The Yunnan Pandaw to launch in September 2016
In response to demand Pandaw (information@pandaw.com | www.pandaw.com), the luxury river cruise operator, has announced the launch of a brand new ship, the Yunnan Pandaw, from September 2016.
The ship will become the sister to the Laos Pandaw and will sail on the Upper Mekong from Vientiane (Laos) to Jinghong (China) or visa versa on an exclusive 14-night journey.
The Yunnan Pandaw will have 12 air-conditioned main deck and two upper deck staterooms, each with private bathrooms, kimonos, slippers, safe and luxury linens and toiletries. Public areas include a stunning observation deck and dining room.
As with her sister ship, the Yunnan Pandaw will be built in Pandaw’s traditional teak and brass and have an ultra-low draft and high powered engines to enable her to navigate the mighty Upper Mekong. She will bring the number of ships in Pandaw’s fleet to 16.
Commenting on the new ship, Pandaw’s founder Paul Strachan said: “We are very excited about the addition of the Yunnan Pandaw to our fleet, which we are building in response to demand. The journey from Vientiane to Jinghong is only possible with Pandaw and is one of the most memorable.”
He continued “The Upper Mekong is one of the most scenic rivers in Asia. Travelling through lush jungle and friendly village communities where elephants can often be seen from the ship. In China, we visit the impressive Menglun Botanical Garden, discover Chinese tea plantations and meet some of China’s minority communities that live in Yunnan Province.”
Pandaw’s departures on the Laos Mekong, from Vientiane to Jinghong, abroad the Laos Pandaw have been sold out for some time. The new ship will therefore provide welcome extra cruise availability.
Travellers can combine the Upper Mekong cruise with Pandaw’s seven-night Classic Mekong cruise from Saigon to Siem Reap and sail the Mekong from China to Saigon and vice versa. For those taking this extended journey, Pandaw offers a complimentary three-night stay in Siem Reap, including guided visits to Angkor Wat.
Cruise only prices start from USD 5670.- per person based on two people sharing a main deck twin cabin. To book call your travel agent or book via www.pandaw.com.
Itinerary In Brief:
Day 1 – Embark the Yunnan Pandaw. Afternoon explorations of Vientiane.
Day 2 – Cruise to Upper Mekong to Ban Paklay.
Day 3 – Discover the old colonial town on Pak Lai.
Day 4 – Explore Luang Prabang with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace.
Day 5 – Further time in Luang Prabang.
Day 6 – Pak Ou Caves and Nam Ou River.
Day 7 – Walking tour of Pak Beng.
Day 8 – Chiang Saen, Thailand. Visit the Golden Triangle and opium museum.
Day 9 – Old Mandalay Road, Burma.
Day 10 – Cruising the Mekong with Burma on our left and Laos on our right.
Day 11 – Muang Long, Laos. Visit the Aka tribal villages.
Day 12 – Into China. Walking tour of Gang Lei.
Day 13 – Visit Menglun Botanical Garden, built in 1959 and one of China’s most important botanical research centres. Also explore Mangza temple.
Day 14 – Mangfeilong Monastery & Tea Plantation.
Day 15 – Jinghong. Disembark after breakfast and morning transfer to Jing Hong airport for flight home or extend your stay in Yunnan Province.
Please Note: The itinerary for this expedition is indicative only and subject to reconnaissance. As we travel to remote areas, changes to the itinerary will inevitably occur. A flexible approach is required if you book this cruise.
SOURCE: Pandaw