PANDAW Expeditions 2017-18 Small Ships, Remote Rivers
W W W. PA N DAW.C O M
Why Pandaw We offer travellers unique, once in a lifetime river expeditions into the real heart of Asia. For over 20 years Pandaw has specialised in exploring the remote and off the beaten track rivers of Asia, places that few, if any, can navigate with our specially designed ships. We offer travellers a truly exclusive, unique experience. Pandaw adventures are not like any ocean cruise. Essentially an outdoor experience, travellers can bask round the clock in the unfolding panorama of human and wildlife activity that thrives on the great rivers of Asia. Our spacious promenade and observation decks and guide led excursions have a reputation unequalled in the world of river cruising. All on board enjoy an informal and friendly atmosphere - the Pandaw Spirit - for which we are renowned. We also have the highest passenger-to-deck space ratio of any cruise ships afloat, offering plenty of spots to relax and take in the panorama or chat with fellow travellers. Learning about the culture and history, first hand, both on board and on shore is a key part of a Pandaw journey. Away from the comfort of the boat, our passengers enjoy walks through the countryside and local villages, speedboat explorations penetrating deeper into the jungle, visits to legendary cultural sites and thrilling cycle rides off the beaten track. Passengers have many opportunities to interact with welcoming local communities, including on visits to Pandaw Charity projects along the way. All our travellers sail in old world style and comfort on board one of our evocative hand-crafted, colonial-style ships. Finished in brass and teak by skilled local craftsmen and all maintained within the traditional Irrawaddy Flotilla Company style, all the 17 ships in Pandaw s unique fleet are finished to our existing first class standards. Objects of great beauty, our vessels are steeped in the heritage of 19th and early 20th Century colonial Burma, underlain with the most up to date technical specifications and services. At Pandaw we have an all-inclusive policy, so travellers can relax in the knowledge that there are no hidden extras, all that is excluded is wine and imported beverages. We are also family friendly, indeed our expeditions are perfectly suited to older kids who gain unforgettable life experience from their interactions in the villages along the way. To book or for further information please visit www.pandaw.com 3
Unique Experience Pandaw cruises are unlike any other cruise l Travel in style on one of Pandaw s steamers all hand-crafted in brass and teak keeping within our traditional style l Relax in luxury, in a colonial era stateroom with contemporary comfort l Panoramic views and cooling breezes 24/7 with vast observation and promenade decks and open plan dining l Boutique experience with no more than 30 en-suite staterooms per ship l Informal setting and private yacht feeling 4 To book or for further information please visit www.pandaw.com
Truly Cultural Our travellers are never short of cultural knowledge l Typical Pandaw expeditions offer at least one excursion ashore a day depending on your itinerary l Daily briefs on excursions and talks on aspects of history, art and culture l Walks through the countryside and local villages l Speedboat explorations and visits to cultural sites l Independent cycling explorations accompanied by a member of our crew l Passengers may also visit Pandaw Charity projects along the way and interact with the local communities who welcome us To book or for further information please visit www.pandaw.com 5
All-inclusive Service Just relax and enjoy with complete peace of mind l Superb service from a dedicated crew with the highest passenger to deck space ratio of any cruise ship afloat l Fine dining with a great choice of local cuisine and exotic dishes plus European alternatives l Excursions and cultural activities on and off board l Beverages - all that is not included is wine and imported drinks 6 To book or for further information please visit www.pandaw.com
Why Customers choose Pandaw In a statistic that speaks for itself, over 45% of our travellers have travelled with us before, many of them more than once Their reasons for choosing us are founded on several strong themes l Famous on board Pandaw Spirit l Quality of our food and service l Comfort of the cabins l Beauty of our Pandaw ships And that s before mentioning the amazing scenery we sail through and the stunning cultural treasures we explore together. Not sure of which expedition to book? See what our customers have to say by visiting our Travellers Blog - the place where Pandaw travellers share their memories with like minded travellers and also gain inspiration for a next trip. www.pandaw.com/hub To book or for further information please visit www.pandaw.com 7
