

Explore the mighty rivers of Southeast Asia and India
Explore the mighty rivers of Southeast Asia and India
For over twenty nine 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, offering travellers a truly exclusive and unique experience.
Essentially an outdoor experience, travellers meditate on the unfolding panorama of human and wildlife thriving on these great rivers from the spacious promenade and observation decks. 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 ashore is a key part of a Pandaw journey. There are active walks and bike rides through the countryside and local villages, local boat explorations penetrating deeper into the jungle and visits to heritage sites. Passengers have many opportunities to interact with welcoming local communities, including visits to Pandaw Charity projects along the way.
Finished in brass and teak by skilled local craftsmen and in the tradition of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, all seventeen of Pandaw’s unique fleet are finished to exacting first-class standards with all modern conveniences. Objects of great beauty, these vessels have an ultra shallow draft and can venture where other ships can not.
We are also family friendly, our expeditions are perfectly suited to kids who gain unforgettable life experience from their interactions in the villages along the way.
Halong Bay & Red River 7
Deeper and Further on the Mekong River 8
The Classic Mekong 9
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap 10
Saigon and Phnom Penh 11
INDIA
The Kerala Backwaters 13
The Brahmaputra 14
The Full Brahmaputra 15
The Lower Ganges 16
The All Ganges .................................................... 17
The Laos Mekong 19
Halong Bay, Red River & Laos Mekong 21
The All Ganges & Brahmaputra River ............ 22
The Full Mekong 23
The Brahmaputra & Kerala Backwaters 24
The Ganges & Kerala Backwaters 25
Pandaw is extremely proud of the high level of service provided onboard, making sure you are looked after every step of the way. Local crew members always have a smile for you, whether you are returning from a shore excursion or ordering your favourite drink at the bar. Their friendly nature makes you feel at home and their local knowledge enhances any cruise.
A Pandaw river cruise is a real adventure that takes you off the beaten track. Expect to explore remote villages, meet people in vibrant local communities (some of which seldom have contact with Western travellers) and see some unforgettable landscapes. These expeditions are all about immersing yourself in the unique and diverse cultures of South-East Asia and India. All scheduled shore excursions are included in the cruise fare and encompass tours under the guidance of local experts, market visits accompanied by the ship’s chef and the chance to visit some of the Pandaw Charity projects in the area. We provide authentic local transport in the form of tuk tuk or cyclos. Our fleet of mountain bikes is also available for independent exploration.
Mealtimes offer the chance to sample some of the delicious local flavours found in the regions you are exploring. However, if you would rather stick to typical European offerings, these are available too. Wherever possible, sustainable ingredients are sourced from the ports visited to create delicious meals around the clock. Buffet breakfasts, lunches with buffet and served elements, and a la carte dinners are all included in the cruise fare – as is afternoon tea and a cocktail hour every evening. So that you don’t miss a second of the passing scenery on some ships the main dining area has retractable walls to allow fresh air in and provide wonderful views. At night, these are closed off and the airconditioning is used instead.
• Kimonos and slippers
• Spa-branded amenities
• Electric mini safe
• Mini bar
• Central AC with individual control
• Hair dryer
• Nightly turndown service
• Complimentary evening cocktail hour
• Complimentary evening canapés
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Daily lean & light menu options
• Admissions on all excursions
• In-cabin tea and coffee making facilities
• Complimentary local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes
• Series of cultural performances, educational talks, cooking classes
• Welcome drink on arrival and farewell reception
• Spacious, air-conditioned saloon bar with nightly entertainment
• Onboard bakery with daily freshly baked breads and rolls
• Trek mountain bikes on board, most ships
• Shoe cleaning after excursions
• Cold towel service after excursions
• First aid trained assistant guide to follow all tours and excursions
Take in the fascinating River Mekong and striking cultural contrast between the bustling Vietnam delta and the tranquillity of Cambodia. Our expeditions sail between Saigon and Siem Reap and one of the world’s great ancient wonders, Angkor Wat.
We explore the key sites of Northern Vietnam traversing the Red River delta and its main tributaries, connecting the wonders of Halong Bay with the excitements of downtown Hanoi, and then on into the interior, well off the beaten track.
Discover two vastly contrasting river systems in India as we sail both the Holy Ganges River with and the mighty Brahmaputra River. The Ganges offers travellers a glimpse into Indian life whilst the Brahmaputra is a naturalists dream.
