Pandaw Mekong Cruise Downstream 5 days: Phnom Penh - Saigon

  • Destination: Phnom Penh - Ben Tre - My Tho - Ho Chi Minh City
  • Cruise Ship: Pandaw Mekong Cruise

Embark on a captivating 5-day cruise from Phnom Penh to Saigon, immersing yourself in the cultural richness of the Mekong River. Along the way, you will encounter enchanting beauty as well as fascinating traditions and customs of the local communities. Join us for a memorable journey filled with discovery and cultural immersion.

Cabin & Rates

Main Deck

Main Deck

2 pax
15.6 m2
Twin beds
  • All board - meals included
Cabin detail
Upper Deck

Upper Deck

2 pax
15.6 m2
Twin Bed
  • All board - meals included
Cabin detail
Booking Policy
Price Includes
  • Entrance fees
  • Guide services (English language)
  • Gratuities to crew
  • Main meals
  • Locally made soft and alcoholic beverages, jugged coffee and selection of teas and tisanes, mineral water.
  • Transfers between the meeting point and the ship in Siem Reap.
Price Excludes
  • Phnom Penh port tax: 65 USD/ pax
  • International flights
  • Port dues
  • Laundry
  • All visa costs
  • Fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions)
  • Imported beverages such as wines, premium spirits and liqueurs, fancy soft drinks like Perrier, espressos and cappuccinos at bar.
  • Tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.
  • No transfers in Phnom Penh, ship docks in city center at Sisowath Quay.
Cancellation Policy

Cancellation by Customer

  • Cancellation before 120 days prior to the start of the cruise:30 % of the total rate
  • Between 120 and 61 days prior to the start of the cruise: 50 % of the total rate
  • Between 60 and 30 days prior to the start of the cruise: 70 % of the total rate
  • Less than 30 days prior to the start of the cruise: 90 % of the total rate
  • 15 days or less: 100% of the cruise price
Children Policy
  • Free of charge for children below 5 years old, in parents' room and using existing bedding. Baby cots are available.
  • Children above 5 ears must occupy a separate bed and pay full rate (Single or double occupancy).

Cruise Itineraries

Day 1Phnom Penh - Killing Fields - Genocide Museum

Morning

You will be picked up from your city hotel by our driver and guide and transferred to the Pandaw boat for check-in.

Begin your journey with Pandaw expedition at 11:00, meet your dedicated crew, and enjoy a relaxing lunch onboard.

Afternoon

After a short break, we disembark the cruise and visit the Killing Fields to learn about the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime, pay respects to the victims, and gain insight into Cambodia's tragic history. 

Not far from the Killing Fields, we continue to explore the Genocide Museum, called Toul Sleng Prison. The site, a former secondary school, was used by the Khmer Rouge as a detention center from 1975 until its collapse in 1979. 

Evening

Spend the night docked in Phnom Penh’s city port, surrounded by vibrant bars, restaurants, and nightlife. Enjoy time at leisure to explore before returning to your floating hotel.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Pandaw Mekong Cruise

Day 2Cambodia/ Vietnam Border

Pandaw Mekong set sail early in the morning, cruising downstream along the Mekong River to the Vietnam border for immigration formalities.

Spend a relaxing day onboard as the cruise sails toward Vietnam. Make the most of the onboard facilities, from spa and massage services to the fitness center.

When arriving in Vietnam, we will check some immigration procedures. The journey continues to Chau Doc, where you can enjoy a peaceful riverside stroll before dinner onboard.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Pandaw Mekong Cruise

Day 3Chau Doc - Sam Mountain

Morning

After a leisurely breakfast, we boarded a minivan to visit Sam Mountain, home to Phuoc Dien Tu (Hang Pagoda). After climbing the steps, we are rewarded with stunning views over the Mekong. For those who prefer not to take the stairs, you may explore the local market instead.

Next, we visit the floating fish farms by sampan before enjoying a private lion dance performance in a local village. 

Afternoon

After lunch onboard, the journey continues as we cruise deeper into the Mekong Delta, accompanied by onboard entertainment from the crew.

Note: During high water periods in October and November, navigation into Chau Doc may be affected by low bridges. In this case, the day’s excursion will be replaced with a visit to a local village in Long Thuan.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Pandaw Mekong Cruise

Day 4Ben Tre

Morning

This morning, we explore the waterways by sampan, gliding through mangroves and bamboo forests to the lush fruit orchards of Ben Tre. Known for its fertile land and vibrant agricultural life, the Mekong Delta also showcases a rich artisanal culture, which we will discover at a local handicraft village.

Afternoon

Back onboard, enjoy lunch as we continue our journey through the historic Cho Gao Canal en route to Saigon. Built in 1876 by the French, this vital waterway connects trade routes to the city and offers a fascinating window into local life along the riverbanks.

Evening

As evening falls, we arrive in central Saigon, where you can admire the city’s stunning skyline over dinner onboard.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Pandaw Mekong Cruise

Day 5Mekong Delta - Saigon

After breakfast, we will check out of our cabins and disembark the boat. We will bid farewell to the staff here and prepare to transfer back to our hotel in Saigon.

The journey with Pandaw Cruise comes to an end. You'll arrive at a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast

Important Notes:

  • PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

Our Customers Say

9.4

Excellent

29 reviews

Write your review
10.0Excellent03/12/2025

Ms.Raquel H

Spain

Viaje para recordar por siempre

El barco, las instalaciones, el personal, las actividades y la comida han sido excepcionales. Diversión y tranquilidad, descanso confortable. Sin duda, repetiré.

9.5Excellent31/07/2025

Ms.Laura M

United States

The ideal cruise and experience

We went on the Pandaw Mekong cruise, and it was a fantastic experience. Every day's cuisine, from breakfast to supper, was delicious. Freshly prepared smoothies in the morning were my fave. The four-course lunches were amazing. The crew on board was fantastic, and everything was done with a grin. The experience will stay with me forever, and if anyone is thinking about booking this trip, I strongly suggest it; you will not be disappointed.

9.9Excellent01/03/2025

Ahmed N

United Kingdom

The journey of a lifetime

I cannot suggest Pandaw enough. The staff were incredibly friendly and courteous; they knew our names within hours of boarding and gave everyone individual attention. When we returned from our excursions, they cleaned our shoes (even the flip-flops) and brought us moist flannels and cold drinks. The cuisine was of very good quality. The bed linens were changed every day, and the cabin was cleaned twice a day. We didn't want for anything and lived like royalty. I did not want to leave the boat.

9.5Excellent03/12/2024

Mr. EVAN J

Netherlands

Sailing through a fantasy on Pandaw

We went on Pandaw cruise in 1 week, the first from Saigon to Seam Reap on the Lower Mekong River. The ship's crew made the journey even more incredible. We never asked for anything because they knew what we wanted. They were most concerned about our safety during the expeditions, as I never climbed a staircase without a steadying hand on my elbow.

9.5Excellent03/07/2024

Billy L

United States

Pandaw Mekong River Cruise

My spouse and I just ended an 8-day vacation on the Pandaw RV Mekong. We booked with Best Price Travel online after discovering the firm through Tripadvisor recommendations. The trip was simply fantastic, and Neville and his crew were outstanding in every way. The service, food, and trips were all great. The yacht was stunning and immaculate. There were around 40 people on the ship, mostly from Europe, and everyone was a fascinating, seasoned global traveler. Everyone on the ship raved about the cuisine and service, including those who had sailed on several 5-star ships. The weather was beautiful: warm, bright, and mosquito-free. This trip was reasonably priced for what you get, and we would suggest it to anyone.

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