Pandaw Cruises

59 Reviews
Kindat Pandaw

About Pandaw Cruises

Pandaw spearheaded small ship cruising in Asian destinations and one of the only lines offering sailings in remote areas, such as the Upper Chindwin in Myanmar (Burma) and the Upper Mekong in Laos. The line's river vessels replicate the traditional brass and teak ships of the old Irrawaddy Flotilla Company. The line is known for its "go with the flow" vibe.

  • More about Pandaw River Cruises

  • Who goes on Pandaw cruise ships?

  • Do I have to dress up on a Pandaw cruise?

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Kindat Pandaw
Kindat Pandaw

7 Night
The Brahmaputra

5 Reviews
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RV Kalaw Pandaw
Kalaw Pandaw

7 Night
The Lower Ganges River

7 Reviews
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RV Kalaw Pandaw
Kalaw Pandaw

15 Night
Highlights Of India

7 Reviews
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Kindat Pandaw
Kindat Pandaw

14 Night
The Lower Ganges & Brahmaputra River

5 Reviews
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14 Night
The Lower Ganges & Brahmaputra River

7 Reviews
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Pandaw Cruises Tips, Activities, and Overview

Who goes on Pandaw cruise ships?

Pandaw primarily attracts mature and well-traveled people, all sharing a sense of adventure. Most are from the U.S., U.K., Australia and mainland Europe, and friendships develop quickly over shared experiences and the ships' intimate atmosphere.

Do I have to dress up on a Pandaw cruise?

No. The atmosphere is informal and relaxed, and the main requirement is for passengers to dress for comfort. Most people change for dinner, but again the emphasis is on casual rather than chic attire. Layers and long sleeves are needed to sit out on the deck at night.

Is everything free on Pandaw cruises?

Almost. Pandaw offers a mostly inclusive experience -- all bottled water, soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee and locally produced beer and spirits are included. Daily shore excursions (followed by a complimentary shoe cleaning service) and all meals are included in the cruise fares, as well. Wines and imported spirits are available at an additional cost. Tips are also extra.

What are Pandaw’s most popular activities?

From its earliest days, the Pandaw concept has been deeply rooted in discovering local culture and history. Among the most popular activities are the daily briefings, countryside walks, jungle speedboat and ox cart rides, and cultural performances. Onboard cooking demonstrations usually draw an audience but, generally speaking, most passengers prefer to spend their time sitting outside, on the promenade decks relaxing and socializing.

Why go with Pandaw?

  • Ships offer promenade decks with panoramic views.
  • Itineraries feature remote, hard-to-reach destinations.
  • Fares include daily shore excursions.
  • Complimentary (most) beverages, local beer, spirits.

Best for: Adventurous, active travelers interested in exploring remote places

Not for: Big-ship cruisers for whom the ship is the main draw, and anyone with mobility issues

Pandaw River Cruises Cruiser Reviews

Vientiane/Laos to Chiang Khong/Thailand, Mekong River, Ship Pandaw Sabaidee, 22.12.2023-01.01.2024

A great and very relaxing trip for me on the Mekong in Laos and Thailand came to end last week.the great Sabaidee Pandaw crew that worked professionally and compentently, the team in the Pandaw overhead, the great Hotel La Seine in Vientiane and the Rachamankha in Chiang Mai, both of them are very highly recommended.Read More
CLa2611

few6-10 Cruises

Age 63s

Mekong Laos

It was the service on board that exceeded all my expectations, not only first class but also personalised and friendly, with a smile.It only had 10 cabins and all were air conditioned and was thus small enough to get to know all the people on board, but large enough to isolate oneself when one wanted to.Read More
Malgosha

oneFirst Time Cruiser

Age 70s

Upper Mekong from Vientiane Laos to Chiang Khong Thailand

The room was a good size and the shower was bigger than your average cruise ship shower.The long boat ride feels like an episode of Survivor where you are trying to size up your fellow travellers that you will spend the next 10 days with.Read More
valleybilles

many10+ Cruises

Age 61s

Appalling Pandaw Experience

Pandaw after all only had been operating this journey for three months - and even though only the first two out of 12 trips had succeeded in completing, miracles do supposedly happen on the Ganges so maybe they didn't like to spoil our holiday plans by giving us any advance warning of the possibility of change.The first four days of our river cruise were not to be spent on the the river but in two mediocre hotels, bus journeys and an internal flight.Read More
PJ33

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 70s

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