Sail on the spectacular Upper Mekong River all the way from Vientiane to the Golden Triangle or vice versa. This incredible river expedition, allows guests to discover charming villages, stunning scenery, pristine jungles, the fabled “Golden Triangle” and the natural wonder of the emerald green waters of the Mekong.
Vietnam and Cambodia are majestic countries brimming with fascinating cultures and extreme landscapes. From the great towering limestone islands of Halong Bay to the majestic, awe-inspiring Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, these two vastly different countries are interconnected by a complex
history and astounding nature. Pandaw sails through Halong bay and the lesser know Red River in Northern Vietnam as well as the lower Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia in our specially designed small river vessels.
10 nights from US$ 3,384pp
Explore the highlights of northern Vietnam on this truly unique river adventure. From Halong Bay and its dramatic limestone islands, navigate the Red River delta through to the mountainous norther regions with a stop in Hanoi city centre. This true exploration is not offered by any other river cruise company and few tourists ever get to venture into this part of rural Vietnam. Our custom-built ships will tackle the shallow waters to show you life on these shores, visit remote villages, be welcomed by traditional dance and experience a unique water puppet show.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS:
• Sail around Halong Bay and beyond with its 1,500 dramatic limestone islands and extraordinary rock formations, dating back 20 million years
• Stop at Viet Hai Village and explore villages on mountain bike or electric buggy
• Take a kayak or a local basket boat rowed by fishermen and enter the "Dark and Bright Cave”. Bats can be heard and massive stalagmites hang from the ceiling
• Visit Vietnam War prison known as the Hanoi Hilton, the temple of literature where Confucius did his thinking, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
No single supplement on selected dates
10 nights from US$ 4,800pp
Sailing port to port from central Saigon to Siem Reap inland port across the vast Tonle Sap Lake, this pioneering route sets new standards for exploration along the Mekong River. This is an expedition who seek more immersive experiences and wish to spend more days in the comfort and lively atmosphere of our beautifully crafted ships.
• Docking directly in Central Saigon and Siem Reap inland port
• Visit Chau Doc, a quiant riverside town and home to the impressive Hang Padoga Pagoda
• Exploration of the famous Tonle Sap lake and visit the floating villages
• Visit the dolphin grounds north of Kratie by local boats in a national park protected area
Since opening the river border between Vietnam and Cambodia over 20 years ago, Pandaw has been pioneering river cruising on the Mekong. Today our curated expedition takes you to some of the few remaining authentic villages and cultural highlights as well as the more remote parts of the Tonle Sap and upper Mekong Rivers, far away from the growing fleet of floating hotels plying the waterways.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS:
• Explore the intricate canal system of Ben Tre by local boat and try the local delicacies
• Visit the Pandaw library built for a local school at Ankor Ban'
• 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
• Sail up the Tonle River to visit Preak Sala to meet a local fishing village and enjoy a bonfire cocktail hour on the shore
No single supplement on selected dates
3 or 4 nights from US$ 1,920pp
A 3 or 4 night river cruise that begins in either the lively city of Phnom Penh where you can discover some of the cities bars, restaurants and nightlife, or Siem Reap where you can explore the impressive Angkor Wat. If you're an early riser you can enjoy breakfast with sunset views on one of the most picturesque parts of the Mekong River whilst we travel to our destinations.
• Travel by ox-cart around the river-side villages, markets and temples to get a sense of life along the river.
• Evening cocktails round a village fire pit where we will be joined by village folk keen to show us their traditional dancing
• Sail to Koh Nghe Tei (Silk Island) to study the entire silk-making process from worms to weavers.
• Sunrise cruise to Angkor Ban village to see how local villagers live and visit the library which was donated by Pandaw to Angkor Ban secondary school.
No single supplement on selected dates
3 or 4 nights from US$ 1,920pp
This is a 3 or 4 night river cruise starting in either Saigon or the lively city of Phnom Penh. This cruise allows you to learn about Vietnamese life on the Mekong Delta and experience entertainment from an indigenous dance group. You will travel by Sampans through mangroves and bamboo to meet local artisans at work. You'll also travel through the lush countryside, and cross the border between Cambodia and Vietnam.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS:
• Dock directly in Central Saigon with views of the city scape
• Journey by sampans through mangroves and bamboo forests to the fruit orchards of Ben Tre
• Explore the picturesque border town of Chau Doc where we visit the floating markets & fish farms
• Stop at a Chham Village and observe the lives of Vietnamese Muslims before taking a short drive to Sam Mountain
India is a world of colour and culture. The country is diverse and offers so many experiences for those wishing to find out more. Embarking on a river cruise in India allows you to see this extraordinary country in a way like you'd never imagined.
