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RiveRs by Pandaw
PandawRiverexPeditions With ten luxury ships exploring the great rivers of South-East Asia, Pandaw offers a real adventure experience, our passengers are cushioned with incredible comfort, fine dining, great cocktails and choice wines, not to mention extraordinary levels of service.
All our ships were built new and designed and finished as replicas of colonial river steamers. These small ships have the highest space to passenger ratio of any ships afloat – our much loved staterooms are 170 square feet and finished in teak and brass.
WhyPandaw?
PAndAW is very different from other cruise experiences. That is why we have such a huge fol-lowing and passengers keep coming back.
Why? Because we say no to lots of things…
TranquiliTy
. no to unnecessary PA announcements. no to TVs in the rooms that annoy passengers adjacent. no to private balconies , all cabins give to a very social promenade deck which is more fun
ConvivialiTy
. no tacky mini bars in your cabin, there is a bar service on the sundeck from dawn to dusk . no compulsory excursions and individual expeditions ashore are encouraged. no captain’s table or other such inanities . no sealed up dining rooms with chilled air : open air day time dining
Freedom
. no, we do no force you to do anything but do offer daily briefings, cultural events and activities on board. no, cruising on a Pandaw river ship is not claustrophobic at all. We have the highest public space to passenger ratio of any ship, seagoing or river, in the world. . cruise only days, at least one stop and excursion a day. no, we are not restricted by water levels and can operate in all seasons and all areas due to the shallo west drafts on the river
a ConTained CosT
. no extras for shore excursions. no charges for drinks, coffee, tea and mineral water. no forced tipping, your cruise price includes gratuity to crew
Care
. no, we do not neglect our passengers, we have a one to one staff passenger ratio. no, we are not complaisant when it comes to safety: we have a full time ex Royal Navy officer responsible for emergency drills, safety appliance checks and ship security. no, we do not pocket the profits, we distribute them to a mass of community projects. no, we do not fly in pre pre- pared meals, we source nearly all supplies from local producers and businesses and work with a number of nGO providers
thePandaw stoRy
The old Irrawaddy Flotilla Company was revived in 1995 by Burma historian Paul Strachan, who discovered an original Clyde-built steamer called Pandaw, and under-took its restoration. Thus Pandaw was born and a unique concept and style of river cruising was created.
We were the first since the Second World War to offer pioneering cruises on Burma‘s spectacular Irrawaddy River, reaching Bhamo, one thousand miles from the sea, and went on to be a first on the stunningly attractive Chindwin River.
The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company was established by Scots merchants in 1865. By the 1920s the company ran over 650 vessels on the rivers of Burma. It had become the largest privately owned fleet of ships in the world. Mainly paddle steamers, the largest class of vessels were 350ft long and licensed for 4,000 passengers. In 1942 the fleet in its entirety was scuppered as an Act of Denial when the Japanese invaded.
In 2003 we took our Pandaw concept to the Mekong River in Indochina. Here, the Pandaws broke the seemingly impenetrable river border between two very different countries. In high water our vessels accomplished the first cross navigation of the Tonle Sap, an inland sea previously un-navigated by larger vessels.
Ourdestinations
Pandaw run expeditions on three great South-East Asian rivers: Burma, on the Irrawaddy and Chindwin Rivers and through Cambodia and Vietnam on the Mekong River.
These three great rivers traverse mountains, forests, jungles and plains. Along their banks are the vestiges of lost civilisations and vibrant contemporary societies. Any Pandaw expedition contains a stimulating mix of history, art and culture whilst exploring modern day life.
At the same time, on a Pandaw you will penetrate deep into the interiors of these little developed coun-tries and explore a pristine eco environments un- reachable by anything other than a river boat.
MekongRiver
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 Cam-bodia. 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.
BuRMa Most of the population live in three great river valleys encircled by impenetrable horseshoes of mountains. River life dominates the country and still to this day forms the main system of transportation, irrigation and from its rich fishing grounds the principal protein source for the majority of the population.
