Notes

Into the Heart of Cambodia

4 nights aboard RV Tonle Pandaw/RV Mekong Pandaw

Upriver: Phnom Penh to Angkor - Five Days into the Heart of Cambodia

DAY 1: PHNOM PENH
The ship is moored at the tourist jetty in Sisowath Quay not far from the Royal Palace. The embarkation time is from 14.00 hrs onwards at your convenience but not later than 18.30 hrs.
Afternoon free at leisure. Dinner on board.
Phnom Penh has a lively night life, and some passengers choose to dine ashore or try one of the capital’s many watering holes; a favorites being the Foreign Correspondents’ Club

DAY 2: PHNOM PENH TO TONLE SAP RIVER
Early morning sail the Tonle Sap River which connects Tonle Sap Lake with the Mekong and Bassac Rivers that merge at Phnom Penh.

1.    Low water, approximately November to July
The river journey to Kompong Chhnang is one of the highlight of the trip. Temples abound along the river banks at Kampong Chhnang, and we see the rich tapestry of Cambodian rural life. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. Mooring mid-stream, we make a truly wonderful motor boat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of birdlife may be seen and of considerable interest are the great fish traps.

2.    High water, approximately July to November.
Stop at Preak Dom Bridge. Proceed by coach to Kompong Chhnang where we can see the rich tapestry of Cambodian rural life. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. We make a truly wonderful motor boat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of birdlife may be seen and of considerable interest are the great fish traps. Back to the ship at lunch time.
Late afternoon departure from Kompong Chhnang heading for Phnom Penh. Moor overnight midriver.

DAY 3: KOMPONG CHAM (MEKONG RIVER)
We glance by the capital Phnom Penh in the early morning to change pilots, and then stop at the little-known Chong Koh silk weaving village for a morning walk at leisure. We cruise past the Mekong’s timeless villages and river life with extensive fishing activities. In the afternoon we stop at Peam Chi Kang village to visit the wat or monastery and school. Passengers are at leisure to explore this peaceful and friendly community. In the wat the splendid village racing boats are stored.

DAY 4: KOMPONG CHAM AREA
Morning journey upriver to the hilltop pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Dating to the 8th century, these ancient brick structures characterize the architecture of the Chenla Empire which predated the glories of Angkor. Sail back downstream over lunch for an exploration of the Kompong Cham Area. We travel by bus to the 12th century Angkorian temple of Wat Nokor. This colorful temple is unique in Cambodia, as a modern Wat is set within the ruins of an ancient temple. We continue to the eco village of Cheungkok supported by the French-Cambodian NGO AMICA and the Kampong Cham orphanage, supported by the Pandaw ProBono programme.

DAY 5: KOMPONG CHAM TO SIEM REAP
Coach transfer at 0800 to the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap stopping at Kampong Thom. Packed lunch and refreshments provided. Arrive at Siem Reap by 1200.

Cruise 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. Transfer from the ship to the meeting point in Siem Reap at the end of the voyage.

Cruise Price Excludes International flights, 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. Port Dues.

DOWNRIVER: Angkor to Phnom Penh

Day 1: SIEM REAP TO KAMPONG CHAM (Mekong River)
At 11:30 o'clock register at the historic Elephant Bar located in the legendary 1932-built Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor (11 Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Khum Svay Dang Kum) to transfer by coach to Kampong Cham on the Mekong River, enjoying a snacks and cold drinks on the way with a stop at Kampong Thom. Arrive by 1700. The ship is docked at walking distance to the city centre.

Day 2: KAMPONG CHAM AREA
Morning journey upriver to the hilltop pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Dating from the 8th century, these ancient brick structures characterize the architecture of the Chenla Empire which predated the glories of Angkor. Sail back downstream over lunch for an exploration of the Kampong Cham Area. We travel by bus to the 12th century Angkorian temple of Wat Nokor. We continue to the eco village of Cheungkok supported by the French-Cambodian NGO AMICA and the Kampong Cham orphanage, supported by the Pandaw ProBono programme. We make a late afternoon departure from Kampong Cham heading for Phnom Penh. Overnight mid-stream.

Day 3: TONLE SAP RIVER TO KAMPONG CHHNANG
We glance by the capital Phnom Penh in the early morning to change pilots and sail the Tonle Sap River which connects Tonle Sap Lake with the Mekong and Bassac Rivers that merge at Phnom Penh.



