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Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Description

Pandaw Myanmar Cruise – The Kalaw Cruise was launched in 2014. Kalaw is named after the PS Kalaw launched in 1917 and sunk in 1942 in the War. Paul Strachan – the founder of Pandaw, witnessed the salvaging of the Kalaw in 1998 and managed to acquire her name plate and bell, the former of which has been reused on her namesake. This ultra light ship combines one of the shallowest drafts on the river with one of the highest passenger space ratios afloat.

  • Pandaw Cruise
  • Launch 2014
  • 18 cabins
  • Metal
  • Irrawaddy River
  • Myanmar (Burma)

Pandaw Myanmar Cruise's Facilities

  • 24-hour Security
  • Boutique Library
  • Observatory
  • Restaurant
  • Spa & Beauty

Cruise Itineraries

Cruise map

Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Detailed Itinerary

Upstream Itinerary: Pagan – Mandalay

Embark your ship in Pagan before lunch.

In the afternoon, visit a Lacquerware workshop to explore the process of making lacquer handicrafts which is the specialty craft of Pagan.

Continue to the unique Payathonezu, three inter-connected temples with a narrow passage built in the late 13th century.

End the day with a visit to Dhamayangyi from AD 1170, the widest and largest temple in Pagan.

Watch the sunset from the top of Taung Guni temple before returning to the ship.

Overnight Pagan.

Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Set sail early morning to Salay, a small town which was once a bustling trading port, now a sleepy village filled with colonial architectural treasures and timeless teak monasteries.

Walk to Yoke-Sone Kyaung, the best-known teak carved monastery in Burma, stopping at Salay House on return.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Explore Pakokku, experiencing the local market and town centre by Tuk Tuk.

Pakkoku is a city of about 100,000 inhabitants located 30 km from Pagan. Main produce are tobacco, cotton, peanuts, Thanatkha (traditional make-up and sun lotion) and textiles. Visit Pakokku’s main market by Tuk Tuk.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Explore Yandabo village, famous for its production of terracotta pottery from the river bank clay.

This village is well-known as the place where the first Anglo-Burmese war ended by the peace treaty signed in 1826. Morning walking tour and a visit to a pottery workshop to see first-hand the production process. This is a hands-on experience which you are welcome to try.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Disembark after breakfast 09.00 at Sagaing Lay Kyun Man Aung Jetty. Transfer is provided to either hotel or Mandalay airport on disembarkation.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: n/a

Downtream Itinerary: Mandalay – Pagan

Embarkation – Mandalay Sagaing Jetty At 16.00.
Transfer is provided from either hotel or Mandalay airport to ship.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Explore Yandabo village, famous for its production of terracotta pottery from the river bank clay.

This village is well-known as the place where the first Anglo-Burmese war ended by the peace treaty signed in 1826. Morning walking tour and a visit to a pottery workshop to see first-hand the production process. This is a hands-on experience which you are welcome to try.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Explore Pakokku, experiencing the local market and town centre by Tuk Tuk. Sail to the Ayardaw charity clinic supported by Pandaw. Afternoon walk around the village.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Drive up the winding road of the Tant-Chi-Taung mountain to visit the hill top stupa. On the way back, watch a traditional paper-mache elephant dance performed by the villagers from Tant-Chi.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Disembarkation in Pagan (Ayar Jetty) at 13.30 and transfer to Pagan airport or Pagan hotel is provided.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: n/a

The Great Irrawaddy Delta

Cruise map

Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Detailed Itinerary

Check-in at the jetty in Rangoon from 07.30 for a 08.00 sailing.

Kyan Mar Yay Jetty (on Strand Road in Yangon opposite the Myanmar Custom Department, between Pansoedan Jetty and Sule Jetty).

Early morning departure from Rangoon via the Twante Canal stopping at Twante to view the potteries and on to Pyapon (64miles) a delightful delta town and seaport with lively docks and markets.

Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Bogale is at the heart of the delta and once a Mon capital and trading port connected to international trading routes between the 15th and 18th centuries. It features the only mangrove ecosystem reserve in the Delta. A visit to the monastery of the town will be organized.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

This will be the most fascinating day’s sailing as we weave through creeks and channels cross-country across the heart of the delta. We will stop for a walk about in a suitable village.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Morning cruise across the final section of delta to join the great Bassein River that takes us up to Bassein, the capital of the delta and an important seaport too. Of interest here are the traditional umbrella manufacturies, where the typical monk’s waxed cloth umbrellas are made. On foot we will explore the town, its shrines and vibrant markets.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

A day at leisure in this charming port town and optional day trip by car to Ngwesaung Beach with lunch there.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Morning departure with lunch to follow, taking the more usual upper delta route of the old IFC ‘launch service’ between Rangoon and Bassein. Evening exploration of this attractive river port.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

On these busier channels there will be a variety of shipping whilst the riverbanks team with life and activity. Maubin is a very pleasant place to enjoy a sunset walk along its colourful strand.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Morning run crossing the Twante Canal and home to the Rangoon River and our berth in colonial downtown and disembarkation between 12 and 12.30 pm (lunch excluded).

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: n/a

The Chindwin – Off the Beaten Track

Cruise map

Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Detailed Itinerary

Upstream Itinerary: Monywa – Homalin

Afternoon excursion to see Thandboodi Temple, Bawdhi Tahaung statue and the night market in the evening.

IMPORTANT: Please note that water levels drop dramatically as of December and we might not be able to reach Homalin. You will be well rewarded with alternative excursions. We will be cruising up to Mawlaik and return to Kalewa where you will be flown out to Yangon or Mandalay.

PLEASE NOTE: The itinerary for this expedition is indicative only. As we travel to remote areas, changes to the itinerary will inevitably occur. A flexible approach is required if you book this cruise.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

In the morning, coach to the Phowin Taung Caves, where we will admire beautiful mural paintings and Buddha statues in riches. Beyond Monywa we enter the Upper Chindwin.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

The river narrows and the forested hills fall away to farmland we pass a number of attractive villages like Kanee where we can stretch our legs.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise


Mingkin was rediscovered by Paul Strachan in 1987 and described in some detail in his book Mandalay: Travels from the Golden City. It remains for Paul the most art historically interesting site in Myanmar (more so than the now spoilt Pagan) with its Konbaung court style teak monasteries sumptuously decorated. Mingkin may be described as the Luang Prabang of the Chindwin. The gateway town for the Chin State, we explore Kalewa with its markets and quaint wooden architecture.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Morning explore Mawlaik replaced Kindat as the administrative capital but ironically the Myanma refused to move there from upstream Kindat. It was mainly settled with the company houses of the by the Scottish owned and run Bombay Myanmarh Trading Corporation in the 1920s and 1930s. There are many splendid ‘Dak Bungalows’ set around a verdant golf course. Mawlaik and the other towns of the Upper Chindwin can only be reached by boat so cars are few. There is a dreamy otherworldly quality to such places and truly one feels that one has travelled there in the Pandaw time machine!. Afternoon we pass the mouth of the Yu River which drains the Kubu valley that provided the route for a Lieutenant Grant to march to the relief of the Manipur garrison when the chief commissioner of Assam was massacred in a local rebellion.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Sitthaung was the final resting place of a number of IFC steamers scuppered there in 1942 in an ‘act of denial’ from the advancing Japanese who were a matter of hours behind. We hope to find remains of these ships as we have in the past at Katha on the Irrawaddy. It was from here that the survivors of the Japanese invasion marched out to Tamu on the India border. Pantha was an important oil refinery belonging to the Indo-Burma Petroleum Co (Steel Brothers).

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Toungdoot or Hsawng-hsup in Tai, is an ancient Shan enclave which in British times still had a ruling sawbwa complete with palace and court. It will be interesting to see what has become of the royal family and their home and to see these Shan people so far from their Tai-Shan homelands. On the way to Homalin, the furthest navigable point on the Chindwin for vessels of our size. Alister McCrae wrote of his visit there 1935 ‘I loved the atmosphere of quiet and peaceful living there. At night I could hear greylag geese as they came in to the flooded land around us from far away north’. Bird in 1897 says little other than that Homalin is the headquarters of a township, but has very little trade’. Until we get there and explore the place there is not much we can say!

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Disembarkation and transfer to Homalin airport.

