Passenger Feedback

Dear Paul,

We have just completed our third Pandaw cruise (Hanoi/Red River), and already thinking of the next destination.

Our boat “Angkor Pandaw” was looking very trim and presentable. Our cabin (201) very comfortable, and kept that way by the care and attention of the cabin attendant on a daily basis. He often found little ways to provide those extra touches which add to the enjoyment of the cruise.

All staff were attentive, and clearly well skilled in their various activities. Friendly, without being too familiar. The dining salon was immaculate and served up delicious and varied dishes of both eastern and western varieties. Particular attention was paid to my wife’s vegetarian diet which was pleasing. We would rate dining salon staff, and chefs, first class.

Our two independent guides, Mr Vu, and Mr Duoc, did an excellent job in providing commentary and leading the group on the various excursions. It’s fair to say that in comparison with other Mekong, and Myanmar cruises, the Hanoi/Red River cruise doesn’t always compare scenically, but it is still a very worthwhile and enjoyable cruise. When shore excursions not available, other on-board entertainments were organised. One particular shore excursion was a visit to hear the Hat Xoan singing and dancing at Hung Lo temple (Viet Tri). My wife and I are former Australian diplomats who have worked and lived in Vietnam. It is fair to say that this performance is one of the most impressive we have seen over the years. Not only is it highly entertaining, but of great cultural significance, both to visiting tourists, as well as to the Vietnamese themselves. Please continue to support this activity, it is very important. Another good show was the water puppets at Thanh Ha. Comparable with those staged in Hanoi, and in a natural, authentic setting.

All boat and vehicle transfers well organised using safe and efficient boats and vehicles.

The farewell by all crew members enjoyable and memorable. Many passengers joined in the singing and dancing.

Paul, again Pandaw has done us proud. More travel already scheduled fore 2016, but already thinking Pandaw for 2017. Perhaps Borneo (we know Kuching having lived in Malaysia for five years), or, maybe the Ganges. Have visited India (including Palace on Wheels) a couple of times, but seen from the deck of a boat will bring a new perspective. Who knows?

We wish you and all at Pandaw every future success. Wish you could find rivers navigable enough to float a boat in Sri Lanka, another of our favourite destinations. In the meantime stay safe, well and happy.

Trevor and Jan Greenwood
Australia

Recently my wife and I had the very pleasant experience of being part of the Pandaw river adventure aboard the RV Kha Byoo Pandaw down the Chindwin River. Our cruise started on 23 July, 2016 at Homalin and finished on 30 July 2016 at Monywa. We didn’t want it to end!

For sure we will be looking at undertaking further cruises with Pandaw in the future.

We would like to offer the following comments / suggestions;

Firstly we wish to truly thank the Pandaw organisation, the entire Kha Byoo crew, as well as our guide Ko Kyaw Soe Latt, for a very memorable experience. The food and overall service were absolutely second to none.

Although, due to obvious operational reasons, we didn’t have regular contact with all of the crew, we thought that two of the crew in particular, whom we did have regular contact with, were outstanding; they being waiter U Maing Htoo Lwin and sailor U Aung Win Naing.

All of the crew were very friendly, professional, and efficient and a credit to Pandaw; and we thought that the captain, U Zaw Zaw Oo, and crew handled the boat admirably.

Our guide, Ko Kyaw Soe Latt, although not a Pandaw employee, was tremendous and we have sent a separate email to him.

My wife and I lived in SE Asia for about 14 years and visited numerous villages during that time; however, surprising to us, one of our highlights of this Pandaw cruise were the village visits. We found the people to be very genuine, friendly, accommodating and welcoming to both passengers and Pandaw staff alike. The kids were simply delightful and it was very pleasing that virtually none of them asked for money, sweets etc. We can only hope that this mind-set can be sustained.

We normally try to give items such as text books, pens, balls, personal hygiene products etc and on this cruise, also as suggested by crew and our guide; most of the passengers presented such items to the kids.

Perhaps in the Pandaw information, such as the welcoming letter, it could be generally recommended that passengers should not promote begging by handing out money / sweets etc to the children; but instead to give books, pens, balls, personal hygiene products etc?