1.    Low water, approximately November to July
The river journey to Kampong Chhnang is one of the highlight of the trip. Temples abound along the river banks at Kampong Chhnang, and we see the rich tapestry of Cambodian rural life. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. Mooring mid-stream, we make a truly wonderful motor boat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of birdlife may be seen and of considerable interest are the great fish traps.



2.    High water, approximately July to November.

Stop at Preak Dom Bridge. Proceed by coach to Kampong Chhnang where we can see the rich tapestry of Cambodian rural life. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. We make a truly wonderful motor boat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of birdlife may be seen and of considerable interest are the great fish traps. Back to the ship at lunch time.

We make a late afternoon departure from Kampong Chhnang heading for Phnom Penh.

Day 4: PHNOM PENH
The capital of Cambodia retains its French charm. The city has several impressive wats, including Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom and the newly-painted Wat Lang Ka. Pride of place goes to the Royal Palace and to the spectacular Silver Pagoda, one of the few places in Cambodia where artifacts embodying the brilliance and richness of Khmer culture were preserved by the Khmer Rouge. The National Museum is another highlight, with outstanding displays of Khmer crafts.



For the morning excursion we are delighted to have teamed up with The Cyclo Centre Phnom Penh to offer an alternative to a conventional coach tour. The Cyclo Centre is a charity that provides basic welfare and medical services to cyclo drivers, many of whom are very poor (www.cyclo.org.uk). They will provide us with trained drivers with basic English and a good knowledge of the key sights. You decide where you want to go and what you want to see and off you go on your private cyclo for the morning. (For groups if a conventional guide and coach are required we are happy to supply).



Disembark after lunch and check in at the historic French colonial hotel Raffles Le Royal for an overnight stay.

In the afternoon an optional excursion (by coach) is arranged to the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention centre situated in the suburbs of the city then shopping at the Russian market or Central market. This tour is included in the cost of your cruise but must be requested at the time of booking in the Booking Comments box or at the latest on board the first day of the cruise.



Dinner at leisure.



Following day: Phnom Penh
After a full buffet breakfast, check out of the Raffles Hotel Le Royal by 12.00 hours and depart.
 
Cruise Price Includes
One night accommodation with breakfast at Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh. (Including Transfer from the Ship)

Cruise Price Excludes: International flights, airport transfers, 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.

Prices in USD, per cabin.

Notes

Mekong Delta

Cruising the Mekong River between Saigon and Phnom Penh

UPSTREAM: Four Days from Saigon to Phnom Penh through the Mekong Delta

Day 1: Saigon to My Tho
Registration is at 1030 at the Riverside Ranaissance Hotel, District 1, ready to depart by bus for the Delta Port of My Tho at 1100, arriving at 1300 for check and lunch on board. My Tho is the hub of the Delta, but not of great cultural interest, so once on board we set sail at 1300 and have lunch. In the afternoon we moor near Cai Be and make a fascinating trip by traditional junk to explore evergreen islands and at the former Imperial residence, the An Kiet House. Surviving members of the Kiet family will welcome us with tea and we can wander in the fruit orchards around the house. Overnight moor mid-stream Cai Be.

Day 2: Cai Be – Vinh Long - Sadec - Culao Gien - Chau Doc
Half day cruise excursion on board traditional sampan boats to Sad Dec via Vinh Long, along small canals and back waters.  We begin by visiting Cai Be and its colorful floating market which takes place daily in front of the catholic church.   A further stop on the river bank then allows us to see local factories where rice pasta, coconut candies and other specialities are traditionally made.  Also visit a Mandarins house dating from late 19th century.

Cruise further by Sampan to Dong Hoa Hiep islet to explore the rural life and the daily activities of the delta inhabitants seeing palm tree leave weaving, traditional wooden boat factories and fruit orchard plantations. 

Back on board your sampan, we will cruise up the Tien River where we see water hyacinths, an important Mekong delta product used for furniture and baskets and then visit a traditional brick and tile factory.  

Sa Dec will then appear like a little “Venice” with its numerous narrow canals and various kinds of traditional activities on the banks. You will disembark at the local market for a visit, then proceed to the splendid ancient house of Mr. Huyn Thuy Le, the “lover” of Marguerite Duras, famous French novelist and inspiration for the film L'Amant-The Lover directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud .



After lunch on board the Pandaw, cast off for Chau Doc.  En route visit Cu Lao Gien island and a Catholic monastery called “La Providence” built in 1875 by the French nuns of “Saint Paul de Chartres”.  Cu Lao Gien became an important Catholic centre with mission, an orphanage, school, hospice and leprosy centre that can treat 1,000 people. During the Japanese invasion the monastery was abandoned; operations were resumed after 1945 until 1977. Nowadays Cu Lao Gian serves as a retreat for 180 retired nuns taken care of by novices.

Day 3: Chau Doc / Border Crossing
From the main Mekong channel we travel down to Chau Doc jetty where we transfer to small boats to visit a Cham tribal village and a cat fish farm. We take a trishaw ride round this fascinating town of fine French-colonial buildings and see its bustling market. Return to the ship by boat for lunch and cast off for the Cambodian border for the usual formalities. Evening cruise up the broad Mekong channel, which is an international shipping route. Moor overnight just downstream from Phnom Penh.

Day 4: Phnom Penh
Arrive in the early morning. Disembark.

Cruise 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. Transfer from/to the meeting point in Saigon from the ship at the start of a voyage.

Cruise Price Excludes: 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. Transfer from the ship in Phnom Penh at the end of a voyage

DOWNSTREAM: Five Days from Phnom Penh to Saigon through the Mekong Delta

Day 1: Phnom Penh
The ship is moored at the tourist Jetty in Sisowath Quay at walking distance to the Royal Palace. The check-in time should be no later than 13.30 hrs. as we need your passport to process the immigration formalities for the border crossing. Afternoon and Evening Free at Leisure to discover the city on your own.

Phnom Penh has a lively night life, and some passengers choose to dine ashore and try one of the capital’s many watering holes; a favorites being the Foreign Correspondents’ Club. Otherwise you can have your dinner on board.

Day 2: Cruising the Mekong / Border Crossing
We cast off early in the morning for a day cruising in the main Mekong channel, an international shipping route. Today we stop at Prek Touch, a jungle village, to visit fruit orchards, and then set off for the Vietnamese border for the usual formalities.

Day 3: Chau Doc – Cu Lao Gien
We travel from the main Mekong channel to Chau Doc jetty where we transfer to small boats to visit a Cham tribal village and a cat fish farm. We make a trishaw ride round this fascinating town of fine French-colonial buildings and bustling market. We return to the ship for lunch and cast off for Sadec. Stopping on the way at Cu Lao Gien island, we visit a Catholic monastery called “La Providence” built in 1875 by the French nuns of “Saint Paul de Chartres”.  Cu Lao Gien became an important Catholic centre with mission, an orphanage, school, hospice and leprosy centre that can treat 1,000 people. During the Japanese invasion the monastery was abandoned; operations were resumed after 1945 until 1977. Nowadays Cu Lao Gian serves as a retreat for 180 retired nuns taken care of by novices.

Day 4: Sadec – (Vinh Long) - Cai Be
Half day cruise excursion on board traditional sampan boats to Cai Be via Vinh Long, along small canals and back waters. Sa Dec is a little “Venice” with numerous narrow canals and various kinds of traditional activities on the banks. You will disembark at the local market for a visit, then proceed to the splendid ancient house of Mr. Huyn Thuy Le, the “lover” of Marguerite Duras, famous French novelist and inspiration for the film L'Amant-The Lover directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud.

Back on board your sampan, we will drift down the Tien River. On the way we visit a traditional brick and tile factory.  Proceeding further we see water hyacinths, an important Mekong delta product used for furniture and baskets. Travelling from Vinh Long water to Dong Hoa Hiep islet on sampans we explore the rural life and the daily activities of the delta inhabitants seeing palm tree leave weaving, traditional wooden boat factories and fruit orchard plantations.  We visit a Mandarins house dating from late 19th century.  Reaching Cai Be, we will cruise through its colorful floating market which takes place daily in front of the catholic church.

After lunch on board the Pandaw, continue by Sampan deep into the country backwaters, passing traditional wood and bamboo bridges and suspended fishing nets. On the banks, you will be able to see large rice fields, fruit markets, plantations and visit local houses to see how people in the Delta live.

Day 5: Mytho / Saigon
Early morning sail from Cai Bei for My Tho, where we disembark at 0830 for coach transfer to Hotel Sofitel Plaza Saigon (17 Le Duan Boulevard, District 1, Ph +84 8 38241555) arriving approximately at 10:30.

Cruise 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. Transfer to the meeting point in Saigon from the ship at the end of a voyage.

Cruise Price Excludes: 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. Transfer to the ship in Phnom Penh at the start of a voyage 

Price per cabin in USD, twin share

Notes

Mekong Exploration

Cruising the Mekong River between Saigon and Siem Reap

7 nights aboard RV Mekong Pandaw or RV Tonle Pandaw

UPSTREAM: Saigon to Angkor

Day 1: My Tho
Registration is at 1030 at the Riverside Ranaissance Hotel, District 1, ready to depart by bus for the Delta Port of My Tho at 1100, arriving at 1300 for check and lunch on board. My Tho is the hub of the Delta, but not of great cultural interest, so once on board we set sail at 1300 and have lunch. In the afternoon we moor near Cai Be and make a fascinating trip by traditional junk to explore evergreen islands and at the former Imperial residence, the An Kiet House. Surviving members of the Kiet family will welcome us with tea and we can wander in the fruit orchards around the house. Overnight moor mid-stream Cai Be.

Day 2: Cai Be – Vinh Long - Sadec - Culao Gien - Chau Doc
Half day cruise excursion on board traditional sampan boats to Sad Dec via Vinh Long, along small canals and back waters.

We begin by visiting Cai Be and its colorful floating market which takes place daily in front of the catholic church.    A further stop on the river bank then allows us to see local factories where rice pasta, coconut candies and other specialities are traditionally made.  Also visit a Mandarins house dating from late 19th century.

Cruise further by Sampan to Dong Hoa Hiep islet to explore the rural life and the daily activities of the delta inhabitants seeing palm tree leave weaving, traditional wooden boat factories and fruit orchard plantations. Back on board your sampan, we will cruise up the Tien River where we see water hyacinths, an important Mekong delta product used for furniture and baskets and then visit a traditional brick and tile factory.  

Sa Dec will then appear like a little “Venice” with its numerous narrow canals and various kinds of traditional activities on the banks. You will disembark at the local market for a visit, then proceed to the splendid ancient house of Mr. Huyn Thuy Le, the “lover” of Marguerite Duras, famous French novelist and inspiration for the film L'Amant-The Lover directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud .



After lunch on board the Pandaw, cast off for Chau Doc.  En route visit Cu Lao Gien island and a Catholic monastery called “La Providence” built in 1875 by the French nuns of “Saint Paul de Chartres”.  Cu Lao Gien became an important Catholic centre with mission, an orphanage, school, hospice and leprosy centre that can treat 1,000 people. During the Japanese invasion the monastery was abandoned; operations were resumed after 1945 until 1977. Nowadays Cu Lao Gian serves as a retreat for 180 retired nuns taken care of by novices.

Day 3: Chau Doc / Border Crossing
From the main Mekong channel we travel down to Chau Doc jetty where we transfer to small boats to visit a Cham tribal village and a cat fish farm. We take a trishaw ride round this fascinating town of fine French-colonial buildings and see its bustling market. Return to the ship by boat for lunch and cast off for the Cambodian border for the usual formalities. Evening cruise up the broad Mekong channel, which is an international shipping route. Moor overnight just downstream from Phnom Penh.

Day 4: Phnom Penh
The capital of Cambodia retains its French charm. The city has several impressive wats, including Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom and the newly-painted Wat Lang Ka. Pride of place goes to the Royal Palace and to the spectacular Silver Pagoda, one of the few places in Cambodia where artifacts embodying the brilliance and richness of Khmer culture were preserved by the Khmer Rouge. The National Museum is another highlight, with outstanding displays of Khmer crafts.

For the morning excursion we are delighted to have teamed up with The Cyclo Centre Phnom Penh to offer an alternative to a conventional coach tour.  The Cyclo Centre is a charity that provides basic welfare and medical services to cyclo drivers, many of whom are very poor (www.cyclo.org.uk). They will provide us with trained drivers with basic English and a good knowledge of the key sights. You decide where you want to go and what you want to see and off you go on your private cyclo for the morning. (For groups if a conventional guide and coach are required we are happy to supply).

In the afternoon an optional excursion (by coach) is arranged to the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention centre situated in the suburbs of the city then shopping at the Russian market or Central market. This tour is included in the cost of your cruise but must be requested at the time of booking in the Booking Comments box or at the latest on board the first day of the cruise. More happily, Phnom Penh has a lively night life, and some passengers choose to dine ashore or try one of the capital’s many watering holes; a favorites being the Foreign Correspondents’ Club.

Day 5: Phnom Penh to Tonle River
Early morning sail the Tonle River which connects Tonle Lake with the Mekong and Bassac Rivers that merge at Phnom Penh.

1.    Low water, approximately November to July
The river journey to Kampong Chhnang is one of the highlight of the trip. Temples abound along the river banks at Kampong Chhnang, and we see the rich tapestry of Cambodian rural life. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. Mooring mid-stream, we make a truly wonderful motor boat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of birdlife may be seen and of considerable interest are the great fish traps.

2.    High water, approximately July to November.
Stop at Preak Dom Bridge. Proceed by coach to Kompong Chhnang where we can see the rich tapestry of Cambodian rural life. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. We make a truly wonderful motor boat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of birdlife may be seen and of considerable interest are the great fish traps. Back to the ship at lunch time.

We make a late afternoon departure from Kompong Chhnang heading for Phnom Penh. Moor overnight midriver.

Day 6: Kompong Cham (Mekong River)
We glance by the capital Phnom Penh in the early morning to change pilots, and then stop at the little-known Chong Koh silk weaving village for a morning walk at leisure. We cruise past the Mekong’s timeless villages and river life with extensive fishing activities. In the afternoon we stop at Peam Chi Kang village to visit the wat or monastery and school. Passengers are at leisure to explore this peaceful and friendly community. In the wat the splendid village racing boats are stored.

Day 7: Kompong Cham Area
Morning journey upriver to the hilltop pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Dating to the 8th century, these ancient brick structures characterize the architecture of the Chenla Empire which predated the glories of Angkor. Sail back downstream over lunch for an exploration of the Kompong Cham Area. We travel by bus to the 12th century Angkorian temple of Wat Nokor. This colorful temple is unique in Cambodia, as a modern Wat is set within the ruins of an ancient temple. We continue to the eco village of Cheungkok supported by the French-Cambodian NGO AMICA and the Kampong Cham orphanage, supported by the Pandaw ProBono programme.

Day 8: Kompong Cham to Siem Reap
Coach transfer at 0800 to the Raffles hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap stopping at Kampong Thom. Packed lunch and refreshments provided. Arrive at Siem Reap by 1200.
 
Cruise 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  from/to the meeting point (In Saigon: Hotel Sofitel Plaza - In Siem Reap: Elephant Bar at the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor) from/to the ship at the start and end of a voyage.

Cruise Price Excludes: International flights, 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. Port Dues.

DOWNSTREAM: Angkor to Saigon

Day 1: Siem Reap to Kampong Cham (Mekong River)
At 11:30 o'clock register at the historic ELEPHANT BAR located in the legendary 1932-built Raffles GRAND HOTEL D'ANGKOR (11 Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Khum Svay Dang Kum) to transfer by coach to Kampong Cham on the Mekong River, enjoying a snacks and cold drinks on the way with a stop at Kampong Thom. Arrive by 1700. The ship is docked at walking distance to the city centre.

Day 2: Kompong Cham area
Morning journey upriver to the hilltop pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Dating from the 8th century, these ancient brick structures characterize the architecture of the Chenla Empire which predated the glories of Angkor. Sail back downstream over lunch for an exploration of the Kompong Cham Area. We travel by bus to the 12th century Angkorian temple of Wat Nokor. We continue to the eco village of Cheungkok supported by the French-Cambodian NGO AMICA and the Kampong Cham orphanage, supported by the Pandaw ProBono programme. We make a late afternoon departure from Kampong Cham heading for Phnom Penh. Overnight mid-stream.

Day 3: Tonle River to Kompong Chhnang
We glance by the capital Phnom Penh in the early morning to change pilots and sail the Tonle River which connects Tonle Lake with the Mekong and Bassac Rivers that merge at Phnom Penh.


1.    Low water, approximately November to July
The river journey to Kompong Chhnang is one of the highlight of the trip. Temples abound along the river banks at Kampong Chhnang, and we see the rich tapestry of Cambodian rural life. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. Mooring mid-stream, we make a truly wonderful motor boat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of birdlife may be seen and of considerable interest are the great fish traps.

2.    High water, approximately July to November.
Stop at Preak Dom Bridge. Proceed by coach to Kompong Chhnang where we can see the rich tapestry of Cambodian rural life. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. We make a truly wonderful motor boat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of birdlife may be seen and of considerable interest are the great fish traps. Back to the ship at lunch time.