Your Pandaw expedition l Unique boutique river experience into the heart of Asia seeing places that very few can see and cannot navigate l Sail on one of Pandaw s colonial-era ships seeped in history itself l Comfort of one of Pandaw s staterooms hand crafted in teak and wood and finished to Pandaw s firs class standard l Fine, amazing local cuisine with European alternatives available l Informal and friendly atmosphere adding to the Pandaw spirit that brings travellers back to Pandaw time and time again! l Unforgettable moments of tranquillity, conviviality and cultural richness l Fantastic service with the highest passenger to deck space ratio of any cruise ships afloat l 360 degree promenade decks for 24/7 views of the amazing panorama l Vast range of extensions making the perfect start or end to your trip including Angkor Wat, Mystical Inle Lake, Royal Mandalay, Sapa & Hanoi, Lulu caves & Lambir National Park and the scenic Yunnan Province 8 To book or for further information please visit www.pandaw.com
Where we sail Pandaw are the pioneers in river cruise expeditions in Burma and still to this day very few, if any, vessels carry passengers on these rivers. Our ultra-shallow draft Pandaw ships have enabled us to become masters in navigation across many Asian waters including the Mekong in Vietnam and Laos, the Red River in Northern Vietnam and from Burma to Thailand. C H I N A The Mekong - Laos to China p20 V I E T N A M Halong Bay & Red River p18 L A O S Laos Mekong p19 B U R M A The Irrawaddy p11 A Voyage to Nagaland p12 The Golden Land p13 The Chindwin p14 Pagan & Upper Irrawaddy p15 Mandalay Pagan Packet p16 Short Cruises p23 B U R M A C O A S T A L The Mergui Archipelago p10 C A M B O D I A Classic Mekong Short Cruises S O U T H C H I N A S E A p17 p23 A N D A M A N S E A B O R N E O Into the True Heart of Borneo p21 To book or for further information please visit www.pandaw.com 9
THE MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO KAWTHUANG TO KAWTHAUNG 6 NIGHTS Regular departures from February to March 2017 and October 2017 to March 2018 4 Excursions 4 Most drinks 4 Coastal sailing 4 Expert guides US $2995pp HIGHLIGHTS l Explore the little known region of southern Burma and the Mergui Archipelago on board our new classic motor yacht, the MY Andaman Explorer l Sail to Cockscomb island with its limestone caves and hidden lagoon accessible only on the ship s inflatable tenders (RIB) l Journey to South Bay where you may kayak and swim off pristine white sandy beaches l Explore the Nga Man group of islands, trek inland and spend time on the beaches to snorkel and see amazing marine life l Visit the Lampi Marine National Park with its mangrove forests and diverse bird life l Sail on to Naung Wee island to visit a Moken (sea gipsy) village and learn about their extraordinary water borne life Lampi Marine National Park YOUR SHIP - MY ANDAMAN EXPLORER 10 deluxe suites Carrara marble floors Kyun Pila Island Naung Wee Island BURMA 24hrs hospitality bar Coastal sailing THE ANDAMAN SEA THAILAND Kawthaung Ranong Cockscomb Island 10 To book or for further information please visit www.pandaw.com
THE IRRAWADDY RANGOON TO MANDALAY 14 NIGHTS Regular departures from January to March 2017 and July 2017 to March 2018 4 Excursions 4 Most drinks 4 Mountain bikes 4 Expert guides US $4290pp HIGHLIGHTS l Sail 1,000 miles from Rangoon to the city of Prome on the edge of the Delta to Bagan and then onto Mandalay and Mingun l Explore delta creeks and stop at Donabyu, busy with its bustling markets and then Zalon city with its beautiful Golden Buddha image l Visit the 5th 8th century archaeological site of Thiriyakittiya, former centre of Burma s earliest inhabitants, the Pyu civilization l Explore the historical city of Pagan, formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Bagan, with over 3,000 listed monuments l Pass through the lush teak forests around Prome, through the near desert of Middle Burma before reaching the former King s capital Mandalay YOUR SHIP - RV PANDAW II 24 deluxe staterooms Sundeck bar Onboard bakery Saloon Bar Sale Magwe Thayetmyo Kyauk-Myoung Prome Yandabo PAGAN Inle Lake Mingun MANDALAY BURMA Myanaung Danupyu RANGOON To book or for further information please visit www.pandaw.com 11
