ABOUT US

The Pandaw experience is all about exploring remote and often hard-to-navigate rivers in luxury shallow-draft cruise ships.

Founded in 1995 by Scottish historian Paul Strachan, Pandaw was inspired by the legacy of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company—once the largest fleet of privately owned ships in the world. What began as a passion project to revive river travel in Myanmar has grown into Asia’s leading river cruise company. With over 30 years of experience, Pandaw pioneered river expeditions across Southeast Asia, becoming the first to open many of the region’s waterways to international travelers.

Crafted in the style of colonial-era steamers, our fleet of 17 brass-and-teak vessels was built to serve as a bridge between past and present. Our journeys are deeply rooted in cultural connection, exploration, and an enduring respect for the rivers and communities we sail through.

WHY PANDAW

Relax and enjoy the passing sights on our 360-degree promenade decks

Enjoy a quiet spot to read a book, write your journal or mediate on the spectacular passing landscape

At Pandaw, we do river cruises differently. Our focus is on delivering an immersive, small-ship experience that brings travellers closer to the landscapes, communities, and cultures of Asia. With fewer than 30 cabins on each ship, our cruises offer a relaxed, intimate atmosphere where you can truly unwind and explore at your own pace.

What sets Pandaw apart is our ability to take guests beyond the ordinary. Our shallow-draft ships can navigate where others can’t—through jungle-clad villages in India and to hidden temples tucked away in Laos. These aren’t just tourist routes; they are living landscapes, filled with vibrant cultures. With our locally hired crew and guides, you’ll gain more than just insight, you’ll experience these places through the eyes of those who know them best. Many of our team members grew up along these rivers, bringing not only deep knowledge but also personal stories and genuine hospitality to every journey.

The "Pandaw spirit" is something you can feel, even if it’s hard to describe. It’s the camaraderie between guests, the peaceful vibe on deck, and the subtle thrill of discovering places off the beaten path. This unique atmosphere is what keeps 45% of our travelers coming back time and time again.

If you’re seeking meaningful travel, real connections, and the freedom to explore Asia’s hidden treasures, there’s no better way to do it than aboard a Pandaw.

THE PANDAW STORY

The Old Irrawaddy Flotilla Company was revived in 1995 by the Burma historian Paul Strachan, who is a Scot.

We were the first since the Second World War to offer pioneering cruises on Burma's spectacular Irawaddy River, reaching Bhamo, one thousand miles from the sea, and went on to be the first on the stunningly attractive Chindwin River.

1865

The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company was established by Scots merchants in 1865. By the 1920s the company ran over 650 vessels on the rivers of Burma, then a British colony. It had become the largest privately owned fleet of ships in the world. Mainly paddle steamers, the largest class of vessels were 350ft long and licensed for 4,000 passengers.

1942

The IFC fleet in its entirety was scuppered as an “act of denial” when the Imperial Japanese Army invaded Burma.

1995

Paul and Roser Strachan revive the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company and are the first to offer river cruises on the Irrawaddy since colonial times. Local boats are chartered and converted and the spirit of high adventure was experienced by a new generation of travellers.

1998

In 1998, Paul Strachan discovered an original Clyde-built steamer called the Pandaw and arranged for its lease and restoration. Thus Pandaw was born and a unique concept and style of river cruising was created.

2003

In 2003 we took our Pandaw concept to the Mekong River in Indochina plying between Saigon in Vietnam and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Here, the Pandaws broke the previously impenetrable river border between two very different countries. In high water our vessels accomplished the first cross navigation of the Tonle Sap, an inland sea previously un-navigated by anything other than local speed boats.

2009

We inaugurated new river cruises on the Rajang in Borneo and Ganges in India. Another two magnificent Asian rivers, rich in things to do and see, with varied topography of great beauty. We pulled out of India and Borneo as a result of operational and safety issues.

2015

We successfully pioneer cruises on the Red River in Northern Vietnam and the Upper Mekong through Laos, bringing the fleet up to 14 ships.

2016

Second Ship for Laos and Burma Maritime Expeditions inaugurated on the Andaman Explorer.

2019

Returning to India on the Lower & Upper Ganges rivers and a new ship for Burma, the RV Kanee Pandaw, sailing is inaugural voyage Rangoon to Mandalay.

THE TEAM

Pandaw is proud to be powered by a dedicated team of over 300 people across Asia, many of whom have been with the company for decades.

From ship crew to local guides, nearly all of our onboard and ground staff are hired from the regions in which we sail. This commitment to local recruitment not only brings deep regional knowledge and warm hospitality to every voyage but also ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are shared with the communities along our routes. By supporting local talent and fostering long-term relationships, we create a strong sense of connection—between our team, our guests, and the rivers we explore.

Aung Aung Oo, Purser

My job is to ensure you have everything you need while on board. I'm here to answer your questions and to take care of any special needs. We are looking forward to welcoming you on board!

Myo Zaw Aung, Barman

Pandaw operates boutique river cruises. So lean back and let me mix a special cocktail for you, or enjoy the cocktail of the day in our air-conditioned saloon bar or open air sundeck bar.

Nguyen Ngoc Thu, Captain

Thanks to Pandaw's ultra-shallow drafts we can moor almost anywhere and explore unspoiled areas along the river banks of the Mekong.