Our India expeditions explore both India’s Holiest of River, the Ganges, but also the vast Brahmaputra River in the North-Eastern Assam region. The Ganges offers a true sense of life in India and how religion and the river itself are intertwined, whilst the Brahmaputra is a mighty, cascading river that is home to several nature reserves and a large percentage of the countries endangered species.
7 nights from US$ 4,950pp
Cochin International Airport
MARADU PORT Kochi
Port
Pallippuram Pallippuram
Thanneermukkom Bund
The Thannermekkom Bund
Nattakam Kumarakom
Nattakam
Kavalam
Champakulam
Thottapalli
Thottapalli
Launching in October 2025, the ten cabin Kochi Pandaw has been specially designed for this routing, whilst maintaining the muchloved classic Pandaw cabin and wrap round promenade decks. This will be Pandaw’s fourth ship in India and reflects the increasing demand for river cruises in India. The Kochi Pandaw will operate weekly an eight-day circular itinerary from Kochi port visiting the main towns and remoter areas of the backwaters with its 900km of waterways that connect rivers with lakes. There will be exciting visits to ancient churches, Hindu temples, artisan villages and the legendry beaches of the Malabar coast.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS:
• Orientation tour of Kochi, the exotic capital of Kerala state on the Malabar Coast
• Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary followed by the Craft Museum, showcasing Kerala’s rich artisanal heritage
• Explore Allapphuza (Alleppey) Harbour a bustling hub of Kerala’s backwater network with traditional houseboats and vibrant fishing activities
• Stroll along the glistening white beaches of Thottapalli
No single supplement on selected dates
7 nights from US$ 3,635pp
The mighty brahmaputra river in Northern India originates high in the himalayas before flowing through the scenic Assam valley where UNESCO protected national parks and remote rural communities provide the traveller with the most wonderful and authentic expedition. The highlight of this trip is the full day jeep safari in search of the Greater One-horned Indian Rhinoceros and other endangered mamals and birdlife. We also visit tea plantations, artisan village and local communities who teach us about life along such a changing and unpredictable river.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS:
• 7-night cruise including full day wildlife jeep safari at Kaziranga National Park
• Visit the fascinating Mayang, a place steeped in mysticism
• Enjoy the stunning natural scenery and wildlife of the Brahmaputra River. Observe river dolphins and birds of prey as we pass uninhabited islands
• See silk production from the cocoon, to spinning and weaving to make the typical saree worn by Assami women
No single supplement on selected dates
• Visit to the UNESCO accredited Kaziranga National Park and enjoy a full day Jeep safari
• Enjoy a special sandbank BBQ dinner with your crew and fellow travellers
Sailing further into the Assam valley than ever before, Pandaw's new 10-night Full Brahmaputra expedition is a true adventure. Reaching the second largest city of Assam, Dibrugarh, some 450 km up the mighty Brahmaputra from Guwahati we explore several national parks in search of Assam's abundant wildlife as well as discovering the diverse and unique cultures of the people who live along this vast river system. This is a trip unlike any other and only available thanks to Pandaw's ultra low draft vessels.
• Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, home to India’s only ape and gibbon species, the Hoolock Gibbon as well as the Bengal Slow Loris
• Explore the Shiva Dol, built in 1734 it is the highest Shiva temple in India
7 nights from US$ 4,050pp
Explore the Lower Ganges or Hooghly River onboard Kalaw Pandaw, visiting the cultural riches of West Bengal with its many palaces and temples set amidst an idyllic rural landscape. Discover Kalna and its charming terracotta temples as well as artisan villages, unique museums and the home of the Hare Krishna movement in Mayapur. Included in your expedition is a one-way train journey between Kolkata and Farakka.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS:
• Walk through Barrakpore, past the Semaphore Tower and Government House
• Take rickshaws to see Bengal’s terracotta temples, and the Shiva temple with 108 shrines
• Visit the brass-working village of Matiari
• Walk through the Mughal-style garden of Khushbagh that encloses the tombs of Siraj-udDaulah – the last independent Nawab of Bengal
• Carry on to visit the great Katra Mosque and Nashipara Palace before driving out to see the Katgola Palace
No single supplement on selected dates
14 nights from US$ 7,560pp
Barh
Farakka Ganges Mokama Sultanganj Bhaglapur Munger
Ajimganj
Murshidabad Mayapur
Chandernagore
Plassey Barrackpore
KOLKATA
Varanasi, said to be the oldest inhabited city on the planet, is Hinduism’s most sacred home and a place of overwhelming beauty. This amazing tour brings intrepid travellers along the upper reaches of the sacred Ganges river from Kolkata, India’s former capital, to Patna, with 1st class train transfer into Varanasi for a full Indian Ganges experience.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS:
• Step inside the Bihar School of Yoga in Munger, one of the leading schools in the country
• Visit Jahanigra Island, a place of pilgrimage with many rock carvings in high relief dating from the eighth century
• Cross the Lower Ganges or Hooghly River to the Ganges itself through the Farraka canal and lock
• Opportunity to spot the rare Gangeatic dolphins
• Explore Barh, famous for Hindu ritual cremation at Urmanath
Experience the undiscovered on our spectacular Laos river cruise along the Upper Mekong River.
