|
Departure Dates in 2012
|
| Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| 7, 21 |
4, 18 |
3, 17 |
2, 16, 30 |
14, 28 |
11, 25 |
8, 22 |
6, 20 |
3 |
1, 15, 29 |
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Departure Dates in 2013
|
| Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| 5, 12, 26 |
9, 23 |
9, 23 |
1, 15, 29 |
6, 13, 20, 27 |
3, 10, 17, 24, 31 |
7, 21 |
5, 19 |
2, 16, 23, 30 |
14, 21 |
Day 1: Saigon - My Tho (L, D)
Registration is at 08.30 at your hotel and transfer at 09.00 to the Delta Port of My Tho by coach arriving at 1100 for check in followed by port and immigration formalities. 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 - Sa Dec - Cu Lao Gien - Chau Doc (B, L, D)
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 (B, L, D)
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 (B, L, D)
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 (B, L, D)
Early morning sail the Tonle River which connects Tonle Lake with the Mekong and Bassac Rivers that merge at Phnom Penh. 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. We make a late afternoon departure from Kompong Chhnang heading for Phnom Penh. Moor overnight midriver.
Day 6: Kompong Cham (Mekong River) (B, L, D)
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: Kampong Cham Area (B, L, D)
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: Kampong Cham to Siem Reap (B, L)
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 12:00.
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Departure Dates in 2012
|
| Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| 14, 28 |
11, 25 |
10, 24 |
9, 23 |
7, 21 |
4, 18 |
1, 15, 29 |
13, 27 |
10, 24 |
8, 22 |
|
Departure Dates in 2013
|
|
Jan
|
Feb
|
Mar
|
Jun
|
Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
|
5, 19, 26
|
2, 9, 16, 23
|
2, 16, 30
|
8, 22
|
6, 13, 20, 27
|
3,10, 17, 24, 31
|
14, 28
|
12, 26
|
9, 23, 30
|
7, 14, 21, 28
|
Day 1: Tonle Sap
The great lake dominates Cambodia and is over 150 Km in length. Here bird life is profuse, and from the middle of the lake one cannot even see the shores. There is a great stillness and tranquility as we pass floating fishing villages. Because of seasonal high winds and varying water levels, we will start our journey one of the following ways:
1. High water, approximately August to November.
At 11:00 o’clock register at Koulen II restaurant in Siem Reap (1 Street Sivatha Svay Dangkum Commune) to transfer to the ship at Siem Reap Port. Passengers staying at the Victoria Resort and Spa will be collected at 1115 from the hotel. On the way to the ship excursion by motor boat to the floating villages of Tonle Sap. Embark the ship at 1300 and lunch onboard. Cross the great lake in the afternoon and drop the anchor after sunset. Moor overnight at the edge of the Tonle Lake.
2. Low water, approximately November to August.
At 1200 Register at Koulen II Restaurant in Siem Reap (1 Street Sivatha Svay Dangkum Commune) to transfer by coach to Prek Dom on the Tonle River, enjoying a snacks and cold drinks on the way with a stop at Kampong Thom. Passengers staying at our partner hotel Victoria Resort and Spa will be collected from the hotel at 1215. Arrive by 1700 and cruise to Kampong Chhnang for overnight mooring.
Day 2: Kampong Cham - Kampong Chhnang
High Water: Early morning sailing with a brief stop at Kampong Chhnang after breakfast. Cruise all day passing Phnom Penh to enter the Mekong River. Proceed upstream and stop for an afternoon walk at a rural village.
Low Water: Kampong Chhnang 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. We touch the capital Phnom Penh in the afternoon to change pilots and enter the Upper Mekong bound for Kampong Cham and stop for an afternoon walk at a rural village.
Day 3: Kampong Cham
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 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. An afternoon excursion 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.
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 - Boder 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
We travel from the main Mekong channel at Tan Chau down the canals and backwaters by local ferry boat. At Chau Doc we 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 Cai Be.
Day 7: Cai Be
We take a morning junk trip to Dong Hoa Hiep Island to Cai Be to see a floating market, and go ashore to visit the French Gothic Cathedral and colorful port area, with its colonial buildings, delightful flower gardens and local rice paper manufacturers. We explore evergreen islands and visit the former Imperial residence the An Kiet House. In the afternoon we continue our sightseeing by boat to Vinh Long to visit the Bonsai Gardens and see brick works.
Day 8: My Tho - Saigon
Early morning sail from Cai Be for My Tho, where we disembark at 0830 for coach transfer to Renaissance Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (8-15 Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1) arriving approximately at 10:30.
