Opened in 1925 on the curve of the Saigon River, Hotel Majestic Saigon is a grand dame of the city: white-shuttered windows, wrought-iron balconies and marble-flecked lobbies that echo the romance of old Indochina. Step inside from Đồng Khởi Street and the pace softens - ceiling fans turn lazily, polished timber glows under soft light, and fresh flowers scent the air. It’s a heritage stay with genuine sense of place, perfectly suited to travellers who appreciate history without sacrificing comfort.
Rooms retain classic character - parquet floors, period furnishings, tall windows and generous bathrooms with separate tubs and showers - balanced by modern touches such as efficient air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, minibars and kettles. Many rooms feature petite balconies; river-facing categories are worth the premium for sunrise over the water. The Colonial Deluxe and Colonial Pool rooms suit shorter stays, while the suites add living space and larger terraces for evening drinks.
Dining is a pleasure, starting with breakfast on the breezy rooftop where the river unwraps below. All-day venues serve a mix of Vietnamese staples and international favourites — think fragrant phở, fresh tropical fruit and well-executed Western classics - while the signature rooftop bar pours cocktails with glittering skyline views. Downstairs, a café-bar provides a quiet corner for coffee and a light bite between outings.
Location is superb for District 1: moments from the riverside promenade and an easy stroll to the Saigon Opera House, Nguyen Hue Walking Street and the boutiques of Đồng Khởi. Ben Thanh Market and the Independence Palace are a short taxi away, and the hotel’s frontage makes pick-ups for tours and transfers straightforward.
Leisure facilities include a sheltered outdoor pool ringed by greenery, a small but capable fitness room and a spa offering Vietnamese therapies - ideal after a day in the heat. Concierge staff can arrange dining reservations, AO Show tickets and private guides to the city’s key sights.
Reviews consistently praise the old-world atmosphere, warm service, rooftop outlook and central address. Some note that heritage rooms can feel traditional rather than flashy - part of the charm for most, but worth bearing in mind if you prefer a contemporary aesthetic.
Bottom Line: A storied riverside icon with unmistakable Saigon soul - classic rooms, rooftop views and a prime District 1 address make Hotel Majestic a refined base for exploring the city.
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
1x Colonial Deluxe Room
Hotel
RV Bassac Pandaw is one of Pandaw’s classic Mekong river vessels, built in the company’s distinctive colonial style and designed for a relaxed journey through Vietnam and Cambodia. With just 28 cabins and a maximum of 56 guests, she has the atmosphere of a small river lodge rather than a large cruise ship, with polished teak, brass detailing, open decks and plenty of space to watch life unfold along the Mekong.
The appeal of the ship is its easy, traditional character. Days tend to flow gently between shore excursions, time on deck, relaxed meals and quiet moments watching the riverbank drift past. It’s well suited to travellers who enjoy a comfortable but informal cruise, with the focus firmly on the river, the villages, the landscapes and the daily rhythms of the Mekong.
Cabins are arranged across the upper and main decks, with 18 upper deck staterooms and 10 main deck staterooms. Standard staterooms are around 170 square feet and finished in warm teak and brass, giving them an old-world feel without sacrificing modern comfort. Each has a panoramic French window, so even when you’re indoors you still feel connected to the river.
All cabins include individually controlled air conditioning, imported linens, duvets, premium mattresses, a choice of pillows, hairdryer, mirror, electric mini safe and multi-configuration plugs. Thoughtful touches include kimonos and slippers, spa-branded bathroom amenities, glass bottled water, expedition flasks, a Nespresso machine, tea-making facilities and a minibar with complimentary drinks. Nightly turndown service and 24-hour laundry service add to the sense of being well looked after.
The Premium Staterooms are larger, at around 205 square feet, and are positioned to make the most of the outlook. These are a good choice if you prefer extra sitting space and a more generous cabin feel, particularly on a longer Mekong journey where time on board is part of the pleasure.
On board facilities are simple, comfortable and well judged for a river cruise of this style. The main focus is the open deck space, where teak loungers and shaded areas provide an inviting place to read, chat or simply watch the passing scenery. This is often where the magic of a Mekong cruise lies, with floating homes, riverside temples, fishing boats, village life and changing light on the water all passing slowly by.
The ship has a spacious air-conditioned saloon bar, a sundeck bar, a 24-hour hospitality bar, a guest relations desk and the Pandaw Spa, which has two massage rooms with local therapists. There is also a small fair-trade shop, an art gallery featuring local work, and a library with contemporary and classic literature. A lecture and meeting room is used for talks and presentations, helping bring extra context to the places visited along the way.
Pandaw includes a programme of cultural performances, educational talks, cooking classes and a ship tour, so the experience feels more than just scenic. Shore excursions are generally well organised, using motor coaches, sampans and local guides, with practical touches such as bottled water, cold towels and shoe cleaning after excursions.
Dining is relaxed and sociable, with a local master chef heading an experienced international culinary team. Breakfast and lunch are usually semi-buffet style, while dinner is a seated affair, often with themed menus. The food combines Vietnamese, Cambodian and international dishes, with daily lighter options available for those who prefer something simpler.
Meals are part of the pleasure of life on board, with freshly baked breads and rolls from the onboard bakery, local mineral water, coffee, teas and tisanes included, and an extensive wine list available for those who would like to order something special. Welcome drinks, a welcome cocktail and a farewell reception help frame the journey nicely, while the sundeck bar adds a relaxed touch with complimentary ice cream available from sunrise to sunset.
Reviews often highlight the ship’s elegant traditional feel, the warmth of the crew and the pleasure of travelling on a smaller vessel with plenty of atmosphere. Guests tend to appreciate the comfortable cabins, the quality of the food and the sense that Pandaw’s cruises are built around genuine river life rather than simply ticking off the main sights.
Bottom Line: RV Bassac Pandaw is a characterful, intimate Mekong river ship with comfortable teak-and-brass cabins, relaxed dining, warm service and a strong sense of place. It’s an excellent choice for travellers who want a classic river cruise experience through Vietnam and Cambodia, with comfort, cultural depth and plenty of time to enjoy the timeless life of the Mekong.
7 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Cruise Ship
Anjali by Syphon is a small, contemporary retreat that feels like a calm pocket of greenery away from the bustle, built around a central pool courtyard and leafy gardens. It suits travellers who want easy access to both the temples and town, while still coming back to somewhere genuinely restful.
Rooms are generously sized for Siem Reap, with a clean modern look, good air-conditioning, and private balconies that make downtime feel easy. If you can, consider upgrading to a pool-access room for that “step outside and swim” convenience, or one of the suites for extra space and extra comfort.
Dining centres on Hunkaar Table & Lounge, serving a mix of refined Khmer dishes and familiar Western favourites, with a focus on fresh ingredients. It’s ideal for an unhurried breakfast before an early temple start, or an easy dinner on a night you’d rather stay in.
Location is a practical middle ground. You’re close enough to be in town quickly when you want it, but far enough out to feel quieter in the evenings, and the hotel’s tuk-tuk options make getting around simple.
Reviews often mention the warm, attentive staff, the peaceful pool area, and how spacious the rooms feel. Guests also tend to value the relaxed atmosphere, especially after full days out at Angkor.
Bottom Line: A stylish, leafy base with excellent service, roomy modern accommodation, and a restful feel that works beautifully between temple days and laid-back evenings.
3 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
1x Run of House Room
Hotel
