RV Bassac Pandaw
RV Bassac Pandaw

The third of these rather grand Vietnamese sisters, along with the Orient and Indochina. She is a good looker, and turns many a head as she ploughs in state across the Delta or into the bustling hub of the Phnom Penh port.

Gratuities included, Excursions included, Onboard dining, Cultural performances, Complimentary WiFi

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What to expect from RV Bassac Pandaw

Overview

The third of these rather grand Vietnamese sisters, along with the Orient and Indochina. She is a good looker, and turns many a head as she ploughs in state across the Delta or into the bustling hub of the Phnom Penh port.

Accommodation

The Pandaw stateroom is one of the most celebrated features of our ships, designed to offer a quiet, comfortable retreat after each day of discovery.

Blending colonial-era character with modern-day comfort, every cabin reflects our commitment to quality and luxury. Finished in teak and brass, our main and upper deck staterooms provide 168 square feet (15.6 sqm) of thoughtfully arranged space. Wide French windows open to fresh air and natural light, while premium mattresses and high-quality linens help guests feel well rested each night. The layout has remained consistent across our fleet because our guests have come to love its timeless simplicity.

Many passengers have described life on board a Pandaw as more like being a guest on a private motor yacht, than a passenger on a conventional cruise ship. For a start, our itineraries and our quest for the most spectacular sights and experiences is far more intrepid than conventional cruises. And when passengers return to the ship after experiencing the wonders of life onshore, they are coming back to a floating oasis of low-key luxury, caring service and all the good things of life.

Upper Deck

  • 18 upper deck staterooms

  • 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
  • Panoramic french doors
  • Kimonos and slippers
  • Spa-branded amenities
  • Unlimited mineral water
  • Electric mini safe
  • Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
  • Premium mattresses
  • Convertible bed configuration
  • Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
  • Make-up mirror
  • Multi-configuration plugs
  • Generous closet space and under-bed storage
  • Hair dryer
  • Nightly turndown service
  • 24h laundry service
  • Complimentary evening canapés

Main Deck

  • 10 main deck staterooms

  • 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
  • Panoramic french doors
  • Kimonos and slippers
  • Spa-branded amenities
  • Unlimited mineral water
  • Electric mini safe
  • Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
  • Premium mattresses
  • Convertible bed configuration
  • Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
  • Make-up mirror
  • Multi-configuration plugs
  • Generous closet space and under-bed storage
  • Hair dryer
  • Nightly turndown service
  • 24h laundry service
  • Complimentary evening canapés main deck staterooms

Decks

Upper Deck

  • Upper Deck Staterooms

Main Deck

  • Galley
  • Store
  • Dining Room
  • Main Deck Staterooms

Kids and Teens

With immersive cultural excursions, hands-on onboard activities, and a safe, welcoming environment, Pandaw offers an engaging experience for multiple generations to travel together.

Gratuities

Gratuities to the Pandaw Cruises crew are included in the price of your ticket. Kindly note that gratuities to local guides are not included and are completely at your discretion.

Entertainment

With the highest passenger-to-deck-space ratio of any cruise ships afloat, Pandaw offers an open-air experience that invites you to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and reconnect with nature.

Life on board is yours to enjoy, however you choose—whether that’s curling up with a book, chatting with fellow travellers, or simply watching the ever-changing landscapes drift by. Our wraparound promenade decks provide uninterrupted views and plenty of quiet corners to retreat to, offering a calm, open-air atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and take it all in. For those who want to stay connected while they unwind, complimentary WiFi on the sundeck makes it easy to share your experiences or check in with loved ones back home.

Whether enjoying the experience indoors or out, a Pandaw ship offers a relaxed and comfortable front-row seat to some of Asia’s most remarkable river journeys.

Activities

While many guests enjoy the tranquility of reading, writing, or photography, others take part in the informal, yet engaging experiences offered on board. Daily briefings hosted by your purser and travel guides provide insights into each day’s itinerary and local context, while themed evenings and hands-on demonstrations bring the spirit of the region to life. These activities are always optional, allowing you to participate as much—or as little—as you like.

