Day 1: Siem Reap and the Tonle Sap
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Depart by coach from Koulen II Restaurant at 1100 to Siem Reap port for 100 mile lake crossing. Passengers staying at the Victoria Resort and Spa will be collected at 1115 from the hotel.
We will visit the floating villages near Siem reap with their cat fish- and crocodile farms, before embarking the ship. We set sail in the afternoon north, to the Tonle Sap, one of the biggest lakes in Asia. There is a great stillness and tranquility
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Day 2: Tonle River to Kampong Cham on the Mekong
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The Pandaw will arrive early in the morning at Kampong Chhnang. With the small boat we will visit the floating village, a traditional Vietnamese community, and the market in Kampong Chhnang. Here nature is profuse. At the narrow river, when passing by the wetlands, we can enjoy the scenic country side and nature, while relaxing on our sun deck.
In the afternoon we will pass Phnom Penh with spectacular views of the famous river side promenade and Royal palace.
In the afternoon we stop at the little-known Chong Koh silk weaving village for a walk at leisure. Visit monasteries and see local rural life
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Day 3: Wat Hanchey
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Morning excursion 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 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. Great panoramic view from this hill top temple with Cham Period towers.
We will arrive in the early evening in Kratie and will stay overnight at the port downtown of the city
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Day 4: Kratie (Dolphin Watching Boat Trip)
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In the morning we will take the mini bus to the Irrawaddy dolphin area in the north of Kratie, direction Stuc Treng. With small boats we will go as close as we can, the skippers will switch of their engine and we observe the unique dolphins without disturbing their wild-live.
In the afternoon short city walk and visit of the local market and your own pleasure. The Orient Pandaw will depart at sunset and sail south
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Day 5: Greater Kratie Area
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Visit of the Chhlone village to observe the undisturbed Khmer village live. We will visit an impressive colonial building, currently renovated to be hotel. We hope to be able to taste their specialty, grilled snakes.
We continue to sail down the Mekong and dock in Kampong Cham city, near the city center. Kampong Cham has shopping facilities, internet shop and small restaurants
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Day 6: Kampong Cham
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Return downstream. Exploration of the Kampong 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
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Day 7: Phnom Penh
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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 favorite being the Foreign Correspondents’ Club
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Day 8: Downstream and Cross Border
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Stopping at a small village to watch farming activities and local life. Then set off for the Cambodian - Vietnamese border for the usual formalities. Overnight mid-stream
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Day 9: Chau Doc
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From the main Mekong channel at Tan Chau we travel down the canals and backwaters by local ferry boat. At Chau Doc 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
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Day 10: Vinh Long to Cai Be
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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 traditional junk to Vinh Long to visit the Bonsai Gardens and see brick works
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Day 11: Saigon
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Morning transfer to the five star Riverside Renaissance Hotel arriving by 1100
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