RV Mekong Pandaw
Built in Rangoon in 2002 she was sailed round to Saigon under her own power and many a drama described in Paul Strachan’s Pandaw Story. This ship was designed specially for the Mekong and unlike our other P class ships does not have a flying bridge. The reason was so she could get under a road bridge. She did actually scrape under on her maiden but it was so scary that Paul Strachan, then standing on the bridge, never dared attempt it again. As a result, we ended up with this incredible 750 square meter teak deck that even has a full size billiard table.
Good for
Dining Experience, Excursions Included, Complimentary WiFi, Onboard Spa, Mountain Bikes
What to expect from RV Mekong Pandaw
Overview
Built in Rangoon in 2002 she was sailed round to Saigon under her own power and many a drama described in Paul Strachan’s Pandaw Story. This ship was designed specially for the Mekong and unlike our other P class ships does not have a flying bridge. The reason was so she could get under a road bridge. She did actually scrape under on her maiden but it was so scary that Paul Strachan, then standing on the bridge, never dared attempt it again. As a result, we ended up with this incredible 750 square meter teak deck that even has a full size billiard table.
The MP as she is affectionately known is our most spacious ship with wider promenades, a larger dining hall and more public space per passenger than any known ship afloat. Seriously!
In 2012 she was refitted and lower deck cabins removed in favour of a professional spa, gym, library lounge and office. She is quite justifiably the most splendid ship on the Mekong and the envy of anything that floats by.
The ship has quality mountain bikes for your independent exploration.
For 2021, the RV Mekong was refurbished to add 2 brand new suites, offering private balcony and lounge area for even more space and comfort on your expedition.
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 Suite
Suite Benefits
- Private balcony
- Living room with sofa & table
- Welcome bottle of Champagne to enjoy at your leisure
- In-suite Minibar (with complimentary soft drinks)
- Complimentary 60-minute massage
- Espresso machine
- On call butler service
- Daily fruit basket
- 2 Upper deck suites
- 340 square feet, finished in teak and brass
- Kimonos and slippers
- Spa-branded amenities
- Unlimited mineral water
- Electric mini safe
- Central AC with individual control
- Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
- Premium mattresses
- Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
- Mirror
- Multi-configuration plugs
- Generous closet space and under-bed storage
- Hair dryer
- Daily nightly turndown service
- 24h laundry service
- Complimentary evening canapés
- Yoga mats in all cabins
Upper Deck
- 14 upper deck staterooms
- 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
- Panoramic French window, leading to personal deck space
- New bathrooms with natural stone shower and branded quality fittings
- Kimonos and slippers
- Spa-branded amenities
- Unlimited mineral water
- Electric mini safe
- Central AC with individual control
- Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
- Premium mattresses
- Convertible bed configuration
- Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
- Mirror
- Multi-configuration plugs
- Generous closet space and under-bed storage
- Hair dryer
- Daily nightly turndown service
- 24h laundry service
- Complimentary evening canapés
Main Deck
- 6 main deck staterooms
- 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
- Panoramic French window, leading to personal deck space
- New bathrooms with natural stone shower and branded quality fittings
- Kimonos and slippers
- Spa-branded amenities
- Unlimited mineral water
- Electric mini safe
- Central AC with individual control
- Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
- Premium mattresses
- Convertible bed configuration
- Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
- Mirror
- Multi-configuration plugs
- Generous closet space and under-bed storage
- Hair dryer
- Daily nightly turndown service
- 24h laundry service
- Complimentary evening canapés
Decks
Upper Deck
- Observation Saloon
- Upper Deck Staterooms
Main Deck
- Gallery
- Store
- Dining Room
- Main Deck Staterooms
Lower Deck
- Gym
- Cinema
- Office
- Library
- Gift Shop
- Spa
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.
Sun Deck
Sun Deck bar with complimentary ice cream from sunrise to sunse and an incredible 750 square meter teak deck that even has a full size billiard table.
Library
Library with contemporary and classic literature.
Observation Saloon
There is an observation saloon at the front of the ship.
Activities
Whilst the peace and tranquillity of our passengers is our priority and many passengers prefer to read, write or engage in painting or photography, we do offer a number of social activities that have become a traditional part of any Pandaw river expedition.
There are a number of social events during an expedition which will include a welcome dinner, cocktail parties on deck, a farewell gala dinner and dinners themed with local menus and costume. In the Burma dry season we often tie up on a sandbank and have a barbeque beach party on the sands, usually around a bonfire in winter.
Shop
Shop, supporting fair trade.
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.
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).
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
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- and gala dinners
- Spacious, air-conditioned saloon bar with nightly entertainment
- Sundeck bar with complimentary ice cream from sunrise to sunset
- Pool table on sundeck
- 24hrs hospitality bar
- Onboard bakery with daily freshly baked breads and rolls
Health and Fitness
Currently only available on our Mekong Pandaw ship, the Pandaw Spa offers head massage, foot massage and body massages in dedicated spa areas.
Spa
Currently only available on our Mekong Pandaw ship, the Pandaw Spa offers head massage, foot massage and body massages in dedicated spa areas.
Our onboard spa is compact in size and staffed by a single highly-trained individual. As demand can be high, please be sure to book in advance.
Gym
There is also a small, well-equipped gym 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
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