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Cambodia & Vietnam Mekong River All-Gay & Bears Cruise 2027
12 nights from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
February 03 15, 2027
Pandaw Cruises RV Mekong Pandaw
Discover the spirit of Vietnam and Cambodia! Vietnam and Cambodia are majestic countries brimming with a complex culture and extreme landscapes. From the great towering limestone islands of Halong Bay to the majestic, awe-inspiring Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. Both have the mighty Mekong river running through the heart of them. The landscapes of both Cambodia and Vietnam are breathtaking; our all-gay cruise pass through a richly varying riverscape from the vast Mekong Delta with floating markets, bustling trading towns and vibrant river life to the silence of the Cambodian Mekong river with its delightful rural life.
The Mekong River runs from China through Burma, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia before emptying in the delta of Vietnam. It carves its way through stunning backdrops, past riverside towns and villages, through the remote jungle and vibrant cities.
If you choose to set sail on a Mekong River cruise with Pandaw you are promised a truly unforgettable experience. The Pandaw fleet is designed to allow you peace and serenity as well as open spaces to enjoy native talks, dances and demonstrations, and also a beautiful setting to dine. Imagine sitting down to eat whilst freshwater dolphins play in the water beside you.
The people of the Mekong River will excite and intrigue. They are warm and welcoming and the passion they have about their lives and history is admirable. They are willing to teach you as much as you’re willing to learn.
Classic Mekong expedition will be sailing from Siem Reap to central Saigon, Vietnam. Disembarking in Vietnam’s bustling metropolis our expedition takes intrepid travellers from the serene countryside of Cambodia along the mighty Mekong River through the vast delta so rich in human life and endeavour.
There can be no tapestry of river life as fascinating and varied as the River Mekong and our specially designed expedition ships are the perfect hosts to explore this delightful region in comfort and style and experience truly authentic culture, people and adventures as we sail off-the-beaten-track in keeping with the Pandaw spirit.
Our Voyage Overview Cambodia - 3 nights
• Starts: Feb, 3rd, dinner at the hotel
• Ends: Feb 6th, transfer to ship
• 2 half-day tours (Feb 4th and 5th)
• 5* host hotel, breakfast included (hotel to be confirmed)
• One daily meal included (lunch or dinner)
Mekong River All-Gay Cruise - 7 nights
• Starts: Feb 6th, transfer from Siem Reap hotel
• Ends: Feb 13th, transfer to Saigon hotel
• 8 days / 7 nights Mekong river cruise
• All meals and all tours
• Drinks Package (wine with meals only)
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam - 2 nights
• Starts: Feb, 13th, transfer from ship
• Ends: Feb 15th after breakfast
• 2 half-day tours (Feb 13th and 14th)
• 5* host hotel, half-board (hotel to be confirmed)
• One daily meal included (lunch or dinner)
RV Mekong Pandaw
Built in Rangoon in 2002 she was sailed round to Saigon under her own power and many a drama described in Paul Strachan’s Pandaw Story. This ship was designed specially for the Mekong and unlike our other P class ships does not have a flying bridge. The reason was so she could get under a road bridge. She did actually scrape under on her maiden but it was so scary that Paul Strachan, then standing on the bridge, never dared attempt it again. As a result, we ended up with this incredible 750 square meter teak deck that even has a full size billiard table.
The MP as she is affectionately known is Pandaw's most spacious ship with wider promenades, a larger dining hall and more public space per passenger than any known ship afloat. Seriously!
In 2012 she was refitted and lower deck cabins removed in favour of a professional spa, gym, library lounge and office. She is quite justifiably the most splendid ship on the Mekong and the envy of anything that floats by.
The ship has quality mountain bikes for your independent exploration.
