Pandaw Cruises

Pandaw Cruises offers luxury river expeditions that provide travelers with a deeply immersive experience along some of Asia’s most scenic and historically rich waterways. With a heritage tracing back to the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company of 1865, Pandaw has redefined small-ship river cruising by blending authentic regional exploration with modern comfort. Their expertly crafted voyages take guests through remote and culturally significant destinations, offering a unique perspective on the landscapes and communities along Asia’s great rivers.

A Legacy of River Exploration

Originally established in Burma (now Myanmar) during the 19th century, the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company played a significant role in river transport throughout the region. Revived in 1995 by historian Paul Strachan, Pandaw Cruises became the first company to reintroduce river expeditions on the Irrawaddy and Chindwin Rivers. Since then, their operations have expanded to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and India, providing guests with unparalleled access to remote river routes and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Boutique Fleet & Unique Destinations

Pandaw’s fleet of traditionally designed ships, handcrafted from brass and teak, are intimate yet spacious, offering a distinct blend of heritage charm and modern amenities. With shallow drafts and small guest capacity, these ships can navigate narrow, less-traveled waterways, allowing access to hidden villages, untouched landscapes, and vibrant cultural sites. As part of their continuous expansion, Pandaw will introduce the Kochi Pandaw in South India in 2025, offering seven-night cruises through Kerala’s picturesque backwaters.

Authentic Onboard & Onshore Experiences

Pandaw’s voyages focus on cultural immersion and experiential travel, taking guests beyond the typical tourist routes. Each day presents guided shore excursions to temples, markets, and rural communities, providing opportunities to engage with local traditions and daily life. Onboard, guests enjoy regional cuisine, spacious open-air lounges, and enriching talks by expert guides, ensuring a journey that is both relaxing and intellectually rewarding.

Commitment to Accessibility & Family Travel

Pandaw is dedicated to making luxury river cruising accessible to all travelers, offering no single supplement on select expeditions to accommodate solo travelers. Additionally, they encourage multi-generational travel, with children under 18 sailing for free on select family-friendly voyages during school holidays. This commitment to inclusivity makes Pandaw an ideal choice for those seeking a personalized and meaningful travel experience.

A Curated Selection by Small Ship Travel

At Small Ship Travel, we are committed to curating the finest small-ship cruise experiences, ensuring that each journey meets our high standards of cultural authenticity, comfort, and service. After careful evaluation, we are proud to include Pandaw Cruises in our hand-selected collection, recognizing their dedication to heritage, unique itineraries, and immersive travel experiences.

Through our partnership with Pandaw Cruises, we provide exclusive access, personalized itