Pandaw Asian River Cruises

Pandaw Cruises was the first company since World War II to offer pioneering cruises on Myanmar's (Burma) celebrated Irrawaddy River. In 1998, it began operating along the remote Chindwin River and in 2001 reintroduced the full journey from Rangoon to Mandalay for the first time since colonial times. In 2002, Pandaw started cruising the Mekong, from Saigon's port of Can Tho, to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Continuing the tradition of historic river cruises, 2009 sees its inaugural journey along India's mighty Ganges and the Rajang River in Borneo.

The six riverboats, each hand finished in brass and teak by traditional craftsmen, offer elegant ensuite cabins, colonial character, discreet service and a friendly onboard atmosphere. They are a perfect complement to the culture and history of the regions in which they operate.

Pandaw cruising is different from other forms of cruising. The atmosphere on board is informal and relaxed. A Pandaw cruise is a deeply relaxing experience. There are no (non-essential) Tannoy announcements and other irritations normally associated with a cruise ship. Pandaw passengers like to be smart casual at night but do not dress up. There is no captain's table or any of the other rituals associated with blue water cruising. When Pandaw was founded it was essentially an adventure experience, and whilst accommodation and service is now top standard, passengers independence and individuality is always respected.

The passenger cabin is the most celebrated feature on Pandaw vessels. At 168 square feet the main and upper deck rooms are very spacious. Cabins do not have minibars, satellite TVs, internet or phones. There is a 24-hour honesty bar on the sundeck. Pandaw passengers usually want to escape from the tiresome features found in international business hotels. Crews never arrive in port early and sit there tied up - indeed it is better to slow down if ahead of schedule.

Sailing on Pandaw is essentially an outdoor experience. Local guides lead exploratory shore excursions. Whilst the staterooms are very comfortable and roomy, passengers prefer to spend their time sitting outside on the promenade decks or on the vast observation deck above. Spellbound by the surroundings, one cannot help but meditate upon the unceasing human and wildlife activity of these teaming water worlds. Unlike other cruise ships, every window can open.

Many passengers describe life on board a Pandaw more like being a guest on a private motor yacht than a cruise ship. Where you go and what you see is intrepid in the extreme. What you come back to is a floating base of discreet comfort, caring service and all the good things one looks for in life.

Follow the links below to find out more about Pandaw's six classic riverboats and details of the rivers they ply.

Pandaw Cruises

The rivers of Asia traverse mountains, jungles and plains before they empty into the ocean through vast deltas. Today, exploring these rivers is possible thanks to a small number of elegant Pandaw river ships that now ply the Mekong River in Cambodia and Vietnam, the Irrawaddy and Chindwin Rivers of Burma, and the Brahmaputra and Hugli rivers in India's remote states of Assam and Bengal.

The beautiful Pandaw fleet are re-creations of the original Clyde River steamers that once plied the rivers in Burma in British colonial times. Each is finished in teak and brass and offers first class comforts. Exploratory shore excursions to villages and markets, archaeological and religious sites are led by expert local guides.

For more than a decade, Active Travel has specialised in arranging fascinating riverboat adventures to the region. Through our long-time partners, we offer the broadest range of river cruises in Asia.

The Assam and Bengal Navigation Company operate two small Pandaw riverboats in Assam and Bengal averaging just 20 guests per voyage in comfortable cabins. Cruises are from three to 14 days in duration and are inclusive of excursions and meals. Both rivers offer wonderful scenery, copious history, extensive cultural immersion, and on the Brahmaputra access to two National Parks.

In 2009, Active Travel will be offering a range of cruises on the Nile River using elegant Egyptian yachts known as Dahabiyas that were popular in the early 1900s.