Pandaw Asia River Cruises Brochure

Pandaw has been pioneering luxury small-ship river cruising across Asia since 1995, when Burma historian Paul Strachan restored a Clyde-built paddle steamer and took the first foreign tourists along the Irrawaddy River since World War II. Named in honour of the original Irrawaddy Flotilla Company that served Burma under the British Raj, Pandaw has grown into the largest river cruise fleet in Southeast Asia, operating across six countries with a fleet of distinctive brass-and-teak vessels.

Rivers and Routes

Pandaw voyages cover some of the most storied waterways in Asia. In Burma (Myanmar) the company sails the great Irrawaddy and the remote Chindwin rivers. The Mekong carries passengers through Vietnam and Cambodia, and the Upper Mekong reaches into Laos, China and Thailand. Vietnam's Red River and Halong Bay complete an exceptional range of itineraries that open up landscapes rarely seen by independent travellers.

The Pandaw Experience

Each ship is built to a colonial-era inspired design using teak and brass, combining genuine character with high standards of comfort. All-inclusive pricing covers accommodation, meals, excursions and guiding with no hidden extras. Boutique dining, attentive service and small passenger numbers — typically fewer than 50 guests — create an intimate atmosphere quite unlike that of large ocean liners or mainstream river cruise vessels.

A Legacy of Exploration

Pandaw was the first company to offer Mekong River cruises in Cambodia since French colonial times, and its inaugural 1995 Irrawaddy voyage carried the first foreign tourists on that river since the Second World War. That spirit of genuine exploration remains central to every itinerary, with calls at village markets, ancient temples and remote riverside communities that larger vessels cannot reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Pandaw founded and who started the company?

Pandaw was founded in 1995 by Paul Strachan, a historian specialising in Burma. Strachan restored an original Clyde-built paddle steamer and revived river cruising on the Irrawaddy, honouring the legacy of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company that had operated on Burma's rivers since 1865.

Which rivers and countries does Pandaw cruise?

Pandaw operates on the Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers in Burma (Myanmar), the Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia, the Upper Mekong into Laos, China and Thailand, and the Red River and Halong Bay in Vietnam. The fleet spans six countries across Southeast and East Asia.

What is included in the all-inclusive price?

Pandaw's all-inclusive fares typically cover cabin accommodation, all meals, guided shore excursions and entrance fees, so passengers are not faced with unexpected additional costs during the voyage.

How large are Pandaw's ships?

Pandaw ships are intentionally small, usually carrying fewer than 50 passengers. This allows them to navigate narrower waterways, dock in remote villages and deliver a more personal, boutique experience than larger vessels can offer.

Is Pandaw suitable for families as well as couples?

Yes. The original brochure highlights that Pandaw voyages suit families, couples and groups of friends. The varied itineraries, shore excursions and the intimate on-board atmosphere make the experience accessible and engaging for a range of travellers.

Are these itineraries still operating today?

This brochure is from the Catalink archive and may not reflect current availability or pricing. For up-to-date sailings and booking information, please visit Pandaw's website or contact a specialist travel agent directly.

Note: this brochure is from our archive and the holiday or offer it describes may no longer be available. We recommend checking directly with the operator for current programmes and prices.