Pandaw returns to the Mekong once again cruising between Vietnam and Cambodia
After their successful ventures on the Red River in September, it was RV Bassac’s turn to take the spotlight as Pandaw returned to the Mekong once again between Vietnam and Cambodia.
The first batch of intrepid travellers since 2020 were welcomed aboard by purser Maung Naing and the Pandaw crew.
Starting their journey in the French colonial port of Saigon in Vietnam, their guests took in the many sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia before arriving in Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor temples.
As can sometimes be the case aboard Pandaw, not everything went exactly to schedule, with very high waters in Cambodia meaning sailing up the Tonle Sap River would not be possible.
“Undeterred by this inconvenience, our experienced captain and purser decided that rather than utilise a long and uncomfortable bus journey to complete the scheduled excursions, we would instead take advantage of the conditions and sail further up the Mekong toward the home of the Mekong dolphin, Kratie, with new excursions planned in their place.”
As pioneers of the waterways in Asia, Pandaw’s itineraries ebb and flow with the water levels and conditions on the river. Their adventurers, many of which being returning Pandaw members, embraced the spirit of adventure and welcomed the rare treat of visiting the upper reaches of the Mekong in Cambodia. Sailing with Pandaw remains a unique and exciting expeditionary adventure in all destinations as it has been since our founding over 27 years ago.
Discover the hidden worlds on the Mekong River
If you’re travelling to South East Asia and want to immerse yourself in the rich culture, what better way to do so than on a Mekong River cruise.
The Mekong River is the 12th largest in the world, it winds its way from Southwest China through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia before it reaches the vast delta of Vietnam.
With an estimated length of 4,350km, there are many places to visit and embarking on a river cruise with Pandaw allows you to experience these remote towns and villages in a way like no other. From the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, (formerly Siagon) to the sleepier town of Luang Prabang in Laos. From the majestic Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia, to the multi-cultural town of Jinghong in China’s Yunnan Province; we can take you there.
Meet local artisans and dancers, learn about the history from the natives themselves, and with Pandaw you can do it in comfort and style. The dining experience allows you to sample the local cuisine and is cooked using ingredients sourced as locally as possible.