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Prices quoted in US$ nett per person
Valid until 31 Oct 2012
|
|
Cabin
|
Jan - Mar
|
Jun - Sep
|
Oct - Dec
|
|
Lower Deck Twin Sharing
|
US$ 2557
|
US$ 1530
|
US$ 2090
|
|
Lower Deck Twin Single Use
|
US$ 3260
|
US$ 2065
|
US$ 2650
|
|
Main Deck Twin Sharing
|
US$ 2768
|
US$ 1615
|
US$ 2255
|
|
Main Deck Twin Single Use
|
US$ 3502
|
US$ 2269
|
US$ 2840
|
|
Upper Deck Twin Sharing
|
US$ 3037
|
US$ 1822
|
US$ 3037
|
|
Upper Deck Twin Single Use
|
US$ 3770
|
US$ 2475
|
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Inclusion:
-
Entrance fees
-
Guide services (English language)
-
Gratuities to crew, main meals ocally made soft and alcoholic beverages, ugged 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
Exclusion:
The Fleet
RV Indochina Pandaw
Specification:
-
 Length: 180ft / 55m; Beam: 34ft / 10m; Draught: 3ft / 90cm; Berths: 60 pax on Main and Upper Decks; Decks: 4: Lower, Main, Upper, Bridge; Engines: 2 x 400bhp Cummins inboard propulsion; Built: 2008 in Saigon
-
Comms: Cell phones, Sat phones (where permitted by local authorities) VHF and SSB radio, internal phone system, PA system and tannoy system for navigation purposes.
-
Safety: Smoke detectors in all cabins and public places, emergency lighting and generator, fire pump, hydrants and hoses, fire extinguishers, life jackets for all on board and life rafts.
-
Navigation: Navigation lights, ships horn, searchlight, GPS, Radar (where permitted by local authorities).
-
Amenities: On board laundry, bakery, fully equipped galley and refrigeration units; air conditioning for all inside areas.
-
Water: Treatment plants for desalination, desedimentation and purification using UV and osmosis.
-
Sewage: Microbiotic treatment plants.
-
Class: VIRES (Vietnam)
-
Flag: Country flags in areas of operation.
-
Insurance: Ship Owners UK: P&I policies with over USD45 million per vessel.
-
Crew: 28 per vessel of mixed Asian nationalities.
-
Management: European expatriate experts employed directly by Pandaw Cruises supervising experienced Asian Pursers.
RV Pandaw II:
Specification
-
 Length: 180ft / 55m; Beam: 34ft / 10m; Draught: 3ft / 90cm; Berths: 48 pax; Decks: 3: Main, Upper, Sun; Engines: 2 x 350 bhp Catepillar; Propulsion: Schotel outboard; Built: 2001
-
Comms: Cell phones, Sat phones (where permitted by local authorities) VHF and SSB radio, internal phone system, PA system and tannoy system for navigation purposes.
-
Safety: Smoke detectors in all cabins and public places, emergency lighting and generator, fire pump, hydrants and hoses, fire extinguishers, life jackets for all on board and life rafts.
-
Navigation: Navigation lights, ships horn, searchlight, GPS, Radar (where permitted by local authorities).
-
Amenities: On board laundry, bakery, fully equipped galley and refrigeration units; air conditioning for all inside areas.
-
Water: Treatment plants for desalination, desedimentation and purification using UV and osmosis.
-
Sewage: Microbiotic treatment plants.
-
Class: Myanmar DMA Inland Water (based on Lloyds Inland Water Class).
-
Flag: Country flags in areas of operation.
-
Insurance: Ship Owners UK: P&I policies with over USD45 million per vessel.
-
Crew: 28 per vessel of mixed Asian nationalities.
-
Management: European expatriate experts employed directly by Pandaw Cruises supervising experienced Asian Pursers
RV Mekong Pandaw
Specification
-
 Length: 200ft / 60m; Beam: 36ft / 11m; Draught: 4ft / 1.5m; Berths: 64 pax; Decks: 4: Lower, Main, Upper, Sun; Engines: 2 x 550bhp Isuzu; Propulsion: Inboard system; Built: 2003
-
Comms: Cell phones, Sat phones (where permitted by local authorities) VHF and SSB radio, internal phone system, PA system and tannoy system for navigation purposes.
-
Safety: Smoke detectors in all cabins and public places, emergency lighting and generator, fire pump, hydrants and hoses, fire extinguishers, life jackets for all on board and life rafts.
-
Navigation: Navigation lights, ships horn, searchlight, GPS, Radar (where permitted by local authorities).
-
Amenities: On board laundry, bakery, fully equipped galley and refrigeration units; air conditioning for all inside areas.
-
Water: Treatment plants for desalination, desedimentation and purification using UV and osmosis.
-
Sewage: Microbiotic treatment plants.
-
Class: Myanmar DMA Inland Water (based on Lloyds Inland Water Class).
