Passenger Feedback

I have recently returned from a trip on the Mekong in Laos aboard the RV Champa Pandaw, disembarked 2 November. This was my 5th river cruise with Pandaw and I wasn't disappointed.The crew were wonderful, as usual, the food was delicious and it was a lovely trip. I want to make special mention of Vieng, who was our guide on-board. His knowledge was outstanding and his English amazing. He understood the strange English humour perfectly.

A wonderful holiday, thank you
Penelope Cooke

We have just returned from our latest Pandaw adventure aboard the RV Laos Pandaw. While we have taken two previous trips with Pandaw, this trip was so very special in so many ways.

The comfort of the ship was outstanding. The cabin was large and featured more than adequate storage. The bath was first-class all the way. We found the entire ship’s crew to be delightful. All of the crew did a tremendous job making us feel welcome and always being there to assist us in any way they could, and always with a smile on their face. The chef did a tremendous job with each and every meal, every day delighting us with the selections. I will always remember our wait staff, and especially Khan, who loved preparing his specialty cocktail of the day, our Guide, Mr. Bee, who managed to deliver the Daily Briefing each day in such a way that we all looked forward to it, our Purser, Saroueng Em, who was always available to answer a question or offer an explanation, and especially Captain Houm Phan, whose love of the RV Laos Pandaw and sailing the Mekong was evident every day.

This trip only leaves one with a question - “Which Pandaw trip shall we take next?” Thank you for providing us the opportunity to enjoy two tremendous weeks aboard the RV Laos Pandaw and the wonderful memories we have. It has been an honour to sail with Pandaw!

Arlene Wilbers

Please allow us to congratulate your crew and vessel (Pandaw 2) for a wonderful experience along the Ayeryarwady recently. We travelled from Yangon to Mandalay and loved everything about this trip. We especially enjoyed the opportunity of visiting the non-touristy villages along the way. We commented on many occasions on how happy the villagers seemed with a very primitive housing situation, but were well fed with an amazing variety of food types. We have completely forgotten how to create our own happiness without all the trimmings we have come to expect in our life-styles. It was good to have this reminder.

The vessel was extremely shipshape (I am ex Navy, so can appreciate the crew’s pride of workplace in a marine environment). Food was varied and a good daily choice offered. No-one got sick and everyone loved what was served up. Our waistlines can attest to the quality and quantity consumed. Interaction with the crew was encouraged and they were all keen to make our trip special.

Our only issue was the efficiency of the plumbing system, but if you try long enough, it works...sort of!

Good on you for ensuring your father’s legacy stays in operation during this very bad time in Myanmar’s history. I hope the press will sort out their biases soon so the country can enjoy tourism again without the fears raised by people with only second hand experience.

Kind Regards
Roy & Margie Justice

We really enjoyed our trip with Pandaw. We felt pampered by the staff on board the Angkor Pandaw. The guides were excellent, and knowledgeable about all of the sites that we visited. Everyone was prepared to do that little bit extra that makes a trip so special. We both enjoyed going to all of the small villages and seeing everyday life in the countryside, the way it still is today. Halong Bay was spectacular and it was especially good to be there for two sunsets and two sunrises (100's of photos). Although we had visited Hanoi about 9 years ago, it was a real treat to go to the Old Quarter through the narrow alleys and to the old markets this time. The water puppets and the Lion Dance were also special treats.

Thank you Pandaw for a wonderful trip.

Hillary and Jim Alton
Dundas, Ontario, Canada

My husband and I have just returned from the Irrawaddy cruise, Yangon to Mandalay, aboard RV Pandaw II. We have been fortunate enough to do a number of river cruises and this cruise was up there with the best.

The crew on Pandaw II were easily the best we have encountered on any cruise. All crew, from Captain, Purser, dining staff, housekeeping to the sailors, were friendly, well mannered, attentive and had the biggest smiles on “their dials”. Nothing was too much trouble. We were impressed with the way they all assisted each other and we enjoyed having them accompany us on the shore excursions. As all crew were excellent; we are loathe to name individuals, but would like to make special mention of Tun, the dining room manager. He is exceptional with his customer service, his anticipation of passenger requirements and his concern for all passengers with a never ceasing smile. He obviously sets the standard for the other crew under his supervison, showing his excellent leadership qualities.

The food on the cruise was excellent, with something for all tastes. Thank you to chef and his staff.

Other than the staff on Pandaw II, the other highlight of this cruise was the beautiful Burmese people, especially those in the small villages. It was so nice to walk around these villages to see all the smiles on the faces of the locals, especially the children. They are unspoilt by tourism and we applaud Pandaw for requesting passengers not to hand out gifts or lollies to the children. We felt like pied pipers in these villages, with all the children following us but expecting nothing from us.

Patrick, our guide, was excellent with great knowledge and sense of humour.

Thank you to all crew for making our holiday so special.

Dear Sirs,

We have enjoyed a cruise from Mandalay to Yangon starting November 11, 2017.

