Compare Cambodia: Ancient Ruins & Boat Rides by G Adventures vs The Mekong Unexplored by Pandaw
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 552 | $ 2,495 |
| Price Per Day | $ 55 | $ 227 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | River cruise |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Luxury |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner |
1 Lunch |
| Description |
Now's the time to explore Cambodia on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Marvel at the incredible Khmer ruins of Angkor Wat and the clear turquoise waters of Koh Rong. Brave Ho Chi Minh City’s jam-packed streets and check out the lush green forests of Chambok in Cambodia. With all of your basic trip details arranged, you can concentrate on choosing the activities that excite you most. |
There can be no tapestry of river life as fascinating and varied as the River Mekong. Indeed there can be no more striking a cultural contrast as that between the bustling Vietnam delta and the tranquility of Cambodia. We pass from the vibrant French colonial port of Saigon, through the vast delta so rich in human life and endeavour, to travel along the main channel into the rich countryside of Cambodia. With a full day in charming Phnom Penh we then explore remoter waterways as we progress to the great monuments of Angkor. |
Day 1 Bangkok
Arrive at any time and welcome to Thailand's bustling capital - Bangkok! Tonight, meet your CEO and get to know fellow travellers as you cheers to new adventures.
You must arrive on tour with your Vietnamese visa. See the Visa section of the Tour Details for more information and exceptions.
Day 2 Bangkok/Siem Reap
Cross the border from Thailand into Cambodia, your home base for exploring Siem Reap and the incredible Angkor Wat. Opt to check out Phare Circus, a uniquely Cambodian experience.
Prefer to plan ahead? Pre-book the "Phare Circus" activity when booking your tour to include this exciting activity in your itinerary.
Day 3 Siem Reap
Watch the sun rise over the majestic and mystifying ruins of Angkor Wat. Then, taste all manners of salty, sweet, spicy, and sour with a delicious Khmer meal at a restaurant kickstarted by our non-profit partner, Planeterra, or with a local family. Later, head to the infamous Pub Street, where the party goes round the clock. Grab a bite to eat (deep-fried tarantula, anyone?) and let the beats move you through market stalls and bars.
Day 4 Siem Reap/Phnom Penh
Travel to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital nestled along the mighty Mekong River. Get your bearings on an orientation walk and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 5 Phnom Penh
Spend the day diving deep into Phnom Penh's culture and history. Opt to reflect on one of Cambodia’s darkest periods with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Prison and the Killing Fields. Or venture to the Silver Pagoda or Royal Palace for a more peaceful experience. Later, discover the foodie side of this city on a street food crawl.
Phnom Penh can be confusing and we recommend to always keep a hotel card with you when you are exploring.
Day 6 Phnom Penh/Koh Rong
Ride in style to Sihanoukville and board a boat to your own private beach on Koh Rong island. Take the afternoon to taste local seafood, or sit back and relax with a drink before hitting the warm waves.
Please note that during monsoon season (between June to October), this itinerary may be subject to change based on weather conditions. If heavy rains and flooding prevent our boat from safely travelling to Koh Rong island, we will provide alternate activities and accommodations in a nearby town.
Day 7 Koh Rong
Enjoy your last full day on this pristine island. Do anything you might have missed the day before, like fishing, hiking, or kayaking. Wait 'til after sunset to swim in a sea of blue sparkles caused by phosphorescent plankton. Ooh la la!
Day 8 Chambok Homestay
Head back to the mainland and journey to Chambok Village where you’ll spend the night and get to know the local people over a delicious Cambodian home cooked meal. Immerse yourself in the community and wander around this remote region.
Day 9 Chambok Homestay/Ho Chi Minh City
Cross another border into Vietnam, stopping in the famed Ho Chi Minh City where you'll spend the night in a popular backpackers hostel. Take this chance to visit the Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and handicrafts before taking in the buzzing nightlife. Choose to venture to one of the many rooftop bars for a panoramic view and live music.
Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City
Today, it’s time to say goodbye to your group of newfound friends. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and exchange social medias before you head on your way. Depart at any time.
Day 1: Siem Reap
Meals: Lunch
Passengers will transfer by coach to Kampong Cham. A packed lunch will be provided on the coach and we will stop at Kampong Thom along the way. Embark your ship and cast off to Kratie.
Please note: Your guide will collect your passports at the meeting point so we can arrange the immigration formalities.
Day 2: Chhlong
Morning excursion to Chhlong with its beautiful French colonial style buildings. Enjoy the afternoon on board.
Day 3: Kratie
We will travel by coach and transfer by boat to the WWF protected area where we hope the see the rare river dolphins. The river here is rocky and not navigable for larger vessels. In the Afternoon we will visit the island of Koh Trong with our small Pandaw Explorer boat.
Day 4: Angkor Ban
Morning excursion to Angkor Ban village to see traditional Khmer houses, villagers at work and a pagoda. In the afternoon you will visit the pagoda at Preak Bong Kong.
Day 5: Kampong Trolach
Cast off to Preak Kdam, en route you will experience an ox cart ride to the village of Kampong Trolach. In the afternoon we will visit the Silversmith village of Kampong Trolach.
Day 6: Phnom Penh
Passengers will visit Phnom Penh and will be provided with their own private cyclo*. The Cyclo Centre Phnom Penh which provides the cyclos is a charity that provides basic welfare and medical services to cyclo drivers (www.cyclo.org.uk). In the afternoon, optional excursion (by coach) to the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge's grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention centre. This tour is included in the cost of your cruise but must be requested at the time of booking in the comments box.
Day 7: Cruising
Cast off for the Cambodian border for the usual formalities. Enjoy a day on the ship.
Day 8: Chau Doc
Visit a Cham tribal village, a cat fish farm, and enjoy a trishaw ride round Chau Doc. We will sail to Sa Dec in the afternoon.
Day 9: Sa Dec
We will take an exciting Sampan boat excursion to Sa Dec via Vinh Long, along canals and backwaters and see the local market and the ancient house of Mr, Huyn Thuy Le, the 'lover' of Marguerite Duras, a famous French novelist.
Day 10: Vinh Long
We will visit a local market in Vinh Long by local boat and then continue to floating villages to see catfish farms. Visit a candy and rice paper factory where we will have tea and refreshments at a local house. Before we return to our ship we will experience narrow canals on a rowing boat to see local life and fishermen.
Day 11: Saigon
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Saigon City. Arrive late morning.
