RV Pandaw Cruise - Burma/Myanmar

RV PANDAW I AND NEW RV PANDAW II

A journey on Burma's Irrawaddy River is one of life's great travel experiences. No vessel could be more appropriate for this than the RV Pandaw. Built in Scotland in 1947, the Pandaw I is the same design as the original Irrawaddy Flotilla Company steamers that coped so well with the difficult conditions of the Irrawaddy. The Pandaw sails between the ancient capitals of Bagan and Mandalay, offering a tranquil and stimulating Myanmar experience.

The RV Pandaw I is 150 feet long and was powered by a stern paddle, now replaced by modern engines. Up 'till 1997 she still carried local cargo and passengers. Conserving many original features, 16 comfortable staterooms, with air-con and en-suite shower rooms have been added. Finished in local hardwoods, and furnished with period pieces, the Pandaw I is home to a collection of historic prints and antiques. Promenade decks enable passenger to sit outside their cabins in rattan chairs.

The intention has been to recreate the atmosphere and character of the first class deck of a classic river steamer. All cabins are air-conditioned and are 14 x 12 feet in size containing a shower room with hot and cold water. Interior walls are finished with hard wood tongue and groove paneling and on the upper deck we have retained the original teak decking. Beds are traditional teak ship cots with brass marine fittings. Old prints maps and oil paintings decorate the rooms. Local hand-woven fabrics are used for the curtains, bed covers and cushions; there are no mini-bars or TVs! Cabin windows have insect netting fixed so windows may be kept open at night in preference to the air-con.

The old first class 'saloon' on the upper deck over the bow has been preserved as the Observation Lounge with a cocktail bar. The Dining room is conceived as an extension of the open deck space with fold back doors to allow the breeze to pass through. 3 meals a day are included. Breakfasts and lunches are buffets. Dinner is a sit down affair with a set menu. Meals are a mixture of Asian and European with an emphasis on local fish and prawns, topical fruits and exotic vegetables.

RV PANDAW II
RV Pandaw II is an enlarged newly built version of the original Panadaw I introduced into service in October 2001.

The colonial design favoured by the first Irrawaddy Flotilla Company has been faithfully reproduced to create the same atmosphere of the ever popular Pandaw I. The much loved and generously sized staterooms of Pandaw I are built in the same original style. All 22 cabins open onto the teak promenade decks that run around the ship. Facilities are the same as on the Pandaw I including and Observation Lounge with a cocktail bar and a Dining Room. Every effort has been made to ensure that the published itinerary is followed as closely as possible, however, given uncertain river and other local conditions, all schedules and itineraries are subject to alterations and delays at short notice.

Tour details