Accommodations
• 18 upper deck staterooms and 6 main deck staterooms
• 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
• Panoramic French window
• AC with individual control
• Nespresso coffee machine
• Minibar with free drinks
• Glass bottled water
• Expedition flasks
• Spa-branded amenities
• Electric mini safe
• Kimonos and slippers
• Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
• Premium mattresses
• Multi-configuration plugs
• Hair dryer
• Mirror
• Nightly turndown service
• 24h laundry service
• Yoga mats in all cabins
• Complimentary evening canapés
Wining & Dining
• Local master chef heading an experienced international culinary team
• Semi-buffet breakfast, Semi-buffet lunch, and seated theme dinners
• Daily lean & light menu options
• Complimentary local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes
• Extensive wine list with premium wines (additional charge)
• Series of cultural performances, educational talks, cooking classes, and ship tour
• Welcome drink on arrival
• Welcome cocktail
• Farewell reception
• Theme- and gala dinners
• Spacious, air-conditioned saloon bar with nightly entertainment
• Sundeck bar with complimentary ice cream from sunrise to sunset
• Pool table on sundeck
• 24hrs hospitality bar
• Onboard bakery with daily freshly baked breads and rolls
On Excursions
• Admissions
• Shoe cleaning after excursions
• Bottled drinking water
• We give away aluminium water bottles
• Cold towel service after excursions
• Refreshing drink following excursions
• Full-size motor coach on all excursions
• Deluxe sampans with cold towel service, fresh fruit, and tea/coffee
• Comfortable "Pandaw Explorer" excursion boat
• 1st aid trained assistant guide to follow all tours and excursions
Public Spaces
• Guest relation desk
• Largest public space to passenger ratio of any cruise ship in the world
• Shop, supporting fair trade
• Lecture and meeting room with oversized flat screen TV, LSD projector and sound system
• Art gallery featuring local art and artists
• Library with contemporary and classic literature
• Wireless internet in all public areas
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Cambodia & Vietnam Mekong River All-Gay Cruise 2027 Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
| 03 Feb |
Siem Reap, Cambodia |
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PM |
| 04 Feb |
Siem Reap - Angkor Wat |
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| 05 Feb |
Siem Reap - Angkor |
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| 06 Feb |
Siem Reap / Steung Trang (Embark) |
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| 07 Feb |
Peam Chi Korng / Pak Russei |
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| 08 Feb |
Tonle Sap River |
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| 09 Feb |
Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
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| 10 Feb |
Border Crossing / Chau Doc, Vietnam |
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| 11 Feb |
Chau Doc, Vietnam |
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| 12 Feb |
Ben Tre / Saigon |
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| 13 Feb |
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Disembark) - Cu Chi Tunnels |
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| 14 Feb |
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam |
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| 15 Feb |
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam |
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The itinerary is subject to modification due to water levels, or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate program as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. This day-to-day schedule is subject to change.
Day 1 - Siem Reap, Cambodia
Arrive at Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI). As we all will have different arrival flights, book a transfer to the host hotel (FCC Angkor by Avani Hotel, or similar), where you’ll meet the hosts and can beat jetlag by relaxing at the pool. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and meet your travel companions.
Day 2 - Siem Reap - Angkor Wat
Today is devoted to exploring the Angkor complex, the largest archaeological site in the world. We begin with Angkor Wat, built in the early 12th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its bas-reliefs depict Hindu epics and daily life in the Khmer Empire. Later, we will go by motorized rickshaw to Angkor Thom, known for the Bayon Temple with 200 carved stone faces, 50 towers and the Terrace of the Elephants. We will finish with Ta Prohm, a Buddhist monastery partially reclaimed by the jungle, made famous by the Tomb Raider film.
Day 3 - Siem Reap - Angkor
Start the day with an optional sunrise visit to Angkor, when the towers and mist over the moats create a quiet, magical atmosphere. We continue our second day of temple exploration with Preah Khan, a 12th-century temple partly overtaken by the jungle, featuring detailed stone carvings. We then visit Neak Pean, a small island temple built for spiritual and healing purposes, surrounded by sacred ponds. In the evening, we attend the Phare Circus, a lively performance of acrobatics, music, and storytelling that showcases Cambodian culture.
