Asia River Holidays by Pandaw Brochure

Pandaw is one of Asia's most respected small-ship river cruise specialists, founded in 1995 by Scottish historian Paul Strachan. Starting with a single restored Clyde-built steamer on Burma's Irrawaddy River, Pandaw has grown into a fleet of hand-crafted vessels exploring the continent's most captivating waterways, from the Mekong to Halong Bay.

Voyages Across Asia's Great Rivers

Pandaw operates luxury small-ship river cruises across an exceptional range of Asian destinations. Routes include the lower Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia, the Red River and Halong Bay in Vietnam, the upper Mekong spanning Laos, China and Thailand, and the iconic Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers in Burma. Whether a single overnight stay or a full week-long expedition, each itinerary is designed to reach corners of Asia that larger vessels simply cannot access.

Authentic River Boats with Colonial Heritage

Each Pandaw vessel is purpose-built in the tradition of the historic Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, whose Clyde-built steamers once plied the rivers of British Burma. The boats feature teak and brass fittings, open-air decks and intimate cabins, keeping the atmosphere of a genuine expedition rather than a floating hotel. All-inclusive pricing means no hidden costs, and excursions vary by length, theme and location to suit every type of traveller.

Short Breaks and Holiday Add-Ons

One of Pandaw's distinctive strengths is the flexibility of its itineraries. Expeditions are designed to work equally well as standalone short breaks or as add-ons to a longer overland holiday in Southeast Asia. A two-night cruise on the Mekong, for instance, pairs naturally with time in Siem Reap or Ho Chi Minh City, letting travellers experience a destination from both land and water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Pandaw operate its river cruises?

Pandaw runs cruises across several Asian countries, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, China and Burma (Myanmar). Key waterways include the Mekong, the Irrawaddy, the Chindwin, the Red River and Halong Bay.

How long are Pandaw expeditions?

Itineraries range from a single overnight cruise to voyages of a week or more. This flexibility makes Pandaw cruises suitable both as a standalone short break and as a complement to a wider Asian holiday.

What makes Pandaw different from other river cruise operators?

Pandaw was founded in 1995 by a historian with a passion for the authentic river cultures of Southeast Asia. The company's hand-crafted wooden vessels, all-inclusive pricing and focus on smaller, less-visited rivers give Pandaw a distinct identity compared with mainstream river cruise providers.

Are Pandaw cruises all-inclusive?

Yes. Pandaw's pricing is designed to be all-inclusive, so travellers are not faced with unexpected extra charges on board. This covers meals, accommodation and most onshore excursions.

Is Pandaw suitable for a first-time river cruise traveller?

Pandaw's varied itinerary lengths and the all-inclusive format make it an accessible introduction to river cruising. The small-ship style also means a more personal experience than large cruise liners, which many first-time river cruisers find appealing.

Which Pandaw route is best for experiencing Burma?

The Irrawaddy and Chindwin river routes are Pandaw's original and most celebrated itineraries in Burma (Myanmar), passing ancient temples, monasteries and remote villages rarely seen by mainstream tourism.

Note: this brochure is from our archive. Details such as prices, availability and specific itineraries may no longer be current. We recommend contacting Pandaw directly for up-to-date information.