In February my wife and I boarded the Angkor Pandaw in Ho Chi Minh city. From that moment we were to be treated to First class meals First Class service and First Class accommodation for the next 7 nights. Included in this trip up the Mekong were shore visits to villages, Temples and Schools the itinerary was endless and professionally organised. The guides in Vietnam and in Cambodia were very good and informative and the crew were always on hand to give advice or to help, nothing was to much trouble and always with a smiling face. There is nothing better than watching the people carry on with their everyday lives as you cruise slowly up the river.On board entertainment was also provided in the way of films or shows again top quality. The boat itself boasted rich dark wood everywhere and very well maintained. I could have stayed forever and when the dreaded day came to disembark the whole crew lined on the river bank to bid us goodbye. it was a floating Claridges. A cruise on the Mekong is a must whether take a long cruise like this or a short one for just a couple of days, you must do it.

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

The cruise, WOW. Our rooms were great, comfortable beds, always stocked with at least 6 large bottles of drinking water and lovely linen and towels. Food and drinks on the cruise were great and we looked forward to each day's cocktail or perhaps several. The cruise had 30 people and we were divided into two groups with a guide to look after each group. We had Swiss, American, English and other Australians in our group, the ages varied from 30s to 70s. Our guide was very entertaining, knowledgeable and considerate. The daily excursions (always one sometimes two) were varied (walking, buses, horse carts, tuk tuk etc) and enjoyable showing us a wide variety of aspects of Myanmar life. Just sitting on the top deck watching river life was incredibly enjoyable. When we visited the teak bridge by boat at sunset we were all surprised when the ship's crew appeared in their own boat with cocktails for us all. A mean feat in such an area!! Dallas turned 70 while we were aboard the river cruise and the staff had discovered this from his passport. They organised a special celebration with the entire crew singing, dancing , a beautiful cake and a special gift. They also organised a romantic dinner for a couple celebrating their wedding anniversary on another night.

I have not copied my photos from my camera to the computer as yet but will send you some when I do. Stephen has some great photos at his wordpress site https://stunnimage.com.

Many thanks for organising the trip for us. I can not think of anyway that the trip could have been improved upon except perhaps more time to spend in such a wonderful country. I think if we venture back to Asia we will look at Southern India or Laos in the future.