Day 4 - Siem Reap to the Mekong
Travel by coach from Siem Reap to the riverside town of Steung Trang for embarkation. The bus trip is around 4 hours and includes lunch along the way. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong and meet your crew for the next 7 nights before your welcome dinner is served.
Day 5 - Peam Chi Korng and Pak Russei Crafts
Enjoy morning Tai Chi or just a coffee on deck as we take a sunrise cruise to Peam Chi Korng, an untouched gem that is a hub of pottery in Cambodia. After a short tuk tuk ride from the banks of the Mekong, we witness the local potters in action before continuing to explore the village and local fresh market where you can test your language skills. This afternoon we step ashore at Pak Russei, a small and remote village on the banks of the Mekong. We will explore on foot and visit local craftspeople weaving silk and producing handmade noodles. Before returning to the ship, we learn about the ancient art of Bokator, a traditional form of martial art with a private performance in the village.
Day 6 - Life on the Tonle Sap River
In the morning, travel by coach to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong where we visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre. Walk around the vast complex with it’s impressive Khmer architecture and experience a short meditation class to quieten your mind. Rejoin your ship in Kampong Tralach for lunch abaord. In the afternoon we travel by ox-cart around the river-side villages, markets and temples to get a sense of life in rural Cambodia. In the evening cocktails are served around a fire pit at a small fishing village where we will be joined by village folk keen to share tales and show us their traditional dancing.
Day 7 - Phnom Penh, Cambodia capital
Morning orientation of Phnom Penh by cyclo visiting the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda followed by the National Museum with its marvelous collection of Angkorian statuary. In the afternoon we visit the Killing Fields and Genocide museum to learn more about the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. We dock overnight in Phnom Penh city port with its lively bars, restaurants and nightlife. Feel free to explore the city before returning to your hotel on the water.
Day 8 - Into Vietnam
We up anchor early in the morning and cruise downstream along the Mekong River to the Vietnam border for immigration formalities. The ship sails toward Chau Doc where we talk an evening stroll along the river before dinner aboard.
Day 9 - Chau Doc and the Fertile Waterways
In the morning, we take minivans for a short drive to Sam Mountain, the location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda. After climbing the steps we are greeted with stunning views across the Mekong. For those not keen on the stairs, explore the local market instead. Afterwards, we visit the nearby floating fish farms by Sampan before being treated to a private Lion dance performance at a local Village. After lunch aboard we continue sailing into the heart of the Mekong delta and enjoy on-deck entertainment from your crew.
Day 10 - Ben Tre and Sailing into Saigon
In the morning, we journey by sampans through mangroves and bamboo forests to the fruit orchards of Ben Tre. This is a fertile farming region with half of Vietnam’s rice production coming from the Mekong Delta. It also hosts a rich artisanal culture which we will witness at a local village specialising in handicrafts. After returning to the ship enjoy lunch onboard as we sail through the Cho Gao Canal toward Saigon. The Cho Gao Canal is a vital waterway link for the transportation of goods to and from the city which was constructed in 1876 by the French and offers a fascinating insight to life along the water. In the evening we sail into central Saigon and enjoy the stunning skyline over dinner.
Day 11 - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Disembark - Cu Chi Tunnels
After breakfast, we disembark and visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive Vietnam War–era underground network of hospitals, living quarters, and workshops. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the intricate tunnel system, learn about the resilience of the Vietnamese soldiers, and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s history. After the visit, we will return to the city and check into our 5-star host hotel.
Day 12 - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam
Discover Saigon’s highlights starting with the Reunification Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, Former US Embassy, City Hall, and the War Remnants Museum. Visit the historic Presidential Palace, explore the vibrant streets of Chinatown (Cho Lon), and end the day shopping at Ben Thanh Market, one of the city’s oldest landmarks and a lively center of local life.
Day 13 - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam / Departure
After breakfast, the end of our adventure, see you next time!
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