-
Flag: Country flags in areas of operation.
-
Insurance: Ship Owners UK: P&I policies with over USD45 million per vessel.
-
Crew: 28 per vessel of mixed Asian nationalities.
-
Management: European expatriate experts employed directly by Pandaw Cruises supervising experienced Asian Pursers.
RV Tonle Pandaw
Specification
-
 Length: 180ft / 55m; Beam: 34ft / 10m; Draught: 3ft / 90cm; Berths: 66 pax; Decks: 3: Main, Upper, Sun; Engines: 2 x 400 bhp Cummins; Propulsion: Schotel outboard; Built: 2002
-
Comms: Cell phones, Sat phones (where permitted by local authorities) VHF and SSB radio, internal phone system, PA system and tannoy system for navigation purposes.
-
Safety: Smoke detectors in all cabins and public places, emergency lighting and generator, fire pump, hydrants and hoses, fire extinguishers, life jackets for all on board and life rafts.
-
Navigation: Navigation lights, ships horn, searchlight, GPS, Radar (where permitted by local authorities).
-
Amenities: On board laundry, bakery, fully equipped galley and refrigeration units; air conditioning for all inside areas.
-
Water: Treatment plants for desalination, desedimentation and purification using UV and osmosis.
-
Sewage: Microbiotic treatment plants.
-
Class: Myanmar DMA Inland Water (based on Lloyds Inland Water Class).
-
Flag: Country flags in areas of operation.
-
Insurance: Ship Owners UK: P&I policies with over USD45 million per vessel.
-
Crew: 28 per vessel of mixed Asian nationalities.
-
Management: European expatriate experts employed directly by Pandaw Cruises supervising experienced Asian Pursers.
RV Orient Pandaw
Specification
-
 Length: 180ft / 55m; Beam: 34ft / 10m; Draught: 3ft / 90cm; Berths: 60 pax on Main and Upper Decks; Decks: 4: Lower, Main, Upper, Bridge; Engines: 2 x 400bhp Cummins inboard propulsion; Built: 2008 in Saigon
-
Comms: Cell phones, Sat phones (where permitted by local authorities) VHF and SSB radio, internal phone system, PA system and tannoy system for navigation purposes.
-
Safety: Smoke detectors in all cabins and public places, emergency lighting and generator, fire pump, hydrants and hoses, fire extinguishers, life jackets for all on board and life rafts.
-
Navigation: Navigation lights, ships horn, searchlight, GPS, Radar (where permitted by local authorities).
-
Amenities: On board laundry, bakery, fully equipped galley and refrigeration units; air conditioning for all inside areas.
-
Water: Treatment plants for desalination, desedimentation and purification using UV and osmosis.
-
Sewage: Microbiotic treatment plants.
-
Class: VIRES (Vietnam)
-
Flag: Country flags in areas of operation.
-
Insurance: Ship Owners UK: P&I policies with over USD45 million per vessel.
-
Crew: 28 per vessel of mixed Asian nationalities.
-
Management: European expatriate experts employed directly by Pandaw Cruises supervising experienced Asian Pursers.
Pandaw Stateroom
The Pandaw stateroom is the most celebrated feature of our ships. Finished in brass and teak, the main and upper deck rooms are very spacious at 168 square feet (15.6 sqm). Much loved by all our passengers we have ensured that with each ship we build the stateroom remains the same. Our cabins do not have mini-bars, satellite TV’s, internet or phones. There is a 24 honesty bar on the sundeck. Pandaw passengers usually want to escape from the tiresome features found in international business hotels. Many passengers describe life on board a Pandaw more like being a guest on a private motor yacht than a cruise ship. Where we go and what we see is intrepid in extreme. What you come back to is a floating base of discreet comfort, caring service and all the good things one looks for in life.
Bar and Dining
The Pandaw dining rooms are designed to open up along the sides and only at night do we close them up and use air conditioning. We know our passengers want fresh air not chilled air.
We offer a great choice of local cuisine and exotic foods. We source supplies as locally as possible, given environmental health regulations. Breakfast and lunch are buffets and dinner is served at the tables. Passengers who do not like hot or spicy foods are offered European alternatives and vegetarians are well catered for. Our chefs know that the majority of passengers want to eat the best of each country they pass through.
Promenade Decks
Sailing on a Pandaw is essentially an outdoor experience. Whilst the staterooms are very comfortable and roomy, passengers prefer to spend their time sitting outside, on the promenade decks or on the vast observation deck above. Unlike other cruise ships every window (except port holes on lower deck) can open.
When sailing our passengers sit on deck and become absorbed by great panoramas as they unfold about them. Spellbound, one cannot help but to meditate upon the unceasing human and wildlife activity of these teaming water worlds.
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Cruise Overview:
