Pandaw Team

Paul Strachan – Founder

In 1995 Paul revived the old Irrawaddy Flotilla Company  in Burma and pioneered river cruising there for the first time since the war. Paul had been living and travelling around Burma on and off since his first visit in 1981. In the mid 80s he spent 18 months in the country researching for his book Pagan: Art and Architecture of Old Burma. His second book Mandalay: Travels from the Golden City describes his adventures in Upper Burma and includes chapters on prioneering river journeys. These journeys, the first by  a foreigner since the war, were the inspiration behind the re-establishmnet of the Irrawaddy Flotilla.  In 2003 when the company opened new routes on the Mekong itwas renamed Pandaw Cruises. Paul created the ethos on board, designed and built the ships and pioneered all the routes we offer. These days Paul has retired from the operational side and is based in his home country of Scotland where he offers information and advice to travellers on our river cruising. Paul’s main interest now is the Pandaw Charity and he is actively involved in fund raising activities and the development of the Pandaw schools and other projects along the rivers we sail.

Quang Cuong -  General Manager

Cuong was instrumental in setting up our Mekong operation from the outset in 2001 to opening in 2003. Vietnamese by birth, Cuong is a marine engineer who embarked on a second career in the travel industry in the 90s. Cuong combines this expertise and takes care of our land tour arrangements in Vietnam, government formalities and the repair and maintenance of our ships there.

 Saw Jude - Purser RV Mekong Pandaw

A Myanmar Karen, Jude joins the company this year from a strong background in F&B having been trained at a leading five star hotel in Rangoon. As with all our Pursers, Jude is very passenger orientated and dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of comfort and care are maintained. 
 

                                                  Neville Josef – Purser RV Tonle Pandaw

Neville is from Myanmar and joined the company in 2002 as a cocktail barman. He transferred to the Mekong as barman to train local Cambodian and Vietnam staff. Last year he was promoted to assistant purser and this year full purser in recognition of his hard work and dedication to the comfort and care of our passengers.

Nwesu Hlaing – Reservations Manager Yangon       

Nwesu has been with the company since 1999 when she joined our old Inya Road office in reservations. Nwesu still takes care of local Myanmar reservations, sales and marketing in addition to overseeing our entire operation there. Nwesu has made an outstanding contribution to the growth and development of our operations in Myanmar. Based at the Inya Lake Hotel, our partner hotel in Yangon, she enjoys meeting our passengers as they pass in or out of Yangon and ensuring a smooth stay.

                                                       U Hla Win – Marine Superintendent

Based at our shore office in the Mandalay Port, U Hla Win is a marine engineer with a 25 year career working with the Inland Water Transport behind him. U Hla Win joined Pandaw in 2002 and takes care of vessel maintenance and engineering, planning trips, arranging pilotate and other logistical matters particularly for our longer expedition cruises that operate in tricky river conditions.

Win Hlaing – Purser Pandaw II

Win Hlaing is well known amongst Pandaw passengers for his high level of service and care. Win Hlaing was trained as a hotel manager at the Savoy Hotel in Yangon and joined Pandaw in 2002. Win Hlaing takes care of food and beverage, housekeeping and all aspects of the day to day running of a ship in a professional and serious manner.

Kaw Htoo - Purser Pandaw IV

With several years experience, Ko Kaw Htoo is one of our longest established Pursers with a wealth of experience when it comes to managing ships on the tricky Myanmar waterways. Ko Kaw Htoo is very passenger orientated and takes his country's traditions of care and hospitality to new extremes.

Simone Kaufmann - Cruise Director

Simone was born and educated in Switzerland. On completion of 
Business School Zurich she graduated in International Freight 
Forwarding in 2001. After several years experience in logistics and 
sales department she joined her family tradition working in tourism 
with three years in South East Asia with Pandaw Cruises and in Poland 
as tour leader and cruise manager among other things.
Simone speaks peaks fluent English, French, German and basic Burmese.