In the river valleys two millennia of Buddhist art, architecture and archa-eology survive, including the 3000 standing monuments at Pagan. There is no other Asian country with so vast and varied a range of cultural sites. Almost everywhere there are temples and monasteries, festivals and ceremonies. The Burmese are a deeply pious people and Buddhist activities dominate every aspect of life.
The Burmese are also very warm and friendly people who since Independence in 1947 have suffe-red terrible impoverishment and deprivation. We do our best to support the local domestic eco-nomy and make sure our suppliers and contractors are small local businesses.
Pandaw‘sexcuRsions
Excursions ashore are key part of any Pandaw river expedition. These may be in the form of a good walk through countryside and villages. Further ex-plorations by local boat go deeper. In Burma we often use horse carts and in Cambodia cyclos. We try not to used cars or coaches wherever possible and in some places only the most basic of local transportation is available, like at Katha in Burma where you may find yourself in the back of a truck looking for an elusive working elephant camp.
On the Mekong we will spend a day and a night in exciting Phnom Penh; in Burma we need at least a day and a half in both Pagan and Mandalay. Our expert guides will accompany you on these explorations ashore or you are welcome to make individual excursions, as there have been no issues of safety or security in any of the ports or stops we visit.
Life on BoaRd
Sailing on a Pandaw is essen-tially an outdoor experien-ce. Whilst the staterooms are very comfortable and roomy, passengers prefer to spend their time sitting outside, on the promenade decks or on the vast observation deck above. Unlike other cruise ships every window (except port holes on the lower deck) can open.
When sailing our passengers sit on deck and become absorbed by great panoramas as they unfold about them. Spellbound, one cannot help but to medit-ate upon the unceasing human and wildlife activity of these teaming water worlds.
Your stateRooM
The Pandaw stateroom is the most celebrated feature of our ships. Finished in brass and teak, the main and upper deck rooms are very spa-cious at 168 square feet (15.6 sqm). Much loved by all our passengers we have ensured that with each ship we build the stateroom remains the same. Our cabins do not have mini-bars, satellite TV’s, internet or phones. Pandaw passengers usually want to escape from the tiresome features found in international business hotels.
Many passengers describe life on board a Pandaw more like being a guest on a private motor yacht than a cruise ship. Where we go and what we see is intrepid in extreme. What you come back to is a floating base of discreet comfort, caring service and all the good things one looks for in life.
wining& dining PAndAW it velisci tet ad te tet, ver sum eum vulla faciliquatem veros nim verit alit wis nulla commodi gniscidunt.
We offer a great choice of local cuisine and exotic foods. We source supplies as locally as possible, given environmen-tal health regulations. Breakfast is a buffet whilst lunch has a buffet soup, salad and desert
table with the main course ser-ved at the table and dinner is served at the tables. Passen-gers who do not like hot or spicy foods are offered Euro-pean alternatives and vege-tarians are well catered for.
Special diets may be catered for by prior agreement. Our chefs know that the majority of passengers want to eat the best of each country they pass through.
The Pandaw dining rooms are designed to open up along the sides and only at night do we close them up and use air con-ditioning. We know our passen-gers want fresh air not chilled air.
The new Katha Pandaw, desi-gned according to feedback from our passengers, has no formal dining room but rather open air dining on deck.
cuLtuRe on BoaRd
Whilst the peace and tranquility of our passengers is our priority and many passengers prefer to read, write or engage in painting or photography we do offer a number of unobtrusive activities that have become a traditional part of any Pandaw river expedition. These include: cooking, fruit carving and napkin arrangement demonstrations; exploring local markets with our chefs; talks from our on board guides; film presentations,
with documentaries on local history and culture as well as movies; tours of the working ship and many other activities. during the expedition there will be at least one cultural performance on board whether the Royal Khmer Ballet in Cambodia or the Marionette Theater in Burma. On longer cruises there will be at least two performances per cruise.
The sPa
Currently only available on our Mekong ships, the Pandaw Spa of-fers head massage, foot massage and body massages in dedicated spa areas on each ship.