IMPORTANT: Please note that water levels drop dramatically as of December and we might not be able to reach Homalin. You will be well rewarded with alternative excursions. We will be cruising up to Mawlaik and return to Kalewa where you will be flown out to Yangon or Mandalay.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: n/a

Downtream Itinerary: Homalin – Monywa

Transfer to Homalin, the furthest navigable point on the Chindwin for vessels of our size. Alister McCrae wrote of his visit there 1935 ‘I loved the atmosphere of quiet and peaceful living there. At night I could hear greylag geese as they came in to the flooded land around us from far away north’. Until we get there and explore the place there is not much we can say!

IMPORTANT: Please note that water levels drop dramatically as of December and we might not be able to reach Homalin. You will be well rewarded with alternative excursions. We will be flying you to Kalay (instead of Homalin) where you will embark your ship in Kalewa, cruising up north to Mawlaik and returning downstream towards Monywa.

Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Toungdoot or Hsawng-hsup in Tai, is an ancient Shan enclave which in British times still had a ruling sawbwa complete with palace and court. It will be interesting to see what has become of the royal family and their home and to see these Shan people so far from their Tai-Shan homelands. On the way to Paungbyin. Patha was an important oil refinery belonging to the Indo-Burma Petroleum Co (Steel Brothers).

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Sitthaung was the final resting place of a number of IFC steamers scuppered there in 1942 in an ‘act of denial’ from the advancing Japanese who were a matter of hours behind. We hope to find remains of these ships as we have in the past at Katha on the Irrawaddy. It was from here that the survivors of the Japanese invasion marched out to Tamu on the India border. We pass the mouth of the Yu River which drains the Kubu valley that provided the route for a Lieutenant Grant to march to the relief of the Manipur garrison when the chief commissioner of Assam was massacred in a local rebellion.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Explore Mawlaik replaced Kindat as the administrative capital but ironically the Myanma refused to move there from upstream Kindat. It was mainly settled with the company houses of the by the Scottish owned and run Bombay Myanmarh Trading Corporation in the 1920s and 1930s. There are many splendid ‘Dak Bungalows’ set around a verdant golf course. Mawlaik and the other towns of the Upper Chindwin can only be reached by boat so cars are few. There is a dreamy otherworldly quality to such places and truly one feels that one has travelled there in the Pandaw time machine! Then the gateway town for the Chin State. We explore Kalewa with its markets and quaint wooden architecture.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Mingkin was rediscovered by Paul Strachan in 1987 and described in some detail in his book Mandalay: Travels from the Golden City. It remains for Paul the most art historically interesting site in Myanmar (more so than the now spoilt Pagan) with its Konbaung court style teak monasteries sumptuously decorated. Mingkin may be described as the Luang Prabang of the Chindwin. And we pass a number of attractive villages like Kanee where we can stretch our legs.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Entering the lower Chindwin where the river widens and the forested hills fall away from farmland, we pass a number of attractive villages. We will explore Monywa and make a trip to the Thanbodi Temple with its million Buddha images.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

In the morning, coach to the Phowin Taung Caves, where we will admire beautiful mural paintings and Buddha statues in riches.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Disembark at Monywa and transfer to Mandalay.
For Monywa to Mandalay Airport (transfer 2.5 hours) before your departure time and flight number
For Monywa to hotel in Mandalay (transfer 3 hours) before your hotel name and hotel address.

IMPORTANT: Please note that water levels drop dramatically as of December and we might not be able to reach Homalin. You will be well rewarded with alternative excursions. We will be cruising up to Mawlaik and return to Kalewa where you will be flown out to Yangon or Mandalay.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: n/a

Cruise Map

Pandaw Myanmar Cruise Maps

Detailed itinerary

Embark and sail up the Rangoon River and enter the Twante Canal, which connects the Yangon River with the Irrawaddy Delta. We stop on route at the Twante Town and explore city center.

Note*: Embarkation between 10.30am and 11.00am at Kyan Mar Yay Jetty (on Strand Road in Yangon opposite the Myanmar Custom Department, between Pansoedan Jetty and Sule Jetty). Please note that the ship will leave the pier at 11.00am.

Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

In morning we walk visit to Maubin bustling market and city surrounding area. Afternoon our exploration of Delta area NyaungDon city visit to see country life style. Moor over night at Zakagyi.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

We continue our exploration of Delta creeks and stop at Donabyu, another little known town with a busy port and bustling markets. In the First Anglo Burmese War of 1825 the Burmese General Maha-Bandoola was defeated here following a long and disastrous campaign by the British. Afternoon walk in Zalon city to visit beautiful Golden Buddha image and return to ship. Moor overnight at Henzada.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Sailing all day and we stop to visit the markets and see old colonial buildings in the sleepy Delta town of Manaung. We enter the Irrawaddy River.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Early morning we sail slowly upstream and downstream A Kaut Taung area, to view Buddha carvings on the mountainside, from the upper deck or Sundeck. We reach Prome by the afternoon and travel by coach to the 5th-8th century archaeological site of Thiri-ya-kittiya, the former centre of the Pyu civilization with a fascinating museum of early Buddhist artifacts and sculptures.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

This pleasant colonial town once guarded the border between Royal Myanmar and British Myanmar following the 2nd Anglo Myanmar War of 1855. Many of the buildings including the covered market date from this period. Thayet also boasts the oldest golf course in Myanmar (1885). We visit the market, see the colonial houses and ride out by horse cart to the golf course, passing through the former British botanical garden.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Minhla – We visit the two Italian built forts constructed to keep the British at bay from Royal Myanmar. The fight for the Minhla redoubt was the only serious action in the war and the death of a young subaltern inspired Kipling to write a poem.We ride Trishaws to reach the magnificent Magwe Myat-thalon Pagoda, constructed with solid gold bricks. Of interest are the many nat shrines and hermitages within the temple precincts.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Here we visit the Yout-saun-kyaung monastery with its spectacular wood carvings; we also explore an area of splendid colonial-style houses and continue sailing upstream.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

In the morning, moor at the Tan-Chi-Taung mountain and enjoy the view. Continue with one of the highlights of your trip with a tour of a selection of the 3,000 listed monuments at this World Heritage Site, Pagan.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Further exploration by coach of the monuments follow by a lacquerware workshop and visit to the local markets. Sail in the noon to upstream. Evening walk at Oh Ne Kyaung village to see the local life in this typical river side community.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

This small rural village is specialized in pot making. We visit the Pandaw School, built with past donations from Pandaw passengers.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Guests will take a tour of central Mandalay visiting the Mahamuni Pagoda and Shwe Nan Daw Kyaung teak carved monastery. In the afternoon we visit Sagaing. The true delight of Sagaing lies in its 1000 hermitages and sanctuaries, rich in woodcarving and religious art. Next we explore the ancient capital of Amarapura by coach, take a boat ride along Taungthaman lake and watch the tranquillity and serenity of this beautiful lake and its famous U-Bein Bridge at sunset.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

We stop at Mingun to see the largest working bell in the world and the unfinished pagoda which is the largest single mass of brick building in the world. We also visit the Mingun Old Peoples Home originally established with the assistance of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in the 1930s.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Sail upstream and visit the spectacular potteries near Kyauk-myoung where the famous 50 gallon water pots are handmade. We see all stages of manufacture from the throwing of the pots to the week-long firing in huge kilns. Afternoon sailing to Mandalay.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Disembark from your ship between 8.00am – 9.00am at Sagaing Lay Kyun Man Aung Jetty, Mandalay.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: n/a

Important note*

  • PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO THE WATER LEVEL. WE WILL KEEP YOU UPDATED 2 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE
  • For overnight registration, we will need passport information (Full name, sex, Nationality, passport number, date of birth) of passengers at least four weeks prior to cruise date.

Cabins & Rates

Cabintype Rates
(US$/person)

Pandaw Myanmar Cruise
  • 16sqm
  • Main deck
  • Double/twin beds
  • Max 2 persons


Contact us for price

Pandaw Cruise Mekong River Cabins
  • 16sqm
  • Upper deck
  • Double/twin beds
  • Max 2 persons

Note*: The tour price would vary depending on date of departure and group size. Please book the tour or contact us for a free updated quote.

Booking Policy

Cruise Price Includes: Entrance fees, guide services (English language), main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes. Transfers between ports of embarkation and Hanoi International Airport at the start and end of the voyage.

