AM: We leave the dock at Phnom Penh early morning and sail up the winding channels of the Tonle Sap River to Kampong Tralach. We travel by ox-cart around the river-side villages, markets and temples to get a sense of life in rural Cambodia.
PM: In the evening cocktails are served around a fire pit at a small fishing village where we will be joined by village folk keen to share tales and show us their traditional dancing.
Oudong Meditations & Pak Russei Silk
AM: In the morning, travel by coach to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong where we visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre. Walk around the vast complex with it's impressive Khmer architecture and experience a short meditation class to quieten your mind. We re-join our ship at Prek Kdam before sailing back onto the Mekong proper during lunch.
PM: This afternoon we step ashore at Pak Russei, a small and remote village on the banks of the Mekong. We will explore on foot and visit local craftspeople weaving silk and producing handmade noodles. Before returning to the ship, we learn about the ancient art of Bokator, a traditional form of martial art with a private performance in the village.
Peam Chi Korng Pottery
AM: Enjoy morning Tai Chi or just a coffee on deck as we 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, we witness the local potters in action before continuing to explore the village and local fresh market where you can test your language skills.
PM: In the afternoon we continue sailing along the mighty Mekong to Steung Trang, our final destination before your crew provides some final evening entertainment and a sumptuous farewell dinner is prepared by your kitchen team.
Disembarkation
AM: Disembark after breakfast and travel by coach from Steung Trang through stunningly lovely countryside to reach Siem Reap.
PM: Arrival into Siem Reap betweeen 12 - 1pm at the FCC Angkor Hotel, located next to the Royal Palace.
Accommodations
Social Areas
Suites & Cabins
Main Deck
Enjoy a peaceful night's sleep in these air-conditioned rooms that come with imported quality linens. The rooms are designed to ensure maximum guest comfort with multi-configuration plugs for all your gadgets, a spacious closet, storage under the bed, and kimonos and slippers.
Upper Deck
These suites feature a panoramic French window that leads to a private deck space giving guests breathtaking scenery. The private bathrooms come with a natural stone shower, spa-branded amenities, and a hairdryer. The room also has a spacious closet and an electric safe.
Technical Information
Features
- Air conditioning
- Excercise room
- Massage room
- Lecture room
- WIFI available
- Kosher Meals
- Medical staff
- Souvenir shop
- Hot showers
- All inclusive
- Charging areas for electronic equipment
Equipment
- Bicycles
- Yoga mats
- Flash lights
- Water canteen/bottle
- Insect repellent
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