Sailing between Chiang Khong in Northern Thailand and Vientiane, the French colonial capital city of Laos, this exciting expedition is one for the adventurous traveller.
Passing sheer cliffs, dramatic valleys and meandering through fast moving rapids, passengers need to bring with them a real sense of adventure and flexibility as the itinerary of such a monumental cruise can change at any time.
10 nights from US$ 3,924pp
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS:
• Fascinating expedition connecting Vientiane in Laos with Northern Thailand
• Visit the Mekong Elephant Park and learn about their rehabilitation
Travel from Laos to Thailand along the Mekong River, through dramatic mountainous scenery, rapids and stunning gorges. Visit remote tribal villages en route, with a three-night stop at the world heritage site Luang Prabang, a major highlight for many. Here you can venture into the spiritual Pak Ou Caves and see the saffron-clad monks receive alms of rice from tourists and locals as the sun rises.
• Stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang with its wood carved monasteries and exciting night market
• Pass through dramatic mountainous scenery, marvel at stunning gorges and sail through rapids
• Visit remote tribal villages in the jungle and see local life first hand
If you have a desire to explore Southeast Asia in more depth and time is on your side, our combination cruises are simply perfect. They offer a unique and special way to get off the beaten track and immerse yourself in the local culture in a way like no other. Pandaw has a variety of combination cruises listed but all Pandaw expeditions can be combined.
Our combination cruise expeditions offer uninterrupted, back-to-back cruising down these unforgettable rivers, on our exceptional Pandaw ships. Our prices are inclusive of flights, transfers and hotel stays where necessary. Choose between single country combos in India or multi-country adventures across Indochina for a truly immersive and extensive vacation.
If you really want to immerse yourself in the rich culture and beautiful surroundings these countries have to offer, why not embark on a 21 night river cruise where you will not only discover Halong Bay, the Red River and Hanoi in Vietnam, but also embark on a cruise along the Upper Mekong in Laos. This is our most popular combination cruise and a truly unique adventure.
• Sightseeing tour by minibus visiting the jungle pools and dramatic Khaung Si waterfalls
• Explore by tuktuk Luang Prabang, the well-preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace
• Take a kayak or a local basket boat rowed by fishermen and enter the "Dark and Bright Cave” in Halong Bay
• Visit the bustling city of Hanoi must see’s like the notorious Vietnam war prison known as the Hanoi Hilton, temple of literature where Confucius did his thinking and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Join us for a grand tour of India sailing 22 days along the glorious Ganges & mighty Brahmaputra rivers. Inclusive of flights and transfers between Kolkata and Guwahati, Pandaw's newest combo cruise invites you to experience the best of India's waterways aboard our timeless colonial vessels. Add on one of our pre and post-cruise packages to Dehli & the golden triangle for a truly 'All India' experience.
• Jeep safari to Kaziranga National Park
• Cross the Lower Ganges or Hooghly River to the Ganges itself through the Farraka canal and lock
• Opportunity to spot the rare Gangeatic dolphins
• Sail all day through the lush Assami countryside stopping for some exercise in a village of market gardens
• Step inside the Bihar School of Yoga in Munger, one of the leading schools in the country
• Docking directly in Central Saigon and Siem Reap inland port
• Exploration of the famous Tonle Sap lake and visit the floating villages
Join Pandaw on an in-depth exploration of the Mekong River from South to North. Combining our two 10-night Mekong expeditions through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam in this special four country expedition. Sailing all of the navigable stretches of this mighty river, you will learn about how one waterway can support a vast and diverse group of peoples and cultures, all from the comfort of our locally crafted Pandaw vessels. With flights and accommodation included between expeditions, this exploratory adventure is unique to Pandaw and is the perfect way to discover the very best that Indochina has to offer.
