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Pandaw

Asia river cruise specialists — Mekong, Irrawaddy, Brahmaputra

Scottish-founded (1995) and headquartered in Yangon, Pandaw operates a fleet of replica colonial-style steamers on Asia's great rivers — the Mekong (Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos), Irrawaddy (Myanmar, where Pandaw began), Brahmaputra (India), Ganges (India), and the new Halong Bay junks. The most authentically-Asian river cruise specialist in the region.

15+
Replica colonial steamers
5+
Asian rivers
5-21
Night voyages
1995
Founded
££
Premium specialist
32-56
Max guests / ship
Itineraries

Find a Pandaw voyage

Real itineraries, real prices — sourced live. Use the filter inside the widget for dates and length.

Why book Pandaw

Why a Pandaw voyage?

Six reasons we recommend this line to the right kind of traveller.

The Asia river-cruise authority

Pandaw has been operating Asian rivers continuously since 1995 — 30 years of supplier relationships, local crew development, and depth knowledge that newer Asian river entrants can't match. If you want river cruising in Asia, Pandaw is the specialist.

Authentic colonial-style ships

Pandaw's ships are replica two-deck colonial steamers — teak decks, fan-cooled lounges, atmospheric on a sunset Mekong evening. Quietly comfortable rather than ostentatiously luxurious. Air-conditioning in cabins, ceiling fans in common spaces.

Small ships reach where larger can't

Most Pandaw ships carry 32-56 guests, with shallow drafts that reach upstream regions inaccessible to larger river vessels. Means itineraries can include genuine off-the-beaten-track villages and tributaries.

Strong local crew and shore programme

Pandaw's onboard crew is local (Burmese, Cambodian, Vietnamese, Indian depending on river), with English-speaking cruise directors and shore guides. Excursions emphasise village life, markets, temples and rural cultural exchange.

The honest version

Might not be for you if…

No cruise line is for everyone. Here's where Pandaw might not fit. We'll point you elsewhere if so.

You want European-level luxury

Pandaw ships are comfortable but not lavish. Cabins are simple (air-conditioned, fan-equipped), bathrooms basic but clean. For luxury Mekong cruising, AmaWaterways AmaDara is a higher-spec alternative.

You want a vibrant night scene

Asian river cruising is quiet — early dinners, sundowner cocktails, early to bed for the next morning's village excursion. The pace matches the rivers.

You don't like village-and-temple excursions

Pandaw itineraries are built around village life, Buddhist temples, riverside markets and cultural exchange. If your interests are more architectural-monumental, the Asian rivers may not suit.

The fleet

Meet the Pandaw ships

Showing by default — use the search inside the panel to switch to other ships in the fleet.

Dining

On board

What you actually do all day

No surprises

What's included in your fare

Every Pandaw fare bakes these in.

All meals

Authentic regional cuisines, no surcharges

Drinks with meals

Wine, beer, soft drinks; local spirits often included too

Daily excursions

Village visits, temple tours, market walks with local guides

Cultural programme

Local performers, language lessons, regional cooking demos

Practical

Good to know

FAQ

Quick answers about Pandaw

How does Pandaw compare to AmaWaterways on the Mekong?
AmaDara (AmaWaterways) is more luxurious, with bigger cabins and more European-style amenities. Pandaw is more authentic and culturally-immersive, with smaller ships, simpler accommodation and deeper local knowledge. Different products for different priorities.
Can I still cruise the Irrawaddy in Myanmar?
Pandaw's Myanmar operations are sensitive to the political situation. They were paused during periods of unrest. Current operating status depends on conditions — check with us at enquiry time for the latest.
What's the Brahmaputra cruise like?
A unique 10-14 night journey through Northeast India's Assam region. Tea plantations, one-horned rhinoceros at Kaziranga National Park, Hindu temples, traditional villages. Less-cruised than the Ganges; Pandaw's RV Katha Pandaw operates the route.
Loyalty

Ready to sail with Pandaw?

A Travel Designer who knows Pandaw will pick the right ship, the right itinerary, and the right cabin tier for you. No call centres.