Pandaw Cruises is a luxurious cruise line that operates small ship river expeditions to explore the unique hidden treasures in Burma, Vietnam and Cambodia, as well as Laos and China. The ship is designed on the original Clyde-built steamer called ‘Pandaw’ that in the colonial era, was a unique concept and style of cruising on the Irrawaddy and Mekong rivers. Today, there are 14 river vessels in the Pandaw fleet, all of which are small, creating an authentic, old-world experience.
Amenities
Bar/PubConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableFamily RoomLibraryMultilingual StaffRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSpa/SaunaWi-Fi AvailableStay Pandaw Cruises has a fleet of fourteen river vessels, all of which are smaller and cater for around 10-60 passengers. Staterooms on the main or upper deck are very spacious at just under 17 sqm, all with raised nautical-style beds, accent lighting, and beautiful wood panelling. The décor is colonial in style with brass and teak and rooms are accessible from the outside corridor with comfortable loungers for casual scenic viewing. All are equipped with modern conveniences.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay aboard the Pandaw Cruises but there are no specific facilities available for children.
Dine The dining room on Pandaw Cruises is conceived as an extension of the open deck space with fold back doors to allow the breeze to pass through. Breakfast and lunch is usually semi-buffet with a la carte options and there is a full sit-down dinner. The menus are varied with an emphasis on using fresh local ingredients including fish, tropical fruits and exotic vegetables. For those with a sweet tooth, the sundeck bar can serve up complimentary ice cream from sunrise to sunset.
Relax Facilities aboard RV Mekong Pandaw include a number of peaceful areas in which to relax with a book, plus daily briefings, cooking demonstrations and fruit carving. There is also a gym and spa where you can exercise and unwind with some treatments, or alternatively there is a teak deck measuring 750sqm, which has a billiard table and comfortable seating where you can relax with a refreshing cocktail from the bar.
Experience The highlight of cruising with the Pandaw is the unique onshore excursion programmes that will create treasured memories. Guests will be accompanied by expert guides with extensive knowledge to bring the destination to life. You will enjoy walks in the countryside, a horse cart ride in Burma, or a jungle speedboat adventure and cyclos in Cambodia. Back on the boat, there are social events to include a welcome dinner, cocktail parties and, in Burma, a barbeque on the sandbank.
Location The cruise starts either in Saigon or in Phnom Penh and makes it way through the following areas - My Tho, Cai Be, Sa Dec, Chau Doc and Phnom Penh.
Getting there For both Phnom Penh and Saigon, we recommend flying via Bangkok. For guests starting their journey in Cambodia, take a short flight under 1-hour 30-minutes from Bangkok onto Phnom Penh. For guests beginning in Saigon, flights from Bangkok take approximately 1-hour 30-minutes.
When to go Hot all year round and December to April is the dry season with occasional rain. Please be aware that from May to November is the wet season with showers almost every day and flooding in the Mekong Delta can occur.
Destination
Southern, Vietnam
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Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said us recently.
“I would like to thank Asian Geographical Expeditions staff for organising a perfect holiday for my family to Dubai, Sri Lanka and the Maldives…”
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"I am deeply grateful to the entire team at Asian Geographical Expeditions for their dedication and hard work in crafting such a memorable holiday."
"The guides were exceptional—they clearly loved sharing their knowledge and insights into the local culture and history."
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