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RV Orient Pandaw Cruise

Description

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.

  • Pandaw Cruises
  • Launch 2008
  • 28 cabins
  • In teak and brass
  • Mandalay-Pagan-Sagaing-Pakokku
  • Myanmar

RV Orient Pandaw Cruise's Facilities

  • 24-hour Security
  • Conference & meeting facilities
  • Included Breakfast
  • Observatory
  • Reception
  • Restaurant
  • Tender for sightseeing

Cruise Itineraries

Mandalay to Pagan Four Night Cruise or vs

Cruise map

RV Orient Pandaw 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: RV Orient Pandaw 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: RV Orient Pandaw 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: RV Orient Pandaw 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: RV Orient Pandaw 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: RV Orient Pandaw 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: RV Orient Pandaw 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: RV Orient Pandaw 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: RV Orient Pandaw Cruise

Morning cruise upstream from Salay to Pagan.

Disembark after lunch.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: n/a

Mandalay Pagan Packet or vs

Cruise map

RV Orient Pandaw Cruise

Detailed Itinerary

Upstream Itinerary: PAGAN – MANDALAY

Transfer from the airport to the ship for lunch followed by exploration of a selection of the 3000 plus Pagan monuments by bicycle or coach.

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

Further exploration of Pagan and visit a lacquerware workshop. 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Morning visit to the ancient city of Ava, which served as the capital of the Burmese kingdom for nearly 400 years, longer than any other ancient capital. Morning tour by coach to Ava jetty and across the Myit Nge(Dokehtawady) river by small ferry boat, followed by horse carts to Menu Oak Kyaung monastery built by the chief queen in 1822. End the morning with a visit to the splendid Bagaya Kyaung monastery built entirely of teak in 1834.

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

Set sail to Mingun for a morning walking tour around the unfinished stupa built by Amarapura’s King Bodawpaya in 1790 which was intended to be the world’s largest stupa but remained unfinished since 1808 and also visit the world’s largest ringing bell. Drive to Mandalay in the afternoon. Mandalay is not only the country’s second largest city but also the religious centre of Burmese culture.

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

By 09:00am disembark in Mandalay and transfer to either hotel or airport.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: n/a

Downtream Itinerary: MANDALAY – PAGAN

Transfer from the airport to the ship for lunch followed by excursion to Mandalay which is not only the country’s second largest city but also the religious centre of Burmese culture.

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

Set sail to Mingun for a morning walking tour around the unfinished stupa built by Amarapura’s King Bodawpaya in 1790 which was intended to be the world’s largest stupa but remained unfinished since 1808 and also visit the world’s largest ringing bell.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Morning cruise upstream from Salay to Pagan to explore its many temples.

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

Further exploration of Pagan and visit a lacquerware workshop.

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

By 0900am disembark in Pagan and transfer to either hotel or airport.

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)

RV Orient Pandaw Cruise
  • 25sqm
  • Upper deck
  • Double beds
  • Max 2 personss


Contact us for price

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

Pandaw Cruise Mekong River Cabins
  • 16sqm
  • Main 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.

RV Orient Pandaw Cruise’s Deck Plan

  • 10 main deck staterooms
  • 16 upper deck staterooms
  • 2 Pandaw suites on Upper deck
RV Orient Pandaw Cruise

RV Orient Pandaw Cruise Amenities

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

Video about RV Orient Pandaw 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 ratingExceptional Service on the Red River We had a wonderful time on the Angkor Pandaw Red River Cruise. The old-world charm of the wood-paneled boat was lovely. Service was exceptional - highly attentive and warm. In addition to remembering your preferences and keeping your glass full,... read more
JourneysFromSeattle Avatar
JourneysFromSeattle
17/03/24
5 star ratingWonderful Pandaw cruise on the Ganges and Brahamaputra rivers We traveled with Pandaw on their Lower Ganges River Tour and their Brahmaputra River Tour during March 2024. Once again our expectations were met and we had a wonderful trip with boat accommodation, dining and staff way above what we... read more
Graham T Avatar
Graham T
16/03/24
5 star ratingSailing through a fantasy on Pandaw. We took two Pandaw cruises in the course of 5 weeks, the first one being the Lower Mekong from Saigon to Seam Reap. Incredible journey and totally enhanced by the crew of the ship. We never requested a thing as... read more
Diane R Avatar
Diane R
14/03/24
5 star ratingWonderful experience on RV Sabaidee Pandaw We took the Best of Laos and Northern Thailand Cruise from Vientiane to Chiang Khong. It was an amazing experience, and so well managed by the Pandaw crew. The boat is comfortable and very relaxing. Each tour was interesting and... read more
Leanne S Avatar
Leanne S
14/03/24
1 star ratingLook elsewhere, there must be better companies. The staff were very good and were very considerate, kind and helpful and I really thought they did a great job all things considered. But somethings you should really know. (1) The boat had serious issues and needs substantial maintenance.... read more
William S Avatar
William S
04/03/24
5 star ratingAmazing First river cruise - it was fabulous, lots of activities and lots of attention to details. The staff were amazing and always wanted to help you. We had a wonderful group of travellers with us as well - made new friends
Danielle S Avatar
Danielle S
03/03/24
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28/03/2024

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Member Since 2022

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