Classic Mekong River Cruise, Saigon to Angkor Wat in Style
Adventure Cruising
Cambodia, Vietnam | Adventure Cruising
- Duration: 14 days from the UK
A relaxed exploration of two fascinating countries from the luxury of 'the most splendid ships on the Mekong'.
Highlights
- Enjoy seven nights onboard a luxurious Pandaw cruise boat
- Stay in 5* hotels in Saigon and Siem Reap
- Tour the cultural highlights and historical sites of Saigon, Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat
- Visit charming villages and enjoy the beautiful river landscapes
- Explore by sampan, on foot and by tuk tuk and ox cart
This superb tour highlights the very best that Vietnam and Cambodia have to offer taking in cultural wonders, fascinating historical sights and beautiful scenery whilst travelling in real style throughout.
Your holiday begins with an in-depth tour of the incomparable Angkor Wat temple complex – one of the most important archaeological sites on all of Southeast Asia. Transferring to Kampong Cham, you board your luxurious Pandaw cruise ship and set sail for seven nights along the Mekong River. Perhaps the most scenic river in Asia, the Mekong is also the most vibrant and there is much to see as you cruise along, including floating markets, picturesque villages and countless temples. Each day there are excursions which will reveal different aspects of local life and history which you will explore by boat, tuk tuk and on foot.In addition to time on the river in Cambodia you will also take a tour of the capital city, Phnom Penh, visiting the ornate Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, as well as having the opportunity to spend time at the thought provoking Killing Fields.
Crossing into Vietnam there are further shore excursions to important cultural and historic sights, places of natural beauty and lots of local colour and culture. The cruise ends near Saigon where you disembark for further 5* comfort in Vietnam’s largest city, an absorbing blend of ancient cultural traditions and modern economic dynamo. Staying in a centrally located hotel, you will discover many aspects of its complex history as you stroll down leafy boulevards past atmospheric colonial buildings, visit a traditional market and see a variety of cottage industries in action. You will also visit the Cu Chi tunnels – one of the most haunting remnants of the Vietnam war.
Aboard your Pandaw ship you will cruise in style with large, well-appointed cabins, spacious viewing decks and first-class facilities. The food is exceptional and varied with a wide range of international cuisine, there's even unlimited ice-cream served on the sundeck! In the evenings, you can relax in the comfortable saloon bar, enjoy the cultural performances or take in the educational talks and films that are provided by the highly experienced ship’s crew and onboard experts.
At a glance
Duration: 14 days from the UK
Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clients
Maximum group size: 12
Accommodation types: Hotels, River Cruise Ship
Meal arrangements: Bed and breakfast throughout, full board on Pandaw cruise ship and some lunches in Saigon and Siem Reap. 11 x breakfasts, 10 x lunches and 7 x dinners are included.
Itinerary overview
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Depart UK and fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia. |
| 3 | Visit Angkor Wat and other ruins in area. Attend Cambodian ‘circus’ show. |
| 4 | Transfer to Pandaw ship (R V Mekong or R V Bassac) to start cruise. |
| 6 | Travel to Oudong and tour city. Evening at Khmer village. Cross the border into Cambodia. |
| 7 | City tour of Phnom Penh. Optional Killing Fields tour. |
| 8 | Sail to border. Cross into Vietnam and sail to Chau Doc. |
| 10 | Sampan excursion to Ben Tre. Sail to My Tho Pier. |
| 11-12 | End cruise. Disembark and transfer to Saigon. Visit Cu Chi tunnels and Saigon city tour. |
| 13-14 | Overnight flight back to UK. |
Leader: Local Leader, Vietnam & Cambodia
Our holidays in Vietnam and Cambodia are led by professional English-speaking tour leaders. They have an intimate and expert knowledge of the history, culture and nature of these wonderful countries. They will be sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly London To Siem Reap
Fly London to Siem Reap by overnight flight.
Overnight: In flight
Day 2 - Arrive Siem Reap. Group transfer to hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
On arrival in Siem Reap you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure so that you can relax after your long flight. If you want to stretch your legs and explore a little, your hotel is well-located close to the Royal Residence and gardens, the National Museum, Pub Street and a night market.
Overnight: Fcc Angkor, Siem Reap
Day 3 - Full day sightseeing of Angkor Thom. Experience a cultural Cambodian show.
Following breakfast you will have a full day's sightseeing tour with an air conditioned vehicle and English-speaking guide. This morning you will visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, as well as other significant temples and sites such as Bayon, Baphoun, Terrace of Elephant, Terrace of Leper King and Pimean Akas.
Your lunch will be served in a local restaurant where you may like to try a Khmer curry. After lunch you will enjoy visits to Thommanon, Chau Say Teveda, Ta Keo, Ta Promh, Banteay Kdei and Sras Srang. The photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings of Ta Prohm have made it one of Angkor's most popular temples with visitors.
In the evening you will experience an entertaining and original Cambodian show featuring talented, young performers at Phare Ponleu Selpak's Circus.