Cruise Price Excludes: International flights, port dues (if levied), laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions), all beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes and tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.

Cancellation by Customer
Cancellation is not confirmed till we receive your official email. For cancellations of bookings, the following charges will apply:

  • A 30% deposit of your total booking value with Pandaw is required upon confirmation and is non refundable.
  • Final balance must be paid 75 days before departure or the booking will be cancelled and the deposit forfeited.
  • Certain special offers may require higher non-refunable deposits. These will be advised to you at the time of booking.

Children from 5 years up to 18 years old get:

  • 1 adult and 1 child – 1 cabin – child receives 50% reduction from adult price.
  • 2 adults and 1 child – 2 cabins – 1 cabin with no single supplement and 50% reduction for the child.
  • 2 adults and 2 children – 2 cabins – 50% reduction for both children.
    Larger family groups – prices on request.
  • Please note our cruises are not suitable for young or small children as the ships have railings but no netting.

Pandaw Myanmar Cruise’s Deck Plan

  • 10 cabins on Main Deck
  • 8 cabins on Upper deck
Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Pandaw<br /> Myanmar Cruise Amenities

  • Air-conditioner
  • Cabinet
  • Free Wifi - Public area
  • Hair Dryer
  • Non Smoking Rooms
  • Private Bathroom
  • Safety box
  • Shower
  • Toiletries

Video about Pandaw Myanmar Cruise

Questions & Answers


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The rivers you will sail on are subject to seasonal rises and falls of water level, in some places as much as 30 metres. Water levels can change dramatically overnight and a sudden rise can impede our progress upstream considerably and even prevent us from passing under certain bridges. A sudden fall can result in our being unable to get into certain places or go as far upstream as we would hope. Groundings on sandbars are not infrequent and are part of the
excitement of any expedition. Published itineraries are indicational only and subject to sudden change. In such events alternative itineraries will be provided and we do our best to ensure that if a stop is missed we make up for it with another stop.

Passengers are thus forewarned and expected to be flexible and patient. River cruising in Asia can be a dramatic and adventurous experience – not like cruising the controlled waterways of Europe or America. Note also that we operate in areas with little or no developed infrastructure and subject to the strictures of local officialdom. Be prepared for this and it is all more the fun!

For itineraries that include flights in the price of the ticket it should be noted that regional airlines can change departure times or cancel flights at very short notice. In such an event we endeavour to arrange alternative flights but note that this can result in delays often resulting in embarking or disembarking on a different day to that indicated in the itinerary. In such an event the company will cover the cost of hotel accommodation and main meals only, but will not be liable for any claims for compensation for missed days on board a ship, drinks or curtailment of the said itinerary.

We recommend wearing loose and comfortable clothing made of cotton or modern material that can readily cool off sweat and body hear. The type of shoes will depend on the excursion types so best to have both light, open toed shoes as well as good walking/hiking shoes with you. A sun hat is always a good idea to bring along.
Southern Vietnam and Cambodia are warm all year-round, but our other cruise destinations can get chilly during the winter months (Laos, Myanmar or northern Vietnam). Therefore, it is always recommended to bring a pullover or a warm jacket with you during this period.
Many of our cruises include visits to local temples or pagodas. When visiting these holy sites, make sure to wear appropriate clothing which covers your shoulders and knees.

Generally speaking, the rivers we are cruising on in Southeast Asia are very calm and there is hardly any motion on any of our ships. A bit of motion can occur during monsoon rains with stormy winds, but the amount of motion is much less than one would feel during bad weather on the open ocean.
Sea cruises as we offer in Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay can sometimes encounter heavier waters and ship motion, although this happens very rarely and port authorities will most likely not allow sailing under any such circumstances anyway.
If you are new to cruising or prone to motion sickness, it does not hurt to bring along some motion sickness medication. Drinking a nice hot fresh ginger tea is a natural remedy and tasty alternative our staff is always happy to make for you.

