from 2 reviews
The first ship we built in Vietnam in 2008, the Orient Pandaw Cruise has seen service in five countries now – Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysian Borneo and now Burma. Where next? And in each of these countries she was re-commissioned according to local religious rites – Confucian, Budddhist, Animist and now she is a Buddhist again in the Golden Land. Despite a huge mileage the Orient chugs along as if fresh from the yard. Her design was based on the Tonle Pandaw, which was copied in every detail by the Vietnamese and indeed this design has been repeated three times on her three – all larger thirty cabin vessels.
RV Orient Pandaw Cruise is one of the small and intimate ships in the Pandaw family. Onboard, the RV Orient Pandaw features and Observation Deck and Promenade Deck to offer a breathtaking view of extraordinary landscapes on the poetic Irrawaddy River. Like other ships in her family, she is a small ship and thus it can take passengers to the remote and hard to reach area to bring travelers the real and authentic experience in Myanmar.
The ship has quality mountain bikes for your independent exploration.
For 2021, the RV Orient Pandaw Cruise was refurbished to add 2 brand new suites, offering private balcony and lounge area for even more space and comfort on your expedition.
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: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
Walk to Yoke-Sone Kyaung, the best-known teak carved monastery in Burma, stopping at Salay House on return.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
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: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
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: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: n/a
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
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: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
Disembark after lunch.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: n/a
The first temple visited is Ananda, known as the finest temple in Pagan in terms of ancient architecture, built in AD 1105 by King Kyansit Thar, the third king of Pagan dynasty. Explore the high standard of Pagan craftsmanship including niches with statues, glazed plaques, the standing Buddha statues and murals.
Next stop is Myingabar Gubyaukgyi temple built in AD 1113 by Prince Rajakumar, son of King Kyansit Thar. Discover the well-preserved murals which also depict typical day-to-day life in Pagan.
End the day with a walk through Phwar Saw Village; a small village with just over 500 inhabitants situated between New Pagan and Nyaung U airport. It was named after the very famous and influential queen for three consecutive Kings in Pagan’s late 13th century. The villagers rely on bean and pea farming, breeding cattle and producing small lacquerware handicrafts. A short stroll in the village under the shimmering sunshine in the late afternoon is the perfect way to capture the villagers’ way of life including fetching water, herding cattle back home and preparing for dinner.
Moor overnight Pagan.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
Before returning to the ship for lunch, take a stroll around the Khay Min Ga pagoda complex to learn about the different architectural styles: Indian, Sri Lankan, Myanmar-Mon hybrid and Myanmar.
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: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
Walk to Yoke-Sone Kyaung, the best-known teak carved monastery in Burma, stopping at Salay House on return.
Sail upriver to the Ayardaw charity clinic supported by Pandaw then drive up the winding road of the Tant-Chi-Taung mountain to visit the hill-top stupa.
Late afternoon, watch the traditional paper-mache elephant dance performed by the villagers from Tant-Chi.
Moor overnight near Nyaung U.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
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.
Stop at a cheroot workshop and discover how traditional cheroot cigars are made.
Moor overnight at Aung Pan Chaung near the Chindwin confluence.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
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.
Visit the Pandaw supported Yandabo School (if no school holidays).
Afternoon sailing and moor overnight at Pauk-taw Pauk-myaing village near Ava.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
Afternoon excursion to Sagaing where there are 1000 hermitages and sanctuaries rich in woodcarving and religious art. From Sagaing Hill admire the bird’s eye view over the Irrawaddy river curving around Sagaing from Soon U Ponnya Shin hill top-pagoda. Later an introduction to the Buddhist nuns’ way of life at a nunnery.
Drive to Amarapura, a former capital (initially from 1783 to 1819 and subsequently from 1839 to 1852). Visit a silk and cotton weaving workshop, Amarapura’s major business.
At sunset take a local boat on Taungthaman lake at U Bein Bridge, the world’s longest teak bridge.
Moor overnight at Sagaing.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
The excursion starts with a visit to Mahamuni Buddha Image, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Myanmar. The statue was brought here in 1785 by King Bodawapaya after the invasion of the Arakan Kingdom in 1784. To pay respect to the Buddha image, male devotees apply gold leaf to the image. As a result, the Mahamuni Buddha Image has been covered with a thick layer of gold leaf (about 15 cm). The walk continues along the street renowned for its marble carvers.
