RV Pandaw

Pandaw Story In Burma

The unique Pandaw river expedition concept evolved here from the vestiges of the colonial Irrawaddy Flotilla Company. Our first ships were built here and in Burma we learnt to master river navigation at its worst. These lessons were applied to the other rivers of Asia.

Burma, after 1987 renamed by the regime Myanmar, is the largest mainland South-East Asian country and with the greatest variety of scenery from Himalayan peaks to tropical beaches. We have yet to meet a visitor to Burma who does not feel that this is the most beautiful, friendly and culturally interesting Asian country ever visited.

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 archaeology 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 suffered terrible impoverishment and deprivation. We do our best to support the local domestic economy and make sure our suppliers and contractors are small local businesses. We are very careful to make sure our clients’ money falls into the right hands. Sanctions and the politically correct refusal of most NGOs and international charities to work in the country has served to exacerbate deprivation and entrench the regime further.

Our Pandaw passengers believe that by visiting Burma we are doing something to help as has been proved by the many schools our passengers have built, not to mention the outstanding contribution made by our passengers after Cyclone Nargis struck in 2008. Most of the Burmese our passengers encounter tend to agree with this assumption. These cruises are the most acclaimed luxury vacations on the Irrawaddy river.

The Pandaw experience is all about exploring remote and often hard-to-navigate rivers and coasts in specially-designed luxury small ships.

Each ship, hand-crafted in brass and teak, is an object of beauty in itself. A Pandaw adventure is very different from that offered on an ocean-going cruise. The ships are small scale, and the atmosphere is informal, and very friendly.

Why Pandaw?

This year, no fewer than 45% of our passengers have sailed with us before, many of them several times.

They tell us that they come back for the special ambiance and old-world beauty of our ships as much as for the amazing scenery we sail through, or the onshore cultural treasures we explore together.

While the craft may be small, we have the highest passenger-to-deck- space ratio of any cruise ships afloat. There are plenty of quiet spots to be discovered where you can read a book, write your travel journal, or simply mediate on the spectacular passing landscape or to chat with like-minded travellers friends old and new. Pandaw designs its ships with 360-degree promenade decks that allow our passengers the freedom to interact as much, or as little, as they like. It all adds to the famous ‘Pandaw spirit’ that brings so many guests back on board time and time again.

When it comes to dining, passengers are welcome to eat on their own or with family or with friends. They can do so either in our dining room or on deck. Most dietary requirement are catered for. Here as elsewhere, the level of service on a Pandaw craft is a travel industry legend. It is a level of quality of which we are extremely proud, and we are constantly working hard to maintain. Our stewards and other crew are totally dedicated to your comfort.

Pandaw has an all-inclusive policy so there are no hidden extras for excursions. Most drinks are included in the price of your ticket.

Our cruises are family-friendly and offer plenty to do for the active and outdoorsy of all ages, as well as for those who wish to take it easy. We offer mountain biking and some challenging and exciting trekking ashore. These expeditions are particularly well-suited for older children who gain valuable life experiences from interacting with local kids when we stop in the villages.

While passengers are free to do their own thing onshore, transportation, sometimes in the form of a cyclo or sampan, is provided for those who prefer a led excursion in the capable hands of our expert guides.

By now it may be clear that if your idea of a cruise demands private balconies, big flat screen TVs in your room, thick carpets and dressing up for “the captain’s table”, then Pandaw is not for you.

If, on the other hand, you seek unforgettable moments of tranquillity interspersed by conviviality and cultural richness, whilst gliding through some of the world’s most amazing scenery, then welcome on board!