All food and beverage on board is completely safe to eat and enjoy, including the ice cubes you enjoy in your chilled drinks. We do not recommend drinking water straight from the tap anywhere, including onboard. We provide you with complimentary clean drinking water throughout your cruise.
You may want to be bit careful with local dishes as they can be spicier than you are used to from home. Approach new dishes slowly and carefully. If you have a sensitive stomach, then you may like to double check with our chef or onboard managers about specific dishes or meals.
On excursions, it may be a good idea to avoid local foods and snacks unless offered by our tour guides. Besides the above, in general we recommend the following motto for your pre- and post-cruise travelling in the Southeast Asian tropics: boil it, peel it, cook it, wash it or forget it!

The most effective protection from personal contamination is ensuring strict attention to personal hygiene and in particular, frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water and refraining from hand-to-mouth contact. Colds and other viruses can spread quickly in an enclosed area such as a ship. Continue to practice common-sense hygiene and respiratory courtesy. Wash your hands often and cover your coughs and sneeze. It is recommended that passengers carry anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, which does not require rinsing with water. Use sanitizer frequently and throughout the day, particularly after shore excursions and prior to meals. If you have any questions regarding your health or safety, please do not hesitate to ask your cruise director.

Motion sickness can be a problem for some people when cruising, flying or travelling on coaches and trains and it is a good idea to take precautionary measures. Over-the-counter drugs for treating motion sickness can be purchased at pharmacies in most countries, though a side effect can by drowsiness. Alternatives such as ginger tablets and acupressure wristbands are also available and work well for some people.

Cambodia visas are easily obtained for most travelers on arrival. Note that passports must have a validity of at least 6 months after your last date of travel in Cambodia.
Because travel restrictions across Southeast Asia are constantly changing, we recommend checking with the Cambodia embassy/consulate in your home country for the latest information.

With the exception of visa exemptions, all travelers must arrange their visa prior to arrival in Vietnam. Passports must also have a validity of at least 6 months after your last date of travel in Vietnam.
Because travel restrictions across Southeast Asia are constantly changing, we recommend checking with the Vietnam embassy/consulate in your home country for the latest information.

Laos visas are easily obtained for most travelers. Note that passports must have a validity of at least 6 months after your last date of travel in Laos.
Because travel restrictions across Southeast Asia are constantly changing, we recommend checking with the Laos embassy/consulate in your home country for the latest information.

We recommend at least purchasing travel health insurance which covers both in- & outpatient visits and medical repatriation. Buying additional trip cancellation and interruption coverage may also be beneficial in case you have to cancel your travel plans due to unforeseen circumstances.

We always recommend bringing a travel adapter as a standard item in your travel kit. You can borrow an adapter on board, but these may be limited.

Indochina Countries use 220V, and a mixture of flat 2-pin, round 2-pin or 3 pin plugs. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adapter.

It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $3-$5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service.

Pandaw Cruise Reviews

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5 star ratingLaos Pandaw Crew anticipated our every need and beyond. Absolutely amazing - way better than I could ever have imagined. The crew, food, service and excursions absolutely outstanding.
Tootsberry Avatar
Tootsberry
20/10/24
5 star ratingBest river cruise The ship was very comfortable in the public areas. Although it was hot outside. The open air deck was quite comfortable the evening cocktails were really good and the dining room was quite comfortable and air conditioned,
122timothyd Avatar
122timothyd
25/05/24
5 star ratingAmazing An incredible journey. Everything was right. The crew is fantastic, the service is at the highest level, the ship is fantastic. The excursions are extremely organized, exciting and informative. I am still speechless about this unique experience.
Jutta W Avatar
Jutta W
15/05/24
5 star ratingGreat. Book now. Great trip. Got to visit families and places you would not get to visit when going on a big cruise ship. Ship and rooms very clean. Staff very friendly, polite, and accommodating.
Cynthia C Avatar
Cynthia C
07/05/24
5 star ratingFabulous trip to Bhutan and India with Pandaw! Traveling with Pandaw was an exceptional experience. The crew and staff are the best of the best . The food was fabulous as you could choose from a nice variety of dishes. I ordered my Indian food mild and just... read more
Cate F Avatar
Cate F
31/03/24
5 star ratingextraordinary, absolute comfort. Everything was perfect, crew, comfort, program. Everything was perfect, crew, comfort, program. Everything was perfect, crew, comfort, program.
henri D Avatar
henri D
25/03/24
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from $1,685 /pax
02/12/2024

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