Passenger Feedback

Real cruising on the Irrawaddy. The trouble with our cruise on the Pandaw Orient was that it had to finish. The journey north from Mandalay was not possible because of the river level being so low, but we didn't know about the change of itinerary until mid-way through the cruise, but it didn't matter. We were looked after regally by a lovely friendly crew, bar staff who made excellent cocktails as well as supplying a seemingly endless stream of gin and tonics and the waiters in the dining room knew us all even when we sat at different tables. Food was great – sometime a buffet, sometimes a la carte which you ordered in the morning at breakfast – the freshly cooked omelettes were amazing. Excursions and activities were organised; sometimes a walking tour of the village where we had stopped or a coach trip to places slightly farther afield. Evening entertainment was arranged of local dancers, puppet shows, even fashion parades featuring the all-male crew!! But the most surreal moment for me, was sitting around a blazing fire on a sandbank in the middle of the Irrawaddy River, with fireworks being let off, oil lights twinkling, watching our skipper singing John Denver songs and then everyone dancing around the bonfire to the accompaniment of Abba songs – and this was before dinner!!

There were about 50 passengers on board, we all ate together and no one cared if you wanted to chill out on the sun deck by yourself or get up to watch the sunrise early in the morning. But the experience of this Pandaw cruise has certainly put me off cruising on a big ship. We didn't get lost looking for my cabin, we didn't have to wait for the right sitting at the right dining room for food, we didn't have to queue to get on and off the boat and then queue to get into a coach for a trip and we got to meet a lot more people on our small boat than we would ever have done on a huge ship. Where to go next with Pandaw cruises is the next question.

In March 2015, my family was introduced to Pandaw and Myanmar and we fell in love with both. Our seven days on the RV Kindat Pandaw were magical as we explored the areas around Mandalay and Bagan under the knowledgeable guidance of Harry. Experiencing the Irrawaddy was exciting……from getting stuck on a sandbar to spotting the dolphins (albeit at a distance). We had the good fortune to meet Stuart Hickman when we boarded and I was reassured that my food allergies had been shared extensively with the kitchen staff. This made for a very relaxed journey onboard and we could appreciate this extraordinary adventure to the fullest. A few weeks later we embarked on a classic Mekong River journey with another line which had a great reputation. While we enjoyed this experience, it could not compare to the magical trip we had on the Irrawaddy.

In March 2016, we returned to Myanmar and embarked on another Pandaw adventure. For 14 days on the Pandaw II we explored more areas of this enchanting country and river. Our travelling companions came from a wide range of backgrounds, making this trip even more interesting, rewarding and lots of fun from the time we boarded until we parted company! Once again, we met Stuart on the ship and we immediately knew that we would be well looked after. Another familiar face was Peter, our bartender from the Kindat who welcomed us warmly. We really felt like part of a special family.

As I write this, I am planning and packing for our March 2017 getaway from the Canadian winter. Our little family is again going to explore Southeast Asia and a Pandaw adventure is on the itinerary. On March 4th, we will be starting a ten day journey in Laos and we are so looking forward to it. As a real bonus, a couple from our March 2016 trip will also be onboard.so there will be ABBA again! (which was referred to in another testimonial).

In closing, I would like to thank you for the wonderful, authentic journeys that Pandaw offers and hope we may have many more opportunities to explore your world.

In appreciation,
Solveig Lalla, Krishna Lalla & Lindsay Isaac-Lalla

I have just spent one of the best weeks of my life on the Mekong being looked after by your wonderful crew. The ship was first class and all your crew were a credit to you. Leo gave us lots of information about your company and nothing was too much to ask for, a truly fantastic experience.

I am joining your ship in Burma for another cruise on the Irrawaddy for seven nights in October. I am really looking forward to that.

Thank you.
Valerie John

 

Having now been back a week from Myanmar and shared my experiences with friends. I must write to thank you for a truly memorable holiday on RV Pandaw 2.

We were 17 Swiss German, 3 Canadians and 16 British, all mixing happily I shared a cabin with another widow, the first time we had holidayed together and we thoroughly enjoyed the time with so much laid on for our pleasure and comfort. At 80 we hoped we were spry for climbing "steep river banks" as warned and of course nothing could have been easier with all of us, men and women, being passed from hand to hand by the crew.