Overnight: Fcc Angkor, Siem Reap
Day 4 - Transfer from your hotel to the dock at Kampong Cham. Board Pandaw cruise boat and take a sunset cruise.
This morning you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Kampong Cham, situated on the Mekong Delta, where you will be welcomed on board your Pandaw cruise boat. You will meet your crew and they will brief you about the ship and safety on board.
Please note: Your guide will collect your passports at the meeting point in order to arrange immigration formalities. In the evening you will enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong.
Overnight: R V Mekong Pandaw Or R V Bassac Pandaw
Day 5 - Morning visit to Angkor Ban Village. Afternoon travel to Silk Island.
After breakfast onboard you will visit Angkor Ban Village. Here you will have chance to see how the local villagers live in Cambodia and to visit the school library which was donated by Pandaw. You may like to gift a book to the library. Books in English, suitable for children aged between 8 and 15, would be greatly appreciated. After lunch you will travel to Koh Nghe Tei, also known as 'Silk Island'. On the island you will discover the fascinating intricacies of the entire silk making process from worms to weavers. Also on the island, you will see a demonstration of the ancient Khmer martial art of Bokator which involves impressive weapon skills.
Overnight: R V Mekong Pandaw Or R V Bassac Pandaw
Day 6 - Drive to Oudong and tour the ancient city. Rejoin your ship at Kampong Tralach. Afternoon tour of local villages.
This morning's shore excursion by coach makes its first stop at the scenic Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre (a Buddhist monastery) where you may see the resident monks and nuns following their ancient, daily rituals. From there you continue to Oudong, the ancient capital of Cambodia and now a UNESCO World Heritage City. Your guide will explain its history and cultural significance as you drive around its sights. You rejoin your ship at Kampong Tralach. After lunch, you'll take a tour by ox-cart round the villages and temples along this stretch of the Mekong.
In the evening you will enjoy cocktails around a fire-pit in one of the local Khmer villages. You will learn something of their culture and see some Khmer dancing.
Overnight: R V Mekong Pandaw Or R V Bassac Pandaw
Day 7 - Morning city tour of Phnom Penh. Afternoon visit to the Killing Fields (optional).
This morning you will travel by a cyclo to the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda which has silver floor tiles totalling five tons of gleaming silver. After, you will visit the National Museum which houses the world's finest collection of classical Angkor period sculpture. Please note that you are required to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, no shorts are allowed in the Royal Palace.
Later on today you will have the option to visit the Killing Fields and Toul Sleng Genocide Museum. You will be taken by coach which will take approximately 1 hour. The Toul Sleng Museum provided the base for the Khmer Rouge security force and prison and interrogation centre, S21. The building, formerly a primary school, together with the photographs of many of the victims displayed on the walls, now stand testament to the brutality and murderous actions of the Pol Pot regime. After the prisoners were interrogated here they were taken to Choeung Ek to be executed. Many of the country's intellectuals along with some Westerners were labelled 'enemies of the revolution' and killed in this complex. There now stands a stupa filled with human skulls as a memorial to the victims.
Important note - if you wish to opt out of this afternoon excursion to the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum, then this is fine. Please let us know at the time of booking, if you wish to visit the Killing Fields.
There is ample time to enjoy your stay in Phnom Penh as the ship will be moored in the city jetty and you are free to go ashore at any time while the ship is there and the port gate is open (it closes around 11.00pm). There are various markets that you can walk to, such as the central market or the night market.
Overnight: R V Mekong Pandaw Or R V Bassac Pandaw
Day 8 - Sail to Chau Doc - cross into Vietnam. At leisure on board.
Anchors away early this morning as you set sail once again. When you reach the Vietnam border you drop anchor whilst the crew go through the immigration formalities. Afterwards, you sail on to Chau Doc; a lush, forested region of the Mekong Delta with many natural and cultural treasures. In the evening a lion dance will be performed on board to welcome you to Vietnam.
Overnight: R V Mekong Pandaw Or R V Bassac Pandaw
Day 9 - In the morning visit Sam Mountain, floating fish farms and a Chham village. In the afternoon saill to Con Phuoc Island and explore by tuk tuk. Sail to Sa Dec.
Your first excursion today is to nearby Sam Mountain. If you are feeling energetic you can climb the 400 steps to the top to see the famous Hang Pagoda, one of several on the mountain. Also known as Phuoc Dien Temple it is an historic monument with caves beneath it that house many stautes of Buddha. There are excellent views from the pagoda across the surrounding fields and villages. You will next board a small sampan to visit the floating fish farms of Chau Doc and finally stop at a Chham village, home to Vietnamese Muslims. After lunch you will sail to Con Phuoc Island for a further shore excursion. Firstly you will visit local craftspeople and watch them weaving bamboo baskets using traditional methods. You'll then hop on board a tuk tuk for a fun drive through the village, stopping at a 100 year old Catholic church and meeting more friendly locals. Returning to your ship you sail on to Sa Dec and drop anchor for the night.
