All three Bassac are built of wood according to the tradition of the rice barges of the Mekong delta, with amendments where safety standards require.
Bassac I actually once was a rice barge, which TransMékong bought and overhauled into the cozy cabin cruiser it is today, and although Bassac II and III are entirely new hull designs, more adapted to their present purpose, they were built with the same craftsmanship and according to the same tradition.
The cabins feature soundproofed partitions and double glazing to protect the passengers' sleep from the noises of the river. These partitions are also heat insulated and meant to slow fire in case of an emergency. The access to outside is immediate.
We have air-conditioning in all the cabins, with split systems to allow for a quiet night --indeed the boat's equipment themselves are quiet even though some must run all night long.
Utilities and services on board
The Bassac all offer 24-hour power and air-conditioning in cabins fitted with fire detection and fire fighting. A bathroom en suite with every cabin offers hot and cold water all the time.
The galley is suitable to serve refined meals and uphold the best sanitary standards, even for groups of up to twice the bedding capacity of the ship.
The passengers can enjoy privacy on board, as the layout allows the crew to be discreet and offers several living areas so that different groups may make the journey their own.
Wide access to outside while still retaining the capability to serve even in bad weather guarantee a good experience of the Mekong delta.
Their layout and structure make the Bassac quiet enough to allow the passengers to sleep while the ship is under way.
Safety comes first in the design and operation of the ships. Floatation devices are available for all on board and more, redundant alarm and fire detection as well as redundant fire fighting means are present on all the Bassac.
The handrails all around the ship are sturdy and a mesh of rope prevents any kids from falling.
Upon boarding, the passengers are informed of the areas that are open or off-limits to them, and instructed about emergency situations, how to give the alarm and where to meet.
The original Bassac, built in the hull of a rice transporting barge, is a snug ship sized right for a family excursion or a group of friends, who will love to appropriate it for the duration of their journey.
Bassac I is a green ship. It treats its waste water and recycles the waste heat from the engine. It is qualified as a first-class river vessel VR-SI.
Maximum 12 passengers
4 Twin, with private access and en suite bathroom 2 Double, slightly smaller, with private access and en suite bathroom
24m long, all wood, two passenger decks
Dining room and bar on the main deck
Sundeck at the front upper deck
Dining area at the rear upper deck
The Bassac II was designed in-house by TransMékong to meet the demands of river discovery cruises. It harbors redundant propulsion and power generator; river water and waste water treatment, and a professional galley. The Bassac II is registered to navigate into Cambodia.
With a large covered upper deck, a lounge and wide gangways, it is comfortable and can host a meal for the passengers of two ships. Access on board is broad and steady, and elderly or partly disabled passengers are safe.
Maximum 20 passengers
4 Twin, main deck, with private access and en suite bathroom
4 Double, main deck, with private access and en suite bathroom
2 Double, upper deck, with en suite bathroom
32m long, all wood, three passenger decks
Dining room and bar on the main deck
Lounge cum dining room on the upper deck
Shaded dining area on the rear upper deck
Sundeck on the front upper deck
The Bassac III was designed in-house by TransMékong and built very similar to the Bassac II, with its lot of small improvements, of which a bar in the rear upper deck.
With a large covered upper deck, a panoramic lounge and wide gangways, it is comfortable and can host a meal for the passengers of two ships. Access on board is broad and steady, and elderly or partly disabled passengers are safe.
Maximum 24 passengers
6 Twin, main deck, with private access and en suite bathroom
2 Double, main deck, with private access and en suite bathroom
4 Double, upper deck, with en suite bathroom
32.6m long, all wood, two passenger decks
Dining room and bar on the main deck
Lounge cum dining room on the upper deck
bar on the upper deck
Shaded dining area on the rear upper deck
Sundeck on the front upper deck
Cái Bè, on the first day at noon
Boarding at Cai Be at noon. Welcome drink, Introduction to the ship and crew, check into the cabins.
Departure towards Cho Lach on the Tien Giang river.
Lunch while en route. Rest on the deck.
The Bassac slips into the Chợ Lách canal, in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the river traffic, between markets and churches, a unique opportunity for a glimpse of the very varied life on the banks as well as on the water.
By mid-afternoon, the Bassac casts anchor for a visit on shore: past the first tree line, quiet discovery of the peaceful life in the delta's countryside, of rice fields, fruit trees and the welcoming inhabitants, or, at your option, short cycling tour of the surrounding area.
Boarding back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Rest on the deck enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising Mang Thit river.
The Bassac sets anchor just downstream from Tra On for the night.
Day 2
The boat departs at 06:00, as the ship passes by Tra On. The ship then departs towards Can Tho. The breakfast is available at 7:00.
Arrival in Cần Thơ, transfer onto a local boat to visit the Cai Rang floating market, then a noodle factory and return to the Ninh Kieu pier.
End of services by mid-morning on shore at Cần Thơ.
Please note you will leave the Bassac for good upon boarding the small boat for the last visit, typically about 8:30.
The details of the program and the visits may vary depending on logistics or technical constraints.
Can Tho, on the first day at noon
Boarding at Can Tho at Ninh Kieu pier. Welcome drink, introduction to the ship and crew, check into the cabins. Departure downstream of the Hau river. Lunch on board while en route.
Turning into Nicolai canal, towards the Mang Thit and Co Chien rivers. Rest on the upper deck in a scenery of rice fields, sugar cane, woods on the near banks.
By mid-afternoon, the Bassac casts anchor for a visit on shore: past the first tree line, quiet discovery of the peaceful life in the delta's countryside, of rice fields, fruit trees and the welcoming inhabitants, or, at your option, short cycling tour of the surrounding area.
Boarding back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Rest on the deck or around the bar enjoying the sunset.
The crew serves dinner while the Bassac is cruising Mang Thit river towards her anchorage point for the night.
The Bassac sets anchor for the night on river Mang Thit.
Day 2
06:00 Departure towards Cai Be. The passengers take their breakfast at 7:00 while enjoying the scenery on the banks.
The Bassac crosses Co Chien river then branches into Cho Lach canal for 30 minutes through the traffic of sand and rice barges, in a scenery of fruit drying facilities and wooden ship building yards.
Arrival near Cai Be, check-out and transfer to a rowing boat for a quiet visit through a small canal if the tide allows.
Rendez-vous with a local boat, which will take you to shore for a visit of Cai Be's handicraft.
End of services by mid-morning on shore at Cai Be.
Please note you will leave the Bassac for good upon boarding the small boat for the last visit, typically about 8:30.
The details of the program and the visits may vary depending on logistics or technical constraints.
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