Passenger Feedback

Amazing holiday, we have been on a Pandaw cruise before and couldn't wait to book another one. The crew on board were wonderful, everyone from the captain to the deck crew. The boat was exceptional and so clean, housekeeping was fantastic, plenty to eat and well presented. Peter was wonderful, a bit quick at talking so his English was a bit hard to understand, but get him on a one to one and he could chat to you very well. Lovely man so helpful. Our guide was Ti Fo, wonderful person, so enthusiastic and passionate about his country and people. His love of his culture was very inspiring and he made us look forward to the next tour with anticipation. It was very hot and humid, but the crew members who came with us were well prepared with ice cold drinks and face cloths that had been in the freezer. They were very attentive and helped us on and off the boats, coaches, steps and gang planks. We can't thank them enough. Every member of the crew was always smiling and happy, that it felt like we were among friends rather than staff just doing their job.

We are now looking for our next cruise. We think of Pandaw as two holidays in one. The first, relaxing, calming, lazy if you want to and getting spoilt. The second, the anticipation of going to new places, meeting new people, seeing their country and culture. Ti Fo was excellent in getting us among his fellow countrymen and never got tired of answering our questions. His enthusiasm really rubbed off on us and made us wish the holiday would never end.

Well, what a trip – the Angkor Pandaw ship is a treat to travel on; from the fantastic limestone structures of Halong Bay to the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, there was always something wonderful to see or do. The decision of Pandaw to spend more time in Halong Bay than in the past is a big plus. The captain and his crew were great, helping us on and off the ship, up muddy and slippery banks which was very helpful - having cold water on hand on trips to meeting us back on board with cold towels and drinks.

The ship itself was fantastic, the teak timber and brass looks great. The rooms are big enough for a ten day trip with excellent air-con in both the rooms and the restaurant. As this was the first trip of the season, there were a few teething issues from the kitchen and restaurant, but overall the food was very good. Our two female stewards and barman were very good and attentive. The beer temperature could be two degrees colder, so you don’t have to drink it so quickly haha!

Tifo our guide was good at this job, Peter our Purser is good at his job too but needs to slow down when speaking when nervous. Some suggestions for future trips – if a spare room upstairs was not in use, it could be used as a bathroom during the day, as people with mobility issues don’t have to use the stairs, and one of the lounges could be used in the air-con restaurant. Overall, a very enjoyable cruise.

Just wanted to let you know that once again I had an excellent cruise with Pandaw. The ship was lovely as were the meals. The crew were all very professional and, at the same time, felt like friends. I also would like to thank Pandaw for the wine package which I enjoyed.

The guides were very knowledgeable and helpful, particularly Bunna (Cambodian) who went to a great deal of trouble to assist a woman whose husband became ill on the cruise. The hotels in both Saigon and Siem Reap were very special and my guide in Siem Reap was excellent also.

Thank you for your assistance it was very much appreciated. I hope to participate in another Pandaw expedition before too long.

Best wishes
Diana Welsby

We had a fantastic trip from Siem Reap to Saigon. Not only interesting but also wonderful to visit local villages and get a glimpse of real life of Cambodian and Vietnamese people. We particularly liked that Pandaw shares the tourism wealth with these small communities.

The ship was extremely comfortable and staff attentive and gorgeous. My only suggestion is that you provide a map showing the route of the cruise and the stops made. An espresso coffee machine would also be welcome!

Well it's been a couple of weeks since the end of our trip (Halong Bay Red River) our third with the Pandaw fleet. It is a great feeling of familiarity when boarding the boats and to see the smiling crew. This being our first trip to northern & central Vietnam (our last time in South Vietnam 2009), the industrial side of this trip quite different but still with the out of the way & local experiences Pandaw provides. I found the push bikes on board a great idea and were of a good standard for the riding we did. Our Captain and crew did a fantastic job in some trying conditions, Halong Bay was stunning to see (pity about the water quality around the islands, but that’s out of Pandaw’s control).

I don't usually mention one particular staff member as all Pandaw’s people work hard to please their guests but there was one who was going above and beyond (always with a smile) our assistant Purser "Pah", (always good but "very good" in a crisis). As a retired business owner, he would be a "key" staff member. There was some disharmony in the kitchen, which reflected in some of the food served. I'd like to thank the staff for looking after my wife who was unable to do some shore excursions, this did not affect her enjoying this trip at all.

Yours Sincerely & Happy Pandaw Travellers
Trevor & Gail Harvey

Dear Din Sotha, Vong Sokhom and all the crew of RV Mekong Pandaw,

My daughter Wendy Purba and I have just completed the Classic Mekong cruise from Saigon to Siem Reap. This was my third cruise with Pandaw but Wendy's first. I want to thank you for making this such an enjoyable experience for us with the usual friendly, professional, conscientious thoughtful attention to the needs of guests that I have come to expect from Pandaw. Their honesty is something I take for granted. As always, nothing was a trouble. I am now missing my early morning cup of tea brought to my cabin by Marady, and I forgive Sophorn for his remarks about grandmas. Hamnes, I will miss you, too, when I have to look after my house in Canberra. We had so much fun and lots of laughs.

Guests can always feel safe in the hands of Pandaw Captains and their crews. From years of experience they know the rivers very well.

The food was great, as always, and I'm sure everyone appreciated the efforts of the galley staff to satisfy individual requirements. Wendy loves Asian food and was delighted with the menu. She has now returned to her husband and daughter after an amazing week. I will fly to Luang Prabang on Tuesday to join the Laos/China cruise departing Thursday. I'm sure it will be another wonderful, remote Pandaw experience. I am already thinking about my next Pandaw cruise/s in Burma in 2018 if my health and finances will allow.

We were both so sad to say goodbye. I know you meet thousands of people each year but I hope you will not forget us too soon.

Sokhom, I'm sure you will have a long and happy career as a Pandaw Purser. They are such terrific people. Good luck.

Thank you again,

Yours sincerely,
Margaret Sewell