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.