Pandaw Cruises (formerly Irrawady Flotilla Company and Pandaw Cruises) operates Irrawady River cruises in Myanmar and Mekong River cruises (between Cambodia and Vietnam). All their river boats are similar.
Itineraries include 7, 10, 11 and up to 22 days. In Myanmar, there are lower Irawaddy cruise itineraries of 7 days, and two Upper River itineraries. In SouthEast Asia, there are 10/11 day itineraries between Siem Reap (Angkor) to Saigon, with one version that includes Laos. It’s quite feasible to arrange a fascinating land program in Cambodia and Vietnam, including the Mekong River cruise in between.
Pandow Cruise boats have the same layout, accommodating 60 guests with single seating dining. All cabins are air-conditioned and 168 sq feet. All are twin-bedded with private bath and tiled showers. (Beds cannot be moved together.)
Upper deck cabins are priced slightly higher than on lower decks, and on the newest vessels, the front two upper cabins (301 and 302) can be made connecting. A limited number of single cabins are available, without single supplement. There is one crew person for every two passengers.
Rates are inclusive of meals, shore excursions (conducted in English), drinks and alcoholic beverages (local brands). Premium brands and wine are available for an extra charge. Dress is smart casual, with no jackets required.
Complimentary bottled water is provided guests at each disembarkation. Exploratory shore excursions are conducted by local guides. When guests re-board the boat from being ashore, shoes come off, collected and cleaned by the staff, and then later reclaimed by the guests. This keeps the mahogany decks clean.
A variety of local cuisine is offered. Breakfast and lunch are hearty buffets, while dinner are sit-downs, with entree choices.
For those who don't enjoy spicy or exotic food, European alternatives are available. Most special diets can be requested and attended to.
Onboard amenities include laundry, air conditioning, a bakery, movie/lecture room, cell phone, smoke detectors, etc. (There are no mini-bars, internet, TV's or phones.)
Evening entertainment occurs about two or three times a week, but not daily.
Low season, when cruise rates are lowest, is April – Sept, with daily showers to be expected.
TravelStore's experts can arrange your Asian river cruise experience, as well as any pre- or post-cruise hotel and touring arrangements you may desire.