• Visit Pak Beng Elephant sanctuary that is helping to preserve the elephants of Laos
• Stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang with its wood carved monasteries and exciting night Market
Exploring the far extremes of India from the North-East Assam region to the South-West Kerala, this combo cruise takes you 3,000 KM on two distinct small ship river expeditions in the lesser visited parts of the country. Combining Pandaw’s popular expedition along the wild Brahmaputra River with our newest itinerary sailing the backwaters of Kerala, embark on an adventure not to be missed with Pandaw.
• Take a float trip down the Jia – Bhoreli River and enjoy the abundant birdlife and breathtaking scenery
• Visit the fascinating Mayang museum which explains how various mantras were used
• Learn about the entire silk making production from the cocoon, to spinning and weaving to make the typical saree worn by local women
• Visit Fort Kochi, St Louis’s church and Jew Town with its old Paradesi synagogue, museums, the Shiva temple, markets and much more
• Moor in Thottapalli where it is a short stroll to the glistening white beaches
• Explore Kalna and take rickshaws to see a group of some of Bengal’s most attractive terracotta temples
• Visit the brass-working village of Matiari, a charming riverside village
Embark on an unforgettable 22-night journey that seamlessly blends the spiritual and scenic wonders of India. Begin your adventure cruising along the sacred Ganges River, where you'll witness the vibrant life along its banks. As you transition to the serene Kerala Backwaters with our included flight and hotel, you'll glide through lush landscapes, coconut groves, and tranquil canals, immersing yourself in the natural beauty and traditional lifestyle of this enchanting region. This unique combination cruise offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, promising an experience of a lifetime.
• City tour of Patna, capital of Bihar state including a visit to The Golghar, a large stupa styled granary built in 1786
• Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary followed by the Craft Museum, showcasing Kerala’s rich artisanal heritage
The K-class dated back to the 1880s and were comprised of stern wheelers designed to reduce draft, their boilers placed in the bow to improve trim. Smaller than the great line steamers of the age, the K-class ships were used on the Chindwin and upper reaches of the Irrawaddy. Where possible we have reused the old IFC names and many of these original K-class ships had fascinating histories, through times of war and peace.
RV Angkor Pandaw
Built 2012 in Saigon Berths: 32 pax
RV Kalay Pandaw Built 2013 in Mandalay
10 pax
RV Kha Byoo Pandaw Built 2016 in Yangon
Berths: 20 pax
RV Sabaidee Pandaw
Built 2018
Berths: 28 pax
RV Champa Pandaw
RV Kanee Pandaw
RV Kindat Pandaw
2014 in Yangon
RV Zawgyi Pandaw
Built 2014 in Mandalay Berths: 20 pax
Kalaw Pandaw Built 2014 in Yangon
36 pax
RV Laos Pandaw
2015 in Laos
20 pax
The original P-class ships were built by Yarrows of Glasgow in the late 1940s to replace the ships of the old Irrawaddy Flotilla Company lost in the war. The design was based on earlier 1930s designs with side paddles and the addition of a flying bridge. All the ships had a name beginning with a P and one of these was the original Pandaw that we acquired in 1998 and lovingly restored.
48 pax
RV Pandaw II
Built 2002 in Yangon Berths: 42 pax
Tonle Pandaw
Built 2002 in Yangon
Berths: 56 pax
The Pandaw stateroom is the most celebrated feature of our ships, combining splendid colonial-era character with exquisite contemporary comfort.
Finished in brass and teak, the main and upper deck rooms are a spacious 168 square feet (15.6 sqm), with the exception of the Zawgyi Pandaw which is 150 square feet (14 sqm). As the space is much loved by all our passengers, we have ensured that with each ship we build, the stateroom remains essentially the same. Be advised: our cabins do not have satellite TV's, internet access or telephones. Passengers tend to choose Pandaw in order to escape from the tiresome features found in international business hotels.
• Fruit and flowers on arrival
• Kimonos and slippers
• Spa-branded amenities
• Unlimited mineral water
Pandaw Expeditions
@pandaw_river_expeditions
Pandaw Expeditions