PACIFIC ASIA
Pandaw Cruises: Asia’s Leading Luxury River Cruise Operator A pioneer in river exploration, Pandaw is building new ships and new markets. G A I L P. D U B O V
The Pandaw History It all began with Paul Strachan, an adventurous Scotsman, historian and author who fell in love with Burma in the 1980's. Traveling the country, he discovered the abandoned paddle steamer Pandaw on the Irrawaddy River. An original steamboat, it was built by the Irrawaddy Flotilla Co., at one time the largest privately owned fleet of ships in the world. Constructed in the shipyards of Glasgow—where Strachan’s grandfather had worked—perhaps it was his destiny to restore the Pandaw to its original colonial elegance with teak decks and brass details. The ship began tours on the Irrawaddy and in 1995 the Irrawaddy Flotilla Co. was reborn, reviving the tradition of river cruising and becoming the largest river company in the region. In 2003, Pandaw expanded to the Mekong River and then on to Borneo. It is the only cruise operator that owns and controls its ships outright. Pandaw’s fleet of five beautifully crafted shallow draft ships sail the mighty rivers of southeast Asia—the Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers in Myanmar, the Mekong in Cambodia and Vietnam and the Rajang in Borneo, exploring remote areas which are unreachable by larger vessels. Burma—renamed Myanmar in 1987—offers the most cruise options. Clients can choose from a variety of trips on the Pandaw II including seven nights traveling either north or south of Mandalay and a comprehensive twenty-night trip to the remote parts of both the Chindwin and Irrawaddy rivers. Exploring the Mekong on the Mekong Pandaw or Tonle Pandaw, your client can choose a seven-night trip from Saigon to Siem Reap. In 2003, Pandaw expanded to the Mekong River and in 2008, to Borneo. 40 • JANUARY 2011
GAIL P. DUBOV
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he shipbuilding yards in Ho Chi Minh City must be teeming with activity. Pandaw Cruises, the Singapore-based cruise line with head offices in Scotland and a new sales base in the U.S., is building a new ship. Actually it’s a 60-passenger replica of the luxury colonial-style teak boats they are famous for. On the drawing board are two 16-cabin “little Pandaws” that will cruise down smaller, less traveled tributaries. One, destined for the Rajang river in Borneo will begin construction this month. A brand name in the U.K, Europe and Australia, Pandaw is the leading luxury river cruise operator in Asia, focused on expanding not only its fleet but its market. The company’s eye is now on the intrepid American traveler. Known for quality, service and attention to detail, it appears their ships are cruising toward success.
Early risers watch the sunrise from Pandaw’s observation deck.
Cruising the Irrawaddy on board the Pandaw II What could be more inviting than sailing down the Irrawaddy river on a colonial-style teak boat, fans cooling you, gin and tonic in hand? Saddling up to the shore, you disembark to explore hidden villages, world heritage sites, and centuries-old monasteries. No matter how hot it is—or how undeveloped the area, your air-conditioned, floating hotel awaits you at the river’s edge—along with a crew eager to serve. A soft gong sounds announcing a meal, prepared by a chef who includes gourmet continental and Burmese cuisine in each day’s menu. A pastry chef bakes fresh bread and pastries daily. Waiters attentively serve complimentary wine or local alcoholic drinks and always remember how you take your coffee. On Pandaw your clients will be spoiled. Pandaw boasts the highest space to passenger ratio of any ship afloat. Staterooms are 168 square feet, finished in teak and brass, and well designed for maximum space. All are twin bedded rooms with rich wood paneling, ample drawer space, a desk or vanity, a granite counter in the bathroom, and a window and door that open to the outside promenade deck. Most passengers find themselves on the upper observation deck, lounging on comfortable rattan couches and deck chairs. The Pandaw II, as all of the fleet’s ships, has a shallow draft and can anchor right at the shore, where curious villagers gather as the ship pulls in. Daily land excursions can begin with a waiting jeep, an air-conditioned bus, a horse cart or a trishaw ready to whisk passengers off to a mornings advenCONTINUED ON PAGE
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