River Orchid

Former name : RV Bassac Pandaw

River Orchid cruise ship
Rating:

Cruise line
Uniworld

Specifications of River Orchid

Year of build2013  /  Age: 13
BuilderVietnam
ClassMekong river cruiser
Speed9 kn / 17 km/h / 10 mph
Length (LOA)51 m / 167 ft
Gross Tonnage856 gt
Passengers29 - 58
Crew28
Decks4
Cabins29
Decks with cabins2
Former namesRV Bassac Pandaw
OwnerPandaw River Expeditions
OperatorUniworld River Cruises via Pandaw Expeditions

River Orchid Review

Review of River Orchid

Uniworld River Orchid cruises on the Mekong River, departing from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and Hanoi.

Uniworld (officially “Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection”) is a major river cruise company and part of The Travel Corporation group.

The riverboat’s original name is RV Bassac Pandaw, owned by Pandaw Expeditions. The ship is chartered by Uniworld and operated under the brand name “RV River Orchid.” Local guides accompany passengers on shore excursions. Additional activities ashore include meetings with local residents and home-hosted meals. During calls in Phnom Penh (Cambodia), onboard entertainment features traditional Khmer dance performances.

RV River Orchid cruise ship (Uniworld)

Cabins

The ship has a total of 29 cabins (including 2 Suites) across 4 categories. This intimate riverboat accommodates up to 58 guests.

All cabins are outside and offer river views. Most staterooms feature French doors opening onto a shared promenade deck. Cabins on the Middle and Upper decks have large opening windows.

Cabin amenities include ample storage space, individual climate control, built-in closets, personal safes, and bottled water.

Shipboard facilities

RV River Orchid features French Colonial-style décor and offers guests an authentic cruising experience along the Mekong River. Guests can relax on the Sun Deck while enjoying complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks, select spirits, or draft beer served throughout the day. Informative lectures by tour managers provide insight into the culture and history of the region. Meals are served in the Panoramic Restaurant (main dining room), offering a variety of culinary options. Additional facilities include a Lecture & Movie Room, SPA (massage treatments), and a boutique.

River Orchid cruise prices are per person and based on double occupancy. The listed fares are indicative of Uniworld Asia cruise rates and may vary depending on travel agency promotions, special offers, discounts, group bookings, or last-minute deals. Uniworld also offers air-inclusive cruise packages and optional pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions (at additional cost).

Note: You can view CruiseMapper’s list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the “itinerary” section of our River Cruises hub, where all companies and their fleets are listed.

River Orchid Wiki

Chartered by Uniworld for operations in Asia, River Orchid (RV Bassac Pandaw) is a Colonial-style Mekong river cruise vessel sailing in Vietnam and Cambodia. One local guide is assigned for every 20 passengers to accompany guests on village tours. Uniworld’s Mekong river cruise experience, both onboard and ashore, features local guest entertainers, home-hosted meals, meetings with residents, and traditional Khmer dance performances by Cambodian children.

River Orchid’s Mekong itineraries highlight tours of Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Angkor Wat (Siem Reap, Cambodia), and famous historical sites dedicated to Buddha.