Luxury river cruise operator, Pandaw, has announced the launch of 4 exciting new reconnaissance voyages exploring Burma’s Deep South and the remote Mergui Archipelago.
The sailings will depart in February and March 2016 aboard the MY Drenec, a high-class expedition ship with only 5 well-appointed cabins (each with private bathroom) including a spacious upper deck owner’s suite. The MY Drenec was completely refitted and beautifully upgraded in 2012 with the interior designed by Sophie Bouakel-Kastelein. She is ideal for sailing Burma’s undiscovered coastal waters. She also carries her own dinghy, snorkelling equipment and even some water skis! A knowledgeable ex-pat expedition director leads each cruise.
Pandaw’s new coastal voyages will explore the southern region of Burma between a small Mon town of Thanbyuzayat and southernmost town of Victoria Point (Kawthaung). The region was closed to tourism until mid-2013 and there is still little tourism infrastructure in the town and cities, but now it is possible to explore the undiscovered old colonial ports and the incredibly beautiful and little known Mergui Archipelago with its thousand tropical islands, stunning white beaches and sea gypsy inhabitants. Pandaw’s itinerary also visits charming Moulmein and includes a stop at Kyaiktiyo Pagoda famous for its Golden Rock.
Hugh Clayson, Pandaw’s Commercial Director said: Pandaw clients will be one of the first to discover one of the world’s most beautiful, remote and undiscovered regions aboard the very comfortable and well-equipped expedition ship, the MY Drenec.
Itinerary Southbound – Rangoon to Victoria Point:
- Day 1 – Rangoon to Moulmein, including a visit to the Golden Rock. Embark the MY Drenec.
- Day 2 – Explore Moulmein. Set sail.
- Day 3 – Sail to Thanbyuzyat, famous for its War Cemetery. During World War II, Thanbyuzayat was the western terminus of the Thailand-Burma Railway.
- Day 4 – Cruise to Tavoy.
- Day 5 – Visit the port of Myeik, with its many old colonial buildings.
- Day 6 – Cruise the Mergui Archipelago, visiting Hastings and Lampi Islands.
- Day 7 – Further exploration of the Mergui Archipelago, including a village of Moken sea nomads.
- Day 8 – Arrive in Kawthaung (Victoria Point). Transfer to Ranong (Thailand) for onward flights.
Visit https://www.pandaw.com/expeditions/burma-coastal-expedition/ for the full itinerary.
Northbound itinerary operates in reverse.
Departure Dates
- 5 February & 4th March 2016 – Victoria Point to Rangoon
- 12th February & 11th March 2016 – Rangoon to Victoria Point
Prices start from 11 days from usd 4,950 per person sharing a main deck cabin.
Price Includes: 7-night cruise on a full board basis, all excursions, entrances, transfers, soft drinks, tea/coffee, on board facilities of the MY Drenec, services of an expedition director. Not included: international flights, visa costs, port dues (usd 290 per person), alcoholic drinks, and all tips.
SOURCE Pandaw River Cruises