I would like to express my sincerest thanks to the whole Crew working on the ship - they all did a fantastic job and I really felt so much at ease. all of your people took so good care of us and indulged us in an unparalleled manner, starting by offering refreshments when coming back from a Sightseeing tour, taking over our dirty shoes to clean them, offering every possible assistance and attitude.

Among all those fantastic people, there are two persons I would like to especially mention:

....Tun - who was the chef de rang and really had everything under control, he knew all the names, knew all the special wishes of the guests and made us feel as if we were the only ones that counted.

Aung Aung OO: who was the Purser and THE Person who knew everything, who had the ability to be wherever needed in an unparalleld discret manner. He really lead the whole team to a perfect standard. To us it seemed as if HE was the one that surveyed everything very discreetly! His performance simply was outstanding and we only can congratulate you to a Purser like this.

Let me tell you that, travelling since many years now through more than 80 countries in this world, this was one of my most awsome trips I ever made and I once again would like to thank all of you for this achievement.

Best regards
Silvia & Christian Jakob

Having previously experienced the wonderful world of Pandaw on their Red River and Halong Bay and Classic Mekong Expeditions, we were looking forward with eager anticipation to joining their Laos Mekong Expedition on the Upper Mekong.

With embarkation scheduled for Tuesday in Chiang Saen Northern Thailand, we decided to start three days early in Chiang Rai, a close by city with an airport. This was to acclimatize and explore a little.

We arrived at our hotel on Saturday morning and after a lazy day we headed into Chiang Rai town and its Saturday night Walking Street – essentially a long street market, Night Market and restaurants where we took dinner. On Sunday morning and a short Tuk-Tuk ride we enjoyed the serene calm and beauty of the Mae Fah Luang Art and Culture Park. On a short walk after lunch we stumbled across the Naval Pillar. This is the spiritual centre of Chiang Rai and we were able to witness an elaborate ceremony by a local business giving thanks for its success. Another trip down town for dinner rounded off the day.

The rest of our group was due to join us on Monday but before they did we took another short Tuk-Tuk ride to the spectacular Blue Temple with its intense Cobalt Blue and Gold decoration. When the rest of the group arrived, we went off to see the White Temple and Wat Huay Pla Kang with its huge Buddha image and modern pagoda that was so clearly visible from our hotel room.

Tuesday morning and we set off for Chiang Saen. On the way we visit the Hall of Opium Museum. Built under the patronage of the Thai Royal Family it gives a moving insight into the history and politics of the opium trade and its devastating effects on peoples’ lives, as well as the success of the Thai Royal Family in stopping the growing of opium poppies in favour of other, more beneficial crops.

On to Chiang Saen and a stop at the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Burma sit side by side, lunch and finally on to Chiang Saen Port for embarkation. The crew of RV Champa Pandaw was on the quayside to greet us and ensure the rapid transfer of our baggage to our cabins. A short time later our purser, Waew, welcomed us to the ship, gave us a safety briefing and introduced our guide, Vieng, who was to accompany us throughout the trip.

A short sunset cruise round the Golden Triangle was followed by cocktails and a programme of Thai Traditional Dancing.

There then followed the first of many sumptuous meals beautifully prepared and presented and expertly served by our crew.

A buffet style continental breakfast with the option of freshly prepared hot dishes was the perfect start to the day although coffee and pastries were available from 6am. During breakfast we were asked to make our selection of main course for both lunch and dinner. With three options for both meals, broadly Asian, Western and Vegetarian, there was always something for everyone. Lunch had salad, soup and dessert served buffet style so you could have a lighter meal if you wished. Dinner also had starter, soup, main course and dessert but waiter served.

We looked forward to the friendly banter with the crew during mealtimes and they were quite happy for us to change our main course order if any of us had changed their mind.

Our first night was spent moored at Chiang Saen as it was necessary to complete Thai emigration and Laos immigration next morning before proceeding on our journey.

With the lush mountain scenery of Laos to our port side and Thailand to starboard we headed to our first stop – the village of Ban Dan.

The Upper Mekong is surprisingly rocky with rapids and sand bars in profusion but our skilled captain deftly threaded his way through these obstacles safely and securely.

We cast off early next morning and after a quick stop at Pak Tha to complete formalities for using the river were on our way to the Khmu village of Ban Pak Sit. We were welcomed by the villagers and after observing the local way of life we headed for the village school which gets some support from Pandaw and its guests.

During the afternoon cruise, our guide, Vieng attempted to teach us some of the basic words of the Lao language. In the later afternoon we moored at a riverside beach and headed to the village of Ban Huay Ka. With school finished for the day the children thought it great fun to accompany us on our walk around their village.

Returning to the ship we found a beach barbecue had been set up with the crew busily preparing tasty snacks and drinks. Then as night fell we were joined by some of the villagers in sending up fire lanterns into the night sky.

Another early start, then after breakfast, a visit to the Pak Ou caves with their hundreds of Buddha images.

