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2005 marks the 10th anniversary since we started running river expeditions. Reviving the old Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in 1995, we were the first since the Second World War to offer pioneering cruises on Myanmar's spectacular Irrawaddy River, attempting to reach Bhamo, one thousand miles from the sea. In 1998 we pioneered the stunningly attractive Chindwin River. In 2001 were the first since colonial days to offer a complete cruise from Rangoon to Mandalay.

We now have four beautifully crafted Pandaw ships in operation that we built ourselves. Each ship, hand finished in brass and teak by traditional craftsmen are in themselves objects of great beauty. The secret of our success is that on our ships, whilst luxury and comfort are discreetly present, it is the colonial character and friendly atmosphere that predominate. All our Pandaws have ultra shallow drafts and can travel to remote areas, which would be unreachable by other vessels, let alone overland.

Pandaw cruise's single cabin

Both the Irrawaddy and Mekong rivers traverse mountains, jungles and plains and each empty into the ocean through vast deltas. A variety of cultures, ways of life and religions are dissected by these great water systems. Along their banks may be found a number of the most significant centers of art and architecture in the world including Pagan in Myanmar and Angkor in Cambodia. Myanmar was once the jewel in the British Imperial crown; the countries of L'Indochine were once French protectorates. Today the respective colonial legacies of both the British and the French may be found in the towns along these rivers.

Pandaw Cruises are honored by the fact that so many past passengers return on a regular basis. It is always a pleasure for our crew to see familiar faces once again. We are constantly striving to make our cruises more and more interesting, enhancing and embellishing itineraries wherever possible. In fact, the itineraries that follow are skeletal - in reality we see and do far more than indicated. Many old passengers tell us that no two cruises are ever the same.

We very much look forward to seeing our old friends again, on old or new rivers. Our success is not just in the beauty of our ships, the comfort and service offered, or even the fascinating lands we journey through. Much of our success over the past 10 years is the consequence of carrying such intrepid and generously spirited passengers.

Comms

Cell phones, Sat phones (where permitted by local authorities) VHF and SSB radio, internal phone system, PA system and tannoy system for navigation purposes.

Safety

Smoke detectors in all cabins and public places, emergency lighting and generator, fire pump, hydrants and hoses, fire extinguishers, life jackets for all on board and life rafts.

Navigation

Navigation lights, ships horn, searchlight, GPS, Radar (where permitted by local authorities).

Amenities

On board laundry, bakery, fully equipped galley and refrigeration units; air conditioning for all inside areas.

Water

Treatment plants for desalination, desedimentation and purification using UV and osmosis.

Sewage

Microbiotic treatment plants.

Class

Myanmar DMA Inland Water (based on Lloyds Inland Water Class).

Flag

Country flags in areas of operation.

Insurance

Ship Owners UK: P&I policies with over USD45million per vessel.

Crew

28 per vessel of mixed Asean nationalities.

Management

European expatriate experts employed directly by Pandaw Cruises supervising experienced Asian Pursers.