Some of the activities you can look forward to include:

  • Cultural performances by local groups
  • Food and beverage presentations by the head chef
  • History sessions by expert tour guides
  • Behind-the-scenes tour of the working ship
  • Daily happy hour with beverage specials
  • Themed movie nights featuring regional classics
  • Spa treatments (Classic Mekong route only)

Sundeck

Sundeck bar with complimentary ice cream from sunrise to sunset.
Pool table on sundeck.

Art Gallery

Art gallery featuring local art and artists

Library

Library with contemporary and classic literature

Saloon Bar

  • Welcome drink on arrival
  • Welcome cocktail
  • Spacious, air-conditioned saloon bar with nightly entertainment
  • Sundeck bar with complimentary ice cream from sunrise to sunset
  • 24hrs hospitality bar


Fair-Trade Shop

There is a small shop on board.

Meeting Room

Lecture and meeting room with oversized flat screen TV, LSD projector and sound system

Enrichment

Excursions are at the heart of every Pandaw journey, offering a deeper connection to the cultures, histories, and landscapes that line Asia’s great rivers.

Excursions

With small group sizes and expert local guides, guests are invited to go beyond the typical tourist trail and explore daily life in rural communities. Each experience is thoughtfully curated to showcase the diversity of each region while allowing plenty of time to absorb it all at a relaxed pace. Excursions are included in your sailing and are designed to be flexible, with options available for different levels of mobility and interest.

Highlights of Pandaw excursions often include:

  • Guided walks through riverside towns and local markets
  • Visits to historical sites and temples
  • Artisan demonstrations in traditional crafts
  • Bicycle rides through scenic countryside (by request where available)
  • Speedboat or sampan excursions into jungle backwaters
  • Opportunities to meet with local community members and visit Pandaw Clinics projects

Cycling

There is no better way to explore a country than by bike. All our ships in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Burma carry trek mountain bikes for guest use. Guests have the chance to opt out of our scheduled excursions and explore villages, temples and the countryside on two wheels (no extra charge and no prebooking necessary).

Dining

Dining aboard a Pandaw cruise is a highlight of the journey, offering a taste of the region's culinary traditions alongside international favourites. Our onboard chefs prepare fresh dishes each day using locally sourced ingredients, often selected from riverside markets along the route.

Most meals are made to order, allowing us to minimize food waste while offering flexibility to accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences. Whether you're enjoying a fragrant bowl of Vietnamese pho, a vibrant Indian curry, or a comforting Western-style breakfast, every dish is crafted with care. Our attentive crew ensures that dietary needs are met with ease, providing a personalized dining experience that’s as thoughtful as it is delicious.

We are happy to cater for individual dietary preferences. Passengers who prefer not to be served hot or spicy foods are offered delicious European-style alternatives and vegetarians are especially well catered for. Other special diets may be accommodated, by prior arrangement. Our chefs know that most passengers want to sample versions of the best, most characteristic dishes of each country they pass through.

Restaurant

  • Local master chef heading an experienced international culinary team

  • Semi-buffet breakfast, Semi-buffet lunch, and seated theme dinners
  • Daily lean & light menu options
  • Complimentary local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes
  • Extensive wine list with premium wines
  • Series of cultural performances, educational talks, cooking classes, and ship tour
  • Welcome drink on arrival
  • Welcome cocktail
  • Farewell reception
  • Theme dinners
  • Spacious, air-conditioned saloon bar with nightly entertainment
  • Sundeck bar with complimentary ice cream from sunrise to sunset
  • 24hrs hospitality bar
  • Onboard bakery with daily freshly baked breads and rolls

Health and Fitness

There are no dedicated health and fitness facilities on board.
Other Cruise Information

ClassCruise Type: river

Class: P Class

Ship Size: mini

Style: classic

Operator Reference: pandaw-river-cruises

Nursery: none

Child Facilities: none

Our Cruise Consultunts

Whether you're an avid fan or new to cruises, our experienced consultants will help you find the best value on a cruise holiday that's tailored to suit you perfectly.

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