I have filled in Pandaw's questionnaire and everything was marked excellent.

One of my favourite moments was returning to the boat and being greeted with "Welcome home”, generally by the Purser Aung Aung Oo, who was always overseeing his staff quietly and expertly but his example was followed by the crew in their smiling welcome home too.

The attention to detail was amazing. In the dining room our napkins were folded differently each time, a candle, a rabbit, a soup spoon man and many others. The tables were always laid with cutlery handles in a straight row on the edge of the table and the crest always at the top of the china. The waiters were very attentive and were on hand with other members of the crew around the boat to do things for us before we were aware of our need.

It wasn't difficult to love the Burmese people with their polite quiet ways, their humour, their warmth and kindness. Out and about we appreciated them and being able to converse a little with them.

The expeditions were varied and interesting and my only adverse comment is that Yan our young guide had not learned to wait till all of us were within earshot before he started talking. As a former guide I know one cannot always wait for very slow people , but we all kept up well with a steady walk!

We enjoyed the story of The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company on film and "The Lady" on two nights. The puppets, the dancing and most especially the extraordinary trouble the crew went to on the penultimate night with their taking all the chairs and little tables, music, fire, lights and Chinese lanterns on to the sand and just for an hour before dinner.

The food was delicious, the boat beautifully looked after and we were sad to say goodbye to the staff who had become such friends.

Thank you for a very special experience.

Yours sincerely
Judy Coates

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

My girlfriend, Rosemary, and I would like to say how much we enjoyed our trip on the Laos Pandaw. The boat is lovely. Teak and brass finished with comfortable and very well appointed staterooms. The public areas are spacious and also very comfortable. The food was excellent. A very good variety of local dishes and more European fare. The journey, mostly in Laos, was through wonderful scenery. Stopped at a number of sites including waterfalls, caves and many villages. Several different activities too, including feeding bananas to elephants, giving alms to monks and launching Chinese lanterns. The crew were very friendly and helpful, nothing seemed too much trouble.

Photo is with our Captain and his family in their village. Altogether a wonderful and relaxing holiday.

My thanks and congratulations to everyone involved.

On 28th December 2016, I embarked on the R.V. Laos Pandaw for 10 of the most magical days I have ever experienced. The small boat was comfortable and well designed and the friendly crew were considerate and always there to help. The food could not be faulted, indeed I cannot think of anything that could be improved as it was all perfection. The outings to the villages were unforgettable, seeing their lives and homes. During these visits the villagers were smiling and welcoming and the crew who accompanied us were always on hand to help and explain.

I wish I could do the whole thing again!

Irene Clarke

I just wanted to tell you what an incredible trip we just had on RV Pandaw 2, finishing in Mandalay/Sagaing on the 23rd Feb. I was part of a little group of three, among about 35 in total on Pandaw 2, all of us experiencing Myanmar for the first time. The crew and guides, under the excellent guardianship of Mr Aung Aung Oo were superb, "a class act" as we say here in Australia. Head of Food and Beverage, Stuart will know what a compliment that is.

The team took special care of my sister who is partially sighted and, for that, I am so grateful. Truly outstanding. Her needs were one of the reasons we chose this style of travel for Myanmar; she would never be able to come otherwise. She left feeling she'd had as great an adventure as everybody else. We chose Pandaw because you were recommended by a previous guest, and we'll be recommending you to others who want to visit Myanmar.

I must specifically compliment the crew and guides for their warm professionalism and openness. I watched the crew handle all the questions about life in Myanmar with insight and passion.

Usually a DIY traveller and a trekker, I haven't experienced a structured trip before and was unsure what it would be like. Actually, if I had to describe the trip, I'd say it's a breathtaking 'boat trek' rather than a cruise, to do justice to the lovely blend of stylish comforts, relaxed time on the river and visits to places none of us could experience by any other way, which is why you're Pandaw Expeditions!

A few standouts: the sunrises; the little villages and their amazing people; the food (wow!); and, I doubt anybody will forget the sight of Mr Peter, head barman, in a rowboat delivering cocktails and a huge smile to us all on the lake at Amarapura nor the party on the sandbank the next night.

Myanmar left footprints on our hearts. We'll be back.

Thank you to you all.
Kirsty Simmonds