Continue to Shwe Kyaung (Golden Palace Monastery) which was built in 1857 and was originally part of the royal palace before it was moved to the present site in 1879.
Explore UNESCO listed Kuthodaw Pagoda, with the world’s biggest book. It accommodates 729 marble slabs engraved with the Buddha’s Parli Scriptures housed in shrines.
After the gold leaf hammering workshop, stop by the moat surrounding the Royal Palace for a great photo opportunity with a backdrop of Mandalay Hill.
Moor overnight at Sagaing.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: n/a
The excursion starts with a visit to Mahamuni Buddha Image, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Myanmar. The statue was brought here in 1785 by King Bodawapaya after the invasion of the Arakan Kingdom in 1784. To pay respect to the Buddha image, male devotees apply gold leaf to the image. As a result, the Mahamuni Buddha Image has been covered with a thick layer of gold leaf (about 15 cm). The walk continues along the street renouned for its marble carvers.
Continue to Shwe Kyaung (Golden Palace Monastery) which was built in 1857 and was originally part of the royal palace before it was moved to the present site in 1879.
Explore UNESCO listed Kuthodaw Pagoda, with the world’s biggest book. It accommodates 729 marble slabs engraved with the Buddha’s Parli Scriptures housed in shrines.
After the gold leaf hammering workshop, stop by the moat surrounding the Royal Palace for a great photo opportunity with a backdrop of Mandalay Hill.
Moor overnight at Sagaing.
Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
In the afternoon, drive up to the top of Sagaing Hill and admire the bird’s eye view over the Irrawaddy river curving around Sagaing city from SoonU Ponnya Shin hill top-pagoda. Later an introduction to the Buddhist nuns’way of life at a nunnery.
Drive to Amarapura, a former capital (initially from 1783 to 1819 and subsequently from 1839 to 1852). Visit a silk and cotton weaving workshop, Amarapura’s major business.
At sunset take a local boat on Taungthaman lake at U Bein Bridge, the world’s longest teak bridge.
Moor overnight at Sagaing.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
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.
Visit the Pandaw supported Yandabo School (if no school holidays).
Moor overnight at Shwe Tan Tit village.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
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.
Stop at a cheroot workshop and discover how traditional cheroot cigars are made.
Moor overnight at Tant Chi village.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
Sail 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 from the ship to Yoke-Sone Kyaung, the best-known teak carved monastery in Burma, stopping at Salay House on return.
Moor overnight at Salay.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
The first temple visited is Ananda, known as the finest temple in Pagan in terms of ancient architecture, built in AD 1105 by King Kyansit Thar, the third king of Pagan dynasty. Explore the high standard of Pagan craftsmanship including niches with statues, glazed plaques, the standing Buddha statues and murals.
Next stop is Myingabar Gubyaukgyi temple built in AD 1113 by Prince Rajakumar, son of King Kyansit Thar. Discover the well-preserved murals which also depict typical day-to-day life in Pagan.
End the day with a walk through Phwar Saw Village; a small village with just over 500 inhabitants situated between New Pagan and Nyaung U airport. It was named after the very famous and influential queen for three consecutive Kings in Pagan’s late 13th century. The villagers rely on bean and pea farming, breeding cattle and producing small lacquerware handicrafts. A short stroll in the village under the shimmering sunshine in the late afternoon is the perfect way to capture the villagers’ way of life including fetching water, herding cattle back home and preparing for dinner.
Moor overnight Pagan.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
Visit to Shwe San Daw stupa, one of only a few monuments allowing travellers to climb it, gaining a 360-degree view over the pagoda-studded plain. The next visit is to Shwe Zi Gone Pagoda, built in AD 1086 and believed to enshrine a hair relic of the Buddha.
Before returning to the ship for lunch, take a stroll around the Khay Min Ga pagoda complex to learn about the different architectural styles: Indian, Sri Lankan, Myanmar-Mon hybrid and Myanmar.
And 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.
Moor overnight Pagan.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: n/a
Important note*
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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.
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:
Children from 5 years up to 18 years old get:
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.
Laos 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. 
Best 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, 
Amazing 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. 
Great. 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. 
Fabulous 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 
extraordinary, absolute comfort. Everything was perfect, crew, comfort, program. Everything was perfect, crew, comfort, program. Everything was perfect, crew, comfort, program. 
Member Since 2022
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