Across the river now and a village with an elephant camp for some close encounters, including bathing with the elephants in the river.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the highlights of our Expedition, Luang Prabang, is the next stop on our itinerary. We stay here for two nights so that we can appreciate the beauty of the city.

Casting off around lunchtime we continue our journey to the Butterfly Garden and dramatic Kuang Si Waterfall.

On our way again, we arrive at Ban Nasarn village for our overnight stop. Breakfast time sees people arriving for work and the kids off to school. The school run takes on a different form with the older kids taking themselves off in their boats.

The village is home to the Hmong – a Laos Highland Minority Group. One young lady came on board to show off her traditional form of dress before accompanying us on a walk around the village, including its school for the younger children.

Heading back to our ship we were about to start the final stage of our expedition, but not before passing through the lock of the Xayaburi Dam.

Another early start and we are in the Laos Lowland village of Pan Pak Leab. Along with the different scenery there is clearly greater prosperity in the lowland region.

Penultimate stop before reaching Vientiane is the village of Houayla which has a tradition of building boats. It also has a lot of kids who gave us an enthusiastic welcome.

Last stop before Vientiane is the Laos – Thai border town of Xanakham and a short after breakfast walk prior to a full day’s sailing.

Finally we arrive in Vientiane and after dinner take a Tuk-Tuk trip to its bustling night market.

Last full day on board and we’re off to tour Vientiane. The Presidential Palace – former seat of the French Governor; Wat Phra Keo – formerly a temple and now a museum, the beautiful Wat Si Saket with its cloistered courtyard; the huge Phrathat Luang Stupa and the Patouxai Monument.

Our expedition has come to an end. Pandaw has again impressed us, fully meeting and often exceeding our expecations. A beautiful ship with comfortable accommodation. A surfeit of delicious food. Stunning scenery interspersed with interesting and varied shore excursions. All this delivered in a professional yet relaxed and informal atmosphere by friendly crew who work together seamlessly to give their guests an outstandingly good experience.

Special mention is deserved for those crew members who accompany the shore excursions for their intuitive ability to know when a guest needs a little more assistance and to unobtrusively take the appropriate action.

A Pandaw Expedition is about new experiences, quality of service, making new friends and making memories that last a lifetime.

Steve Bousfield

Our trip on the Champa Pandaw was made very enjoyable and special by the care and attention from all the crew. Additionally, we felt lucky that every passenger was friendly and had a good sense of humour. The ship was decorated for Christmas and had a tree with lights - thank you.

Every effort was made to take care of us - many details undertaken to cater for our every need. Water and walking sticks for excursions, crew members to walk with us over difficult pathways, or to help us with shopping in small villages, exceptional guide services and detailed commentary with Vieng. On return from excursions, hand wash, cold towels, cold drinks to welcome back to the boat. Always friendly greetings and laughter awaited us.

New Year was celebrated in great style with special food and later all the crew joined with us with games and unexpected gifts for everyone. Then the crew played the guitar and sang Lao songs. In our room chocolates and a beautiful card.

The food is exceptional and delicious. Most passengers enjoying the local food best. All keen to try 'a little more chilli' and also to taste the delicate flavours. The chef's large variety of menus kept us all eating too much!! The professional service along with the beautiful food presentation is something we will always remember. We all enjoyed Chef Mr Mim's cooking demonstrations. Kop chai ly ly derrrr :)

The wait-staff were always attentive - Bow's happy nature and excellent English always shines. Viengsay joined us from Lao Pandaw and was friendly too. Our rooms were serviced promptly - usually while we were breakfasting (thanks Bow!)

I want to especially mention Say. His infectious smile and personal presentation along with his perfect hospitality training was noticed by us all. He deserves a special commendation.

Our Purser, Waew provided detailed nightly briefings and her great smile and little jokes were appreciated...she kept things "ship-shape" (new word!)

The character of the voyage was Vieng. As Guide he has a very important role and he is conscious of that all the time. Nothing is too much trouble for him. He has good, accurate knowledge of the area, the crops, the local villages and their people and cultures and general history. Vieng is respectful and friendly to the villagers and they seem always happy for us to visit. Additionally Vieng has regular crazy stories to tell us at the briefing...or during the day. His infectious smile and chatting keeps us laughing and waiting for the next visit or adventure. I feel that Vieng's communications with the group are - as we say - "above and beyond the call of duty".

On our longer excursions, I noticed that there was always staff from the boat watching over the group - Tor, Bow and others were always making sure we could manage steep areas, or that we didn't get lost on the longer treks.

In the later days the Captain had to go ahead to check water levels to provide safety for the ship but also for the passengers of course. I think everyone appreciated the high level of sailing and navigational skills required to make this river voyage safely.

Vicki and I would like to thank everyone on the ship for this exceptional and unique experience aboard Champa Pandaw. We would ask that you report this message to all the staff and crew on the ship.

We both hope that we have an opportunity to join Pandaw again in the future.

Maxine Godley and Vicki Stannard
Australia
December 2017