Passenger Feedback

This was our virgin Pandaw cruise, and we don't think it will be our last. We heard many fine things about other Pandaw cruise routes from fellow passengers who had taken them, but it is hard for us, even with our limited Pandaw experience, not to think that the Lao Pandaw, Vientiane-to-Golden-Triangle route is the jewel of the Pandaw crown. We fervently hope that Burma will one day be open again, for the people to whom we have spoken about that route have waxed rhapsodic and very nostalgic. It is something to hope for! The one hitch occurred at the beginning of the cruise. We--neither my wife, Kim Anicker nor I--never received an email from Pandaw regarding the change in mode of travel at the outset of the cruise. We were surprised to learn that we would be spending the first night in a hotel in Vientiane, motoring by bus two hours the next day, and taking the long-tail boat up to the Laos Pandaw. None of that information had been relayed to us, while all our fellow passengers, it seems, had gotten an email about this switch in itinerary. Thanking you for a terrific experience. John Willson, Kim Anicker, Laos Pandaw Vientiane to Golden Triangle, January 25-February 4th.

Food was wonderful throughout but so much was left over after lunch and dinner. Smaller portions or get voyagers to select their meals. The one excursion to the Buffalo farm, Butterfly farm and waterfalls needs to be split into two or a longer time allowed. I was really looking forward to seeing the Free the bears site and the rare breeds they care for. I would have paid extra to do the tour but we had no time. From Europe it would have been a highlight to see Sun/Moon bears, pangolin and Red Panda and support a wonderful cause.

The excursions got a little repetitive after awhile (ferry, bus, walkabout a village. . . ) - a little more variety might be helpful but maybe there aren't more things to see. For that reason - Hanoi was a little more interesting. And as a younger, more active person - I did miss the opportunity to get a bit more exercise. The trip was very relaxing but sedentary for all the food I was eating. Your staff on board are amazing at taking wonderful care of the guests. And our two guides had lots of knowledge to share.