Pandaw Adds Burma Itinerary, New Vessel

Pandaw, a specialist in Southeast Asia river cruising, is unveiling a brand new expedition in 2018.

Sailing into the heart of Burma, The Great Irrawaddy Delta itinerary will explore a maze of tributaries that have remained relatively untouched by tourism. Initially scheduled for just two departures (March 10, March 18) this year, the new itinerary is also being added to 2019 and 2020 departures, due to popular demand.

The seven-night cruise departs from Yangon and will weave its way through a complex labyrinth of waterways while exploring indigenous village life, including area markets, ancient trading ports, temples and churches and mosques. Guests are also encouraged to keep a watch out for the native wildlife that migrates through area

Rates for the Great Irrawaddy Delta itinerary start from $2,117 per person based on double occupancy. The price includes seven nights on the 16-cabin RV Katha Pandaw, local transfers, entrance fees, English-language guide services, gratuities, most meals, locally made soft drinks, local beer and spirits, coffee and a selection of teas and mineral water. International flights are not included in the rate.

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New Ship

Also new for 2017, Pandaw will welcome a new ship, the RV Sabei Pandaw, this November. The Sabei Pandaw is the company’s 17th vessel and its third to sail the Mekong River in Laos.

The vessel’s maiden voyage will be on the 10-night The Laos Mekong itinerary, departing November 11, 2018. In September of next year, it will move to China's Yunnan province, to sail the 14-night The Mekong: from Laos to China expedition, a four-country itinerary that includes Laos, Thailand, Burma and China.

“There can be no waterborne experience to match sailing through Laos,” said Paul Strachan, Pandaw founder. “The fast river with its continual spate of white water, the jungle-clad peaks, the gorges; then there is the friendly welcome in every village, the ethnic diversity and the cultural riches. Traversing the remotest parts of four very different countries you see all of South-East Asia, lost and timeless.

The 147-foot-long, double-decked vessel features 14 staterooms and an open plan saloon with flexible indoor and outdoor dining. It was built with a shallow draft, so it can sail year-round across Yunnan into China. The vessel was also designed to accommodate the challenges of shooting the rapids in the Laos gorges.

Prices for the ten-night Laos Mekong cruise onboard the new RV Sabei Pandaw, start from $4,200 per person, double occupancy. Rates for the 14-night The Mekong: from Laos to China cruise, start from $6,808.50 per person, double occupancy.

Ocean Cruising

With an eye to expanding to ocean cruising, Pandaw acquired a classic 1960's motor yacht, the MY Andaman Explorer in 2016. Now, the fully refurbished vessel features 10 suites, with a separate sitting room area and private bathroom. The ship is lavishly appointed with Carrara marble and includes a saloon, dining room and two teak observation decks.

The vessel is set to sail around the Mergui Archipelago, exploring many of the region’s 800 untouched islands. Passengers will also enjoy meeting the local Mokkein people, who have their own language and culture and live entirely on the sea.

Departures are confirmed for 2018 and beyond, and the itinerary includes a stop at Naung Wee island to visit a sea gypsy village, Lampi Marine National Park with its diverse bird life, the Nga Man group of one hundred and fifteen islands and Cockscomb Island with featuring limestone caves and a hidden lagoon. The ship carries kayaks and snorkeling equipment. so guests can close to the marine life as they explore the islands, beaches and coastal ports.

Various departures are available in April and October 2018, April and October 2019 and April 2020. Prices start from $3,510 per person, double occupancy.

For more information, visit www.pandaw.com.