Overnight: R V Mekong Pandaw Or R V Bassac Pandaw
Day 10 - Sail to Ben Tre. Sampan excursion to a local village. Sail to My Tho pier.
This morning you can relax and watch the world slip gently by as you cruise to Ben Tre. After lunch you will travel by sampan through mangroves and bamboo forests to the fruit orchards of Ben Tre - an area rich in birdlife - then transfer to a local rowboat. You will slowly explore through the bamboo covered canals and arrive at village which specialises in making local products such as rice wine and coconut candy.
You return to your boat and sail on to My Tho Pier. After dinner you will be entertained by a Vietnamese dance troupe.
Overnight: R V Mekong Pandaw Or R V Bassac Pandaw
Day 11 - Disembark and transfer to Saigon. Time at leisure.
After a final breakfast on board, you will say a fond farewell to your crew. You will then be transferred to your well-located hotel in Saigon. After checking-in the rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy the facilities at your hotel or to venture out and begin exploring this fascinating city.
Overnight: Intercontinental Asiana Hotel, Saigon
Day 12 - Full day sightseeing tour of Saigon including Cu Chi tunnels.
Today after breakfast you wilI be taken to the extraordinary Cu Chi tunnels, approximately 1½ hours drive from Saigon. The complicated underground network was built by the Viet Cong guerillas and used extensively during the Vietnam War. En route to the tunnels you may have the chance to see how rural people live and work, seeing occupations such as rice farming and the production of rice paper - a key ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon you will have a tour of the city. It is easy to walk around the central district and to explore the broad leafy boulevards and splendid French colonial architecture - Notre Dame Cathedral and the General Post Office. You will also see the former US Embassy, City Hall, the Reunification Hall and War Museum of Remnants. You will end the day with a visit to Ben Thanh market, a busy market and one of Saigon's liveliest areas, selling everything from foodstuffs to souvenirs.
You will then be taken back to your hotel. Saigon is a great place to dine with some excellent French and Vietnamese restaurants.
Overnight: Intercontinental Asiana Hotel, Saigon
Day 13 - Transfer to airport and fly to UK.
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Overnight: In flight
Day 14 - Arrive UK.
Today you will arrive back to the UK.
Map
Map Key
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Airport
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Point of interest
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Mountain Peak
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Day walk in this area
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Flights
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Internal Transfers
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Trek
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No surcharges will be applied to your holiday after you book. Prices on this website are updated regularly. The Flight Inclusive holiday price, or Land Only holiday price, will be confirmed to you at the time you make your booking. There will be no surcharges after your booking has been confirmed.
Flight inclusive holidays
The 'flight inclusive' holiday prices shown on this website are based upon our preferred airlines and the best priced economy class fares we are able to secure at the time of publication.
We will be able to advise on fares with alternative airlines, upgrades to Business Class, and the options for flights from regional UK airports, please contact us for more details.
Booking your holiday
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Deposit
From £1,000.00
For the majority of our holidays, a deposit payment of £400.00 per person is required to secure your place(s), however a small number of holidays require a higher deposit - please refer to the holiday itinerary for more details. If the holiday departs within 60 days, a deposit of £1,000.00 per person is required.
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- Book your small group holiday securely online – click the ‘Book’ button next to your chosen departure or visit our How to Book page
- Complete and return a Booking Form available to download here.
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What’s included
- 2 nights at the Hotel des Arts, Saigon, bed & breakfast on twin-share basis
- 2 nights at the Fcc Angkor in Siem Reap, bed & breakfast on twin-share basis
- 7 nights on board a Pandaw cruise ship in a twin share cabin on full board basis
- 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 7 dinners
- Tea, coffee, mineral water and tissanes
- Port transfers and port taxes
- English-speaking, expert guides
- All excursions specified in the itinerary
- Gratuities on board to crew
- International economy flights and applicable taxes (flight inclusive option)
- Single, timed group airport transfer on arrival and departure
- Carbon offsetting with the Ecoan Tree Planting Project (for clients taking our flight inclusive option)
- A free Mountain Kingdoms Water-to-Go bottle
- The opportunity to attend one of our pre trip meets in the Cotswolds
What’s not included
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Tips to local tour guides, hotel staff, boat operators / drivers and cyclo drivers
- All drinks except tea, coffee and mineral water
- Optional drinks package on board
- Evening meals and some lunches in Saigon and Siem Reap, please refer to the itinerary for the meal plan
Video
Read holiday reviews by Mountain Kingdoms travellers.
Overall score: 5 (Based on 2 reviews)
This trip was a truly inspiring and memorable experience encompassing beautiful scenery, wonderful cuisine and fascinating culture. The warmth and friendliness of the local people together with unforgettable historical sights has left me with long-lasting memories.
We much enjoyed our holiday in Cambodia and were delighted to meet so many happy, friendly people along the way. The temples were astounding, the Killing Fields were chilling, the countryside was lovely and filled with so many interesting sights and photographic opportunities - overall Cambodia was a delight to visit, and our guides were wonderful.