Why Pandaw is perfectly placed for post-covid travel

As we approach the end of a tumultuous year and with our 20/21 season cancelled, the Pandaw team are looking ahead to the future to assess how Pandaw’s small ship expeditions fit into a post-covid travel world. What will guests be expecting in the ‘new normal’ and what are we doing to ensure we continue to provide the best experiences on the rivers of Asia whilst adding to our health & safety measures.

The Company

Pandaw are the pioneers of Asian river expeditions, launching 25 years ago along the Irrawaddy River in Burma. We now operate on 6 rivers across 6 countries and have endured our fair share of global crisis which have affected travel. The current situation is yet another challenge we have faced and whilst it has been a particularly stubborn obstacle, we have the knowledge, expertise and local partnerships to be able to endure this difficult time and once again return to the rivers in 2021 when safe to do so.

The Ships

Our Pandaw vessels are unique, small exploration vessels which hold between 10 and 60 guests that provide some of the best passenger-to-deck ratio of any vessels on water. With the smaller number of fellow guests and plenty of public space to enjoy, it is not difficult for guests to be able to find a secluded part of the ship to relax undisturbed. Our staterooms also open outwards providing even more fresh air and open space which is a real feature of a Pandaw expedition.

The Itineraries

Pandaw sails some of the most remote stretches of river across Asia where we aim to provide guests with an unforgettable ‘off the beaten track’ experience. Whether that be along the Chindwin River in Burma where the only other people you will see along the way are the local villagers, or in more well worn areas such as around Saigon in Vietnam where we take you to lesser known waterways of the Mekong Delta with tailor-made excursions solely for Pandaw guests, you will never feel like you are on a normal mass group tour.

The Service

The Pandaw crew are already well known for their commitment to service, providing a welcoming and friendly atmosphere whilst upholding rigorous health and safety standards. Our dining service provides a-la-cart meals cooked to order with the option for private dining as well as outside dining available on most ships. With the implementation of additional procedures such as staggered dining times and thorough sanitation and disinfecting of all cabins, public spaces and work spaces on board, you can rest easy in the knowledge that you will be well catered for during your expedition.

Still concerned about travelling with other guests?

Our small ships are perfect for private hire, providing our standard full-service itineraries with all crew and inclusions but with the additional seclusion of your own ship. Feel free to contact us for more details.

We are very much looking forward to being able to sail again when it is safe to do so and we are very confident that we will be well prepared to provide our usual level of quality with the additional health and safety requirements of the post-covid world. Our Pandaw Members and guests are already showing their determination and dedication to travel with our recent $100 deposit scheme receiving excellent take up. Many dates now have limited availability during peak times for the 2021/22 season so please do review Pandaw.com or ask your travel agent for available dates for next season as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Stay safe & well and we look forward to welcoming you aboard in the near future.

The Pandaw Team

Enquiries: information@pandaw.com