A VOYAGE TO NAGALAND KALEWA NAGALAND HOMALIN 7 NIGHTS v.v. Departures in August & September 2017/18 4 Excursions 4 Most drinks 4 Mountain bikes 4 Expert guides US $3500pp HIGHLIGHTS l Explore the remote Nagaland and Khamti meeting local Tai speaking people l Sail to Kindat with its old colonial-era post office (now a school) and visit the tiny village of Yuwa, where previous Pandaw travellers report a delightful atmosphere from friendly locals l Explore Sitthaung, final resting place of a number of scuppered Irrawaddy Flotilla Company steamers, Paungpyin village and a walking tour including a visit to the market and the attractive wooden houses l Visit Toungdoot an ancient Shan enclave which in times of British Raj still had a ruling Sawbwa complete with palace and court Nagaland Khamti Homalin YOUR SHIP - RV ZAWGYI PANDAW 10 deluxe staterooms Onboard bakery Sundeck bar Saloon Bar Toungdoot Sitthaung Kindat Mawlaik Kalewa MANDALAY BURMA RANGOON 12 To book or for further information please visit www.pandaw.com
THE GOLDEN LAND MANDALAY TO RANGOON 10 NIGHTS v.v. Regular departures from January to March 2017 and July 2017 to March 2018 4 Excursions 4 Most drinks 4 Mountain bikes 4 Expert guides US $2982pp HIGHLIGHTS l Set sail from Prome with its lush teak forests l Travel through the heart of Middle Burma and its desertlike landscape l Visit places that are remote from the modern world and offer a glimpse of a timeless, lost Myanmar, far from the usual tourist track l Explore the historical Pagan, with over 3,000 listed monuments l Visit the 5th - 8th century archaeological site of Thiri-yakittiya, former centre of Burma s earliest inhabitants, the Pyu civilization l Take a tour around the former King s capital, Mandalay, visit the Royal Palace, the Mahamuni Pagoda and the Shwe Nan Daw Kyaung teak carved monastery Mingun MANDALAY Amarapura Yandabo YOUR SHIP - RV PANDAW II 24 deluxe staterooms Kimonos and slippers Cultural performances Ship tour Sale PAGAN Magwe Thayetmyo A Kauktaung Danupyu Prome BURMA Twante RANGOON To book or for further information please visit www.pandaw.com 13
THE CHINDWIN MONYWA TO HOMALIN - 7 NIGHTS v.v. Regular departures from January to February 2017 and August 2017 to February 2018 4 Excursions 4 Most drinks 4 Mountain bikes 4 Expert guides US $2800pp HIGHLIGHTS l Sail along the stunning Chindwin river, taking in the stunning forests and mountainous scenery, stopping at delightful unspoilt little towns along the way l Explore Mingkin, often described as the Luang Prabang of Chindwin, with its sumptuously decorated KonBaung court style teak monasteries l End the cruise at Homalin, the capital of Nagaland, close to the Indian border HOMALIN Toungdoot Sitthaung l Opportunity to sail beyond Homalin and extend your stay, in the months of August and September, by adding a 7 night cruise to Nagaland famous for its fierce and distinctive Naga warriors. Mawlaik MANDALAY YOUR SHIP - RV ZAWGYI PANDAW Mingkin Monywa 10 deluxe staterooms Onboard bakery Sundeck bar Saloon Bar BURMA RANGOON 14 To book or for further information please visit www.pandaw.com
PAGAN & THE UPPER IRRAWADDY PAGAN TO KATHA 10 NIGHTS v.v. Regular departures from January to March 2017 and July 2017 to March 2018 4 Excursions 4 Magnificent temples 4 Mountain bikes 4 Expert guides US $3200pp HIGHLIGHTS l Sail the remote Upper Irrawaddy river, a truly relaxed and spectacular off the beaten track journey l Explore the magnificent temples of historical Pagan with over 3,000 listed monuments l Journey all the way to Katha, nearly 1000 miles from Rangoon, and once the home to George Orwell and the setting for his book Burmese Days l Take in the highlights of Mandalay and the scenic and remote Upper Irrawaddy Katha l Visit several enchanting local towns and villages on the way Khanyat Kyauk-Myoung Tagaung Mingun MANDALAY Amarapura Yandabo YOUR SHIP - RV KINDAT PANDAW 18 deluxe staterooms Panoramic French window Bistro style dining room 24hrs hospitality bar PAGAN BURMA To book or for further information please visit www.pandaw.com 15