Pandaw‘sResPonsiBiLity!
Believe it or not a river ship has less of an environmental impact than a hotel or resort as it re- quires no elaborate infrastructure. We make our own water and process sewage microbiotically and generate our own power thus putting no stress or de-mand on local infrastructures.
We try and provision as much as possible through local mar-kets and farm suppliers ensuring a freshness and organic sources. Our training programmes give the young people in the coun-tries where we work the oppor-tunity to gain skills and experi-ence to set them up for life.
Pandaw prides itself as a soci-al enterprise and the Pandaw Charity, registered as an official charity in the UK, supports a number of projects mainly in Burma. Past projects include the construction of twelve schools, a hospice, an or-phanage for nargis victims a
hospital ship and seven free clinics. Currently the charity is concentrating resources on funding the seven clinics with a permanent medical team that treats up to 4,000 patients a month in Middle Burma.
www.pandawcharity.com
Boutiqueon BoaRd
All our ships have fun little boutiques. You will find a great selection of local handicrafts which make lovely souvenirs or presents. All items are made by local charity projects helping to train local people to make their own livelihoods.
the shiP‘sLibrary &Entertainment Each ship has a permanent collection of books on local history, art and culture that we endeavour to keep up to date where possible. In addition there are good selections of holiday reading where you can swop paper backs.
Our shiPs
RV Katha Pandaw Built 2012 in Saigon16 cabins on main- and upper deck / Al fresco dining / Sundeck bar / Shop /Laundry service
Rivers:Irrawaddy and Chindwin river in Burma
RV Bassac PandawBuilt 2012 in Saigon30 cabins on main- and upper deck / dining Room / Air-conditioned Sundeck bar / Lecture room / Shop / SpaLaundry service
Rivers:Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia
RV Angkor PandawBuilt 2012 in Saigon16 cabins on main- and upper deck / dining Room / Open air lounge / Self-service bar / Shop / Laundry service
Rivers:Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia
RV Tonle PandawBuilt 2003 in Yangon, Refit 201228 cabins on main- and upper deck / dining Room / Pandaw Saloon Bar / Sundeck bar / Lecture room / Shop / Spa /Laundry service
Rivers:Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia
RV Mekong PandawBuilt 2003 in Yangon, Refit 201226 cabins on main- and upper deck / dining Room / Sundeck bar / Pandaw Saloon Bar / Lecture room / Art Gallery / Shop / Spa / Gym / Laundry service
Rivers:Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia
RV Sagaing PandawBuilt 2012 in Saigon30 cabins on main- and upper deck / dining Room / Sundeck bar / Lecture room / Shop / Spa / Laundry service
Rivers:Irrawaddy and Chindwin river in Burma
RV Orient PandawBuilt 2008 in Saigon30 cabins on main- and upper deck / dining Room / Sundeck bar / Lecture room / Shop / Spa / Laundry service
Rivers:Irrawaddy and Chindwin river in Burma
RV Pandaw IIBuilt 2001 in Yangon24 cabins on main- and upper deck / dining Room / Sundeck bar / Saloon bar / LibraryShop / Laundry service
Rivers:Irrawaddy and Chindwin river in Burma
RV Kalay PandawBuilt 2013 in Yangon08 cabins and 1 owner suite on main- and upper deck /Al fresco dining / Sundeck barLounge / Butler service
Rivers:Irrawaddy and Chindwin river in Burma
RV Indochina Pandaw Built 2008 in Saigon30 cabins on main- and upper deck / dining Room / Sundeck bar / Lecture room / Shop /Spa / Laundry service
Rivers:Irrawaddy and Chindwin river in Burma
We have ten beautifully crafted Pandaw ships in operation that we built ourselves. Each ship, hand finished in brass and teak by traditional craftsmen are in themselves objects of great beauty. The secret of our success is that on our ships, whilst luxury and
comfort are discreetly present, it is the colonial cha-racter and friendly atmosphere that predominate. All our Pandaws have ultra shallow drafts and can travel to remote areas, which would be unreachable by other vessels, let alone overland.
