The renamed Sagaing Pandaw
will sail on the Irrawaddy and
Chindwin rivers from July 2013.
WHILE other cruise lines have started
launching itineraries along the Mekong River,
Pandaw Cruises has decided to move its
newest vessel away from it.
The Saigon Pandaw will instead be shifted to
Myanmar “to meet an increasing demand for
quality river expeditions”, the company
announced overnight.
Launched in Vietnam last January, the ship is
set to be renamed Sagaing Pandaw when it
transfers to its new role of exploring the upper
reaches of the Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers.
Pandaw’s representative in Australia, John
Boyd, told Cruise Weekly that customers were
increasingly interested in this growing
destination.
“With the demand for cabins on the cruises
in Myanmar, since the country has opened up,
it is better to operate there,” he said.
But the company, which began its operations
in Myanmar/Burma, will keep its other vessels
in Vietnam and Cambodia.
“Pandaw will have five ships on the Mekong
and four operating in Myanmar from July
2013,” Boyd said.
Built in 2012, the 30-cabin Sagaing Pandaw
has a traditional colonial style, hand-finished in
brass and teak, but is equipped with luxury
features and air-conditioning.
It will be available only to individual
travellers.
“Led groups will not be carried,” the
company said.
Classic 14-night ‘Irrawaddy’ cruises operate
from Prome (Pyay) to Mandalay, and the 10-
night ‘Golden Land’ cruises sail downstream
from Mandalay to Prome.
Once-a-year cruises are also offered from
Rangoon to Mandalay and on the Chindwin
River.
Earlybird discounts of 10% are available for
bookings made prior to one year before
departure.
Fares include shore excursions, all onboard
meals and drinks.
For details, see www.pandaw.com.