MANDALAY PAGAN PACKET PAGAN TO MANDALAY 7 NIGHTS v.v. Regular departures from January to March 2017 and August 2017 to March 2018 4 Excursions 4 Most drinks 4 Entrance fees 4 Expert guides US $1535pp HIGHLIGHTS l Travel along the Irrawaddy River between Pagan and Mandalay, the 2 historic royal capitals l Discover historical Pagan and its countless listed monuments with 2 nights moored here l Explore Mandalay and key sites nearby including Mingun and Kyauk-myoung l Visit Yandabo villiage, famous for its production of terracotta pottery from the river bank clay l Take an excursion to Ava and Amarapura with a picturesque walk in the Sagaing Hills with its many hermitages and nunneries and see the iconic U Bein Bridge Mingun Sagaing MANDALAY Amarapura & U Bein Bridge Yandabo Pakokku YOUR SHIP - RV KALAW PANDAW 18 deluxe staterooms Outside dining Bistro style dining room 24hrs hospitality bar PAGAN BURMA 16 To book or for further information please visit www.pandaw.com
CLASSIC MEKONG SAIGON TO SIEM REAP, VIA PHNOM PENH 7 NIGHTS v.v. Regular departures from January to April 2017 and July 2017 to April 2018 4 Excursions 4 Most drinks 4 Private dining 4 Expert guides US $1755pp HIGHLIGHTS l Take a classic expedition along the iconic Mekong River between French colonial Saigon and the monument of Angkor at Siem Reap l Journey along the Mekong Delta and take in the hive of activity of human life along this stretch of the journey, including floating markets, fishing towns and villages l Stop at Phnom Penh where you will be provided with your own private cyclo and will visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and National Museum l Explore the Tonle River visiting a silver making village, Kampong Trolach, and Chong Koh, taking in the vibrant local life to be viewed along the river bank l Visit Kratie and the Mekong dolphins, places no other river cruise visits YOUR SHIP - RV MEKONG PANDAW 24 deluxe staterooms Sundeck bar & Saloon Bar Library, gym, spa, fair trade shop, cinema To book or for further information please visit www.pandaw.com 17
HALONG BAY & RED RIVER HALONG BAY TO HOA BINH 10 NIGHTS v.v. Regular departures from January to December 2017/18 4 Excursions 4 Most drinks 4 Private dining 4 Expert guides US $2925pp HIGHLIGHTS l See the wonders of Halong Bay, the excitements of down town Hanoi, and then sail on into the interior, well off the beaten track l The ideal way to explore northern Vietnam by river ship traversing the Red River and its tributaries taking in the region s highlights along the way l Moor in Hanoi, giving you plenty of time and the opportunity to explore this lively city l Explore and see first hand the picturesque limestone islands around Halong Bay l Travel as far as navigable up the Song Red River and then down the little known Da or Black River a place where no other tourist craft operates YOUR SHIP - RV ANGKOR PANDAW 16 deluxe staterooms Panorama dining room Fair-trade shop Lounge bar 10 night cruise on the Andaman Explorer on a full board basis with tea, coffee, local soft drinks, local beer, local spirits and crew gratuities. All excursions as stated, entrance fees, guide services (English language). 18 To book or for further information please visit www.pandaw.com
LAOS MEKONG VIENTIANE TO CHIANG SEAN 10 NIGHTS v.v. Departures from January to March 2017 and September 2017 to March 2018 4 Excursions 4 Most drinks 4 Private dining 4 Expert guides US $3600pp HIGHLIGHTS l Fascinating expedition connecting Vientiane in Laos with the Chiangrai area of North Thailand l Explore the old French capital of Vientiane l Two night stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang with its wood carved monasteries. Opportunity to also visit the night market l Pass through dramatic mountainous scenery, marvel at stunning gorges and sail through rapids l Visit remote tribal villages in the jungle and see local life first hand CHINA YOUR SHIP - RV LAOS PANDAW 10 deluxe staterooms Panoramic sliding door Bistro style dining room Open air lounge and bar BURMA Chian Saen Pak Beng Pak Ou Caves NORTH VIETNAM Luang Prabang 10 night cruise on the Laos Pandaw on a full board basis with tea, coffee, 10 night mineral cruise on water, the Andaman local soft drinks, Explorer local on a beer full board and local basis spirits; with tea, guide coffee, services local soft (English drinks, language), local beer, local gratuities spirits to and crew, crew transfers gratuities. Chiang All Rai excursions / Chiang as Mai stated, to ship entrance v.v. and fees, ship guide to services Vientiane (English / Udon language). Thani v.v. THAILAND LAOS Pak Lai Ban Paklay Sanakham VIENTIANE To book or for further information please visit www.pandaw.com 19