We make a late afternoon departure from Kompong Chhnang heading for Phnom Penh.

Day 4: Phnom Penh
The capital of Cambodia retains its French charm. The city has several impressive wats, including Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom and the newly-painted Wat Lang Ka. Pride of place goes to the Royal Palace and to the spectacular Silver Pagoda, one of the few places in Cambodia where artifacts embodying the brilliance and richness of Khmer culture were preserved by the Khmer Rouge. The National Museum is another highlight, with outstanding displays of Khmer crafts.

For the morning excursion we are delighted to have teamed up with The Cyclo Centre Phnom Penh to offer an alternative to a conventional coach tour.  The Cyclo Centre is a charity that provides basic welfare and medical services to cyclo drivers, many of whom are very poor (www.cyclo.org.uk). They will provide us with trained drivers with basic English and a good knowledge of the key sights. You decide where you want to go and what you want to see and off you go on your private cyclo for the morning. (For groups if a conventional guide and coach are required we are happy to supply).

In the afternoon an optional excursion (by coach) is arranged to the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention centre situated in the suburbs of the city then shopping at the Russian market or Central market. This tour is included in the cost of your cruise but must be requested at the time of booking in the Booking Comments box or at the latest on board the first day of the cruise.

More happily, Phnom Penh has a lively night life, and some passengers choose to dine ashore or try one of the capital’s many watering holes; a favorites being the Foreign Correspondents’ Club.

Day 5: Cruising the Mekong / Border Crossing
We cast off for a day cruising in the main Mekong channel, an international shipping route. Today we stop at Prek Touch, a jungle village, to visit fruit orchards, and then set off for the Vietnamese border for the usual formalities.

Day 6: Chau Doc– Cu Lao Gien
We travel from the main Mekong channel to Chau Doc jetty where we transfer to small boats to visit a Cham tribal village and a cat fish farm. We make a trishaw ride round this fascinating town of fine French-colonial buildings and bustling market. We return to the ship for lunch and cast off for Sadec. Stopping on the way at Cu Lao Gien island, we visit a Catholic monastery called “La Providence” built in 1875 by the French nuns of “Saint Paul de Chartres”.  Cu Lao Gien became an important Catholic centre with mission, an orphanage, school, hospice and leprosy centre that can treat 1,000 people. During the Japanese invasion the monastery was abandoned; operations were resumed after 1945 until 1977. Nowadays Cu Lao Gian serves as a retreat for 180 retired nuns taken care of by novices.

Day 7: Sadec – (Vinh Long) - Cai Be
Half day cruise excursion on board traditional sampan boats to Cai Be via Vinh Long, along small canals and back waters.

Sa Dec is a little “Venice” with numerous narrow canals and various kinds of traditional activities on the banks. You will disembark at the local market for a visit, then proceed to the splendid ancient house of Mr. Huyn Thuy Le, the “lover” of Marguerite Duras, famous French novelist and inspiration for the film L'Amant-The Lover directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud. Back on board your sampan, we will drift down the Tien River. On the way we visit a traditional brick and tile factory.  Proceeding further we see water hyacinths, an important Mekong delta product used for furniture and baskets.

Travelling from Vinh Long water to Dong Hoa Hiep islet on sampan we explore the rural life and the daily activities of the delta inhabitants seeing palm tree leave weaving, traditional wooden boat factories and fruit orchard plantations.  We visit a Mandarins house dating from late 19th century.  Reaching Cai Be, we will cruise through its colorful floating market which takes place daily in front of the catholic church.

After lunch on board the Pandaw, continue by Sampan deep into the country backwaters, passing traditional wood and bamboo bridges and suspended fishing nets. On the banks, you will be able to see large rice fields, fruit markets, plantations and visit local houses to see how people in the Delta live.

Day 8: Mytho / Saigon
Early morning sail from Cai Bei for My Tho, where we disembark at 0830 for coach transfer to Hotel Riverside Renaissance, Ho Chi Minh City, arriving approximately at 10:30.
 
Cruise 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  from/to the meeting point (In Saigon: Hotel Sofitel Plaza - In Siem Reap: Elephant Bar at the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor) from/to the ship at the start and end of a voyage.

Cruise Price Excludes: International flights, 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. Port Dues.

Notes

Choose Your Activity

• Birdwatching
• Community Stay
• Cooking
• Music & Dance
• River Cruises
• Temples & Religion