Pandaw Cruises
 

I've seen a number of postings on the various the Pandaw cruises (thanks Mitch, Dogster and Tangata!). I'm thinking of doing one of them next year with my fiance (perhaps as our honeymoon, who knows). From what I've read, Pandaw seems to run a first class trip and you certainly all seemed to second that. I'm most interested in getting off the beaten path, seeing some beautiful scenery and lovely, relatively "untouched" villages that haven't changed much (or hopefully been touched by) from tourism. Thinking of either doing the Upper Irrawaddy or the Chindwin - can you offer any insight on how these differ.....in any respect - scenery, villages, people, approach, etc?

The thought also occurred to consider the Ancient Arakan add on that Pandaw offers - topping it off at the end with several days on Ngapali beach. Any and all thoughts would be most appreciated!

Nontaco, I can't help you with the differences, but I'm doing the Upper Irrawaddy in September this year. It was recommended to me by Paul Strachan, the guy who runs Pandaw. So I simply took his advice.

My previous trip was along the Mekong. But I can say with all assurance that the voyage will be highly memorable and wonderful. However,

I should add that the majority of the passengers are likely to be 50+ years old. Despite that, and if my Mekong trip is a guide, they will all be fun and highly adventurous.

It takes a rare person to do to a Pandaw cruise - yet they are sensational - irrespective of age.

Some close friends of mine did it a few years ago and said it was THE best. They lucked out and there were only about 6 people, I think it was, on their cruise and they all got along very well. Happy Travels!

In July 2009 Pandaw is starting cruises in Sarawak, and they look very interesting. The website has details.

www.pandaw.com

My trip along the Upper Irrawady was interesting to say the least. I have a trip report on this site so search for it.

We ended up abandoning ship - temporarily - on the first night when we were hit by a freak 150 kph hurricane. But the Pandaw crew got us through. They were brilliant!

Wow! We loved Sarawak - maybe that will be our first Pandaw cruise!

How exciting! Thanks for pointing it out Mitch. Definitely going on my list!