4
Pandaw Suite
US
Overview
Pandaw II was our first ever new build back in 2001. Though our oldest ship she is still young in river terms – her prototype the old Pandaw is now over sixty years old and many ships in this fresh water environment are at least 100 years old. She was built in Rangoon at the Dawbone dockyard, then belonging to the Marine Department. In those days there was no electricity and numerous generators surrounded the growing hull powering the welder’s torches. Timber mills were rare too and great tree trunks would be delivered to the dockside and be cut into planks on the spot. The result was magnificent and still is.
Pandaw II remains the stately queen of our fleet, if not the river. This is the one ship that has not been fully refitted, partly because the crew have treated her with such love and care that she does not need a refit and partly because she is something of a cult ship with a considerable following and we want to preserve the original Pandaw cabin with their real ship’s berths and the old door and window arrangement rather than the French windows of our other P class ships.
The ship has quality mountain bikes for your independent exploration.
For 2021, the RV Pandaw II was refurbished to add 3 brand new suites, offering private balcony and lounge area for even more space and comfort on your expedition.
Suites
4
2
Upper Deck
U
1
Main Deck
M
Dining
6
Restaurant
Regional
Restaurant
Regional
Life on board
Activities
Local Entertainment
Whilst the peace and tranquillity of our passengers is our priority and many passengers prefer to read, write or engage in painting or photography, we do offer a number of social activities that have become a traditional part of any Pandaw river expedition. There are a number of social events during an expedition which will include a welcome dinner, cocktail parties on deck, a farewell gala dinner and dinners themed with local menus and costume. …
Activities
Whilst the peace and tranquillity of our passengers is our priority and many passengers prefer to read, write or engage in painting or photography, we do offer a number of social activities that have become a traditional part of any Pandaw river expedition.
There are a number of social events during an expedition which will include a welcome dinner, cocktail parties on deck, a farewell gala dinner and dinners themed with local menus and costume. In the Burma dry season we often tie up on a sandbank and have a barbeque beach party on the sands, usually around a bonfire in winter.
Sundeck
Sun Deck
Sun deck for watching the world go by.
Saloon Bar
Bar
Spacious, air-conditioned saloon bar with nightly entertainment
Observation Saloon
Lounge
The Observation Saloon can be found at the front of the ship.
Excursions
Excursions
With small group sizes and expert local guides, guests are invited to go beyond the typical tourist trail and explore daily life in rural communities. Each experience is thoughtfully curated to showcase the diversity of each region while allowing plenty of time to absorb it all at a relaxed pace. Excursions are included in your sailing and are designed to be flexible, with options available for different levels of mobility and interest. Highlight …
Excursions
With small group sizes and expert local guides, guests are invited to go beyond the typical tourist trail and explore daily life in rural communities. Each experience is thoughtfully curated to showcase the diversity of each region while allowing plenty of time to absorb it all at a relaxed pace. Excursions are included in your sailing and are designed to be flexible, with options available for different levels of mobility and interest.
Highlights of Pandaw excursions often include:
- Guided walks through riverside towns and local markets
- Visits to historical sites and temples
- Artisan demonstrations in traditional crafts
- Bicycle rides through scenic countryside (by request where available)
- Speedboat or sampan excursions into jungle backwaters
- Opportunities to meet with local community members and visit Pandaw Clinics projects
Cycling
Bikes
There is no better way to explore a country than by bike. All our ships in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Burma carry trek mountain bikes for guest use. Guests have the chance to opt out of our scheduled excursions and explore villages, temples and the countryside on two wheels (no extra charge and no prebooking necessary).
Family Friendly Cruises
Children's Activity
On board, there’s plenty to keep young explorers engaged—from cookery demonstrations to classic board games. We also carry badminton nets, often setting them up when moored for the night, creating opportunities for fun and connection between crew, kids, and locals alike. Certain school holiday departures are specially designated as 'family friendly', making it easier than ever to enjoy a relaxed yet enriching journey across some of Asia’s m …
Family Friendly Cruises
On board, there’s plenty to keep young explorers engaged—from cookery demonstrations to classic board games. We also carry badminton nets, often setting them up when moored for the night, creating opportunities for fun and connection between crew, kids, and locals alike. Certain school holiday departures are specially designated as 'family friendly', making it easier than ever to enjoy a relaxed yet enriching journey across some of Asia’s most fascinating waterways. And to make your family adventure even more accessible, one or two children aged 5 to 18 can travel for free on most departures (excluding the RV Kalay Pandaw).
Deck plans
Upper Deck
- Observation Saloon
- Upper Deck Staterooms
Main Deck
- Gallery
- Store
- Dining Room
- Office
- Main Deck Staterooms