Dear Stuart

Merry x-mas and a happy new year.

It was a very good experience with the boat from Bagan to Mandalay. You do a very good job with the beautiful crew. Very nice and helpful people.

Thank you very much
Dieter Wellinger

Hi Pandaw

I was one of the fortunate 13 people that just did the Jinghong to Vientiane trip. And made it! What an adventure! (We picked up 3 more passengers later) That was our third Pandaw, but I doubt we will ever be able to top it. Exhilarating does not even describe the feeling of riding rapids on such a large ship. I would do it again any day. The on-shore activities were also wonderful, in most part thanks to the wonderful, amusing, knowledgeable character Mr Vin. The scenery along that part of the river is breathtaking.

It was also lovely to board and find Saroeung was the Purser. He was also the Purser on our first Mekong cruise and an absolute delight. He came up with wonderful ways to keep us oldies awake on New Year Celebrations. It was the best New Year we have had for many many years and have decided that every New Year will be spent on a ship. Also aboard, a few more crew that we were familiar with. It’s always nice to see familiar faces. We will be booking the Irrawaddy for July (Golden Land).

Regards,
Kim McArdle & Jamie Aitken
New South Wales

Dear Mr Strachan

This journey on the Chindwin was our fourth river trip with Pandaw, the third being in Borneo. As always, it was the most wonderful seven nights. We loved the small Pandaw and the fact that we had access to both the port and starboard sides from our excellent cabin. But, above all, we were so impressed by the usual superb Pandaw service. The Purser, Wyn Myo, is an absolute star and did absolutely everything to make sure we were looked after. I am quite sure you know what a gem you have there. He is thoughtful, efficient, organised, knowledgeable and charming. We all (we were travelling with another couple who have also Pandawed with us on all our trips) could not praise him more and we became very fond of him. But all the crew were outstanding and, despite the language difficulties on our part, had great fun with them on outings. They were at all times hugely helpful and dignified and patient.

But the food! Goodness knows where you found the two chefs! Everything we ate was delicious, with the terrific Burmese flavours we all love. The presentation was of the standard one gets at Michelin starred restaurants - probably better! It all looked stunning. Completely memorable.

Please let Win Myo know how much we appreciated him. It was such a very 'happy ship'. We miss them all (and that food .....).

I much enjoyed your book on the Pandaw Story. Quite a story!

Yours sincerely
Vanessa (and Peter) Davis