THE MEKONG FROM LAOS TO CHINA VIENTIANE TO JINGHONG 14 NIGHTS v.v. Departures from January to April 2017 and September 2017 to November 2018 4 Excursions 4 Most drinks 4 Private dining 4 Expert guides US $5670pp HIGHLIGHTS l An incredible, pioneering three country river expedition sailing the length of the navigable sections of the Mekong River from Vientiane in Laos to Jinghong in China l Discover charming villages, stunning scenery, the pristine jungle and The Golden Triangle enroute l Observe the very different emerald green Mekong in China s Yunnan province l Overnight stops in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Chiang Saen and Jinghong BURMA JINGHONG Mangfeilong Monastery Old Mandalay Road Chiang Saen CHINA Menglun Botanical Gardens Pak Beng Pak Ou Caves NORTH VIETNAM Luang Prabang l Combine this itinerary with our Classic Mekong cruise from Saigon to Siem Reap, allowing you to explore the length of the Mekong in one great adventure YOUR SHIP - RV CHAMPA PANDAW Built in 2016 in Thailand 14 deluxe staterooms Bistro style dining room Open air lounge and bar THAILAND Pak Lai Ban Paklay LAOS VIENTIANE 20 To book or for further information please visit www.pandaw.com
INTO THE TRUE HEART OF BORNEO TAYAN TO LANJAK 7 NIGHTS v.v. Departures from February to May 2017 and August 2017 to May 2018 4 Excursions 4 Most drinks 4 Private dining 4 Expert guides US $2327pp HIGHLIGHTS l This is a truly pioneering expedition into a rarely visited area where the main attraction will be the scenery, wildlife and tribal village life l Set sail on the Kapuas River System in western Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo, and traverse the Denau Sentarum system of lakes that connect to the river that are now a national park l Explore the largest river system in Borneo, fringed with rainforest and surrounded by mountain ranges, on a journey of over 500 km l Visit parts of Borneo s rainforest, one of the oldest in the world at over 140 million years old l Observe Borneo s wildlife, including the Bornean orangutan, monkeys, crocodiles and birds YOUR SHIP - RV KAPUAS PANDAW 12 deluxe staterooms Panoramic sundeck bar Onboard bakery Lounge bar To book or for further information please visit www.pandaw.com 21
We also have a range of short cruises that perfectly compliment land arrangements. MANDALAY TO PAGAN A fabulous way to discover the mighty Irrawaddy River on a short cruise between the historic royal capitals as well as explore small towns and villages of lost Burma in between. Departures January to March 2017 and September 2017 to March 2018 4 NIGHTS US $1345pp l Take in the irresistible Irrawaddy River from Mandalay to Pagan l Discover the ancient royal capitals, riverside villages, lively local markets and stunning scenery and sunsets 2 NIGHTS US $662 pp l Explore the two ancient capitals of Burma and see the best of the Irrawaddy river life along the way l Take stops in the bustling monastery city of Pakokku and the delightful pottery village of Yandabo with its Pandaw School 1 NIGHT US $334 pp l Join one of our short cruises between the two ancient capitals of Burma and discover the secret of their cult status l See the best of river life with a stop in the old colonial village of Sameikko 22 To book or for further information please visit www.pandaw.com
SAIGON TO PHNOM PENH There can be no tapestry of river life as fascinating and varied as that of the River Mekong. Take in the striking cultural contrasts of the bustling Vietnam delta and the tranquillity of rural Cambodia on these short 3 or 4 night cruise. 4 OR 3 NIGHTS US $792pp Departures January to April 2017 and July 2017 to March 2018 l Pass from the vibrant French colonial port of Saigon, through the vast delta so rich in human life and endeavour, to travel along the main channel into the rich countryside of Cambodia l End your journey in Cambodia s bustling capital Phnom Penh PHNOM PENH TO SIEM REAP Combine the ancient temples of Angkor in Siem Reap with Cambodia s bustling capital city Phnom Penh with these short expeditions on the Tonle and Mekong Rivers 4 OR 3 NIGHTS US $792pp Departures January to April 2017 and July 2017 to March 2018 l Explore the Tonle River and sail through the delightful Cambodian countryside l Visit the French colonial town of Kratie a place where only Pandaw ships can navigate and discover the dolphin grounds, the national park protected areas as well as Monkey Temple To book or for further information please visit www.pandaw.com 23
PANDAW For more information or to book please visit www.pandaw.com or ask your preferred travel agent. CONTACT US UK & Europe +44 (0)208 326 5620 enquiries@pandawexpeditions.co.uk USA & Canada Toll Free 1-800 729 2651 usa@pandaw.com Australia +61 2 8006 7013 Information@pandaw.com Rest of the world +84 8 2216 0819 information@pandaw.com