Barry & Barry McDiarmid

We wanted to thank you and your wonderful staff for making our Hoamlin to Monywa Chindwin River cruise on the RV Zawgyi Pandaw an amazing adventure. We found the level of service and attention for detail amazing. It was no small feat to accomplish superior results in such an isolated environment.

We especially appreciate your watching over our vegetarian needs. Once again we extend special kudos to your Executive Chef and the sous-chef for developing unique and delicious dining options for us. It was delightful to experience innovative regional culinary dishes (vegetarian style).

It is easy to understand how fourteen years with Pandaw has enabled The Purser to deliver the standard of excellence Pandaw strives for.

We felt a greater sense of understanding and empathy for Myanmar as we departed the boat. We believe there is a bright future ahead for the country and we trust the local people will benefit from the positive changes ahead.

Once again, special thanks to you and you wonder staff and the crew for delivering a wonderful experience for us.

Best wishes,
Fred Harris
Joy Satterlee

Having just returned from a visit to Myanmar on a Pandaw River Expedition, I am writing to advise you that it was a most enjoyable and memorable experience.

All the crew on board were exemplary and the Purser and House Boys with whom we had most contact were extremely helpful and friendly at all times and nothing was too much trouble for them.  We were treated like royalty. We were all very impressed with the Chef on board as the food was fantastic.   I cannot praise them all highly enough.  

Win Zar Zar Min was our local guide and she imparted her extensive knowledge of the country to us in an engaging manner and with a great sense of humour.  

All in all, it was a holiday of a lifetime, due in no small part to the amazing people that looked after us, and I know that my fellow passengers feel the same.

Kind regards
Anne Hinds

I just wanted to thank you all for the wonderful time we had aboard the Katha Pandaw in September. Everything about the trip was memorable and enjoyable. All the crew were fantastic - so helpful and friendly- the food was exquisite (possibly the best I have ever tasted. The curry one night was absolutely divine). I can't wait for the cook book to come out! The boat itself was beautiful and kept in immaculate condition. The whole thing showed Pandaw at its best. Infact, we were so impressed that we are thinking of doing another Pandaw cruise soon. If the next trip matches up to the one on the Katha Pandaw I know we will have a wonderful time.

One of the best photo of Eddie and me for a long time.!

With so many thanks and best wishes.
Gillian

As part of my independent travel in Myanmar, I joined the Pandaw Orient on the Bagan to Mandalay 7-day cruise. The boat was delightful and comfortable, food and cocktails were fabulous, and as having cocktails after a day of sightseeing is my guilty pleasure this was perfect. Nothing was too much trouble for the crew who ensured that the trip was perfect. My thanks to the crew!

The excursions were well paced and interesting, with guides who were knowledgeable and informative. I've a passion for watching the sunrise and set and every day this was spectacular!

I've travelled extensively in Asia, and Myanmar has been on my bucket list for a long time. For me it was "Simply the best" and truly "the jewel in the crown" of Asia. I will return to Myanmar and I would include a river cruise with Pandaw as it was delightful with the most aesthetically pleasing boats cruising the Irrawaddy while contrasting with the amazing landscape. For me the "no single supplement" is a deal breaker, please continue offering this.

Just back from the most magnificent trip to Myanmar of nearly 3 weeks exploring a fantastic country. I wanted to email Pandaw Expeditions to say thank you for your generosity on providing such a great cruise down the Irrawaddy. Everything went smoothly, food was fantastic, the staff were amazingly helpful, caring and talented, the sightseeing was fascinating and the additional information provided by the guides and Purser added to the delight of myself and fellow travellers.

I will be singing Pandaw's praises and encouraging people to visit Myanmar and all its wonderful sites. Thank you also to Wendy Wu Tours.

Thank you again
Clare

While in Mandalay on our post cruise Pandaw extension from the 15th to 18th October we had a local guide called Phoo. Exquisitely dressed, she greeted us as soon as we disembarked. She spent the next three days with us always on time for our pickup. She tailored our itinerary to suit our interests and paid particular attention to my mother's needs who is in the photo with Phoo. My mother has limited mobility and uses a walker. This was always taken into account. Phoo also showed me around less accessible places while my mother rested. We were given an insight to local life and participated in some local events.

Phoo clearly understood our requests and needs and offered experiences based on our interests. I would highly recommend her as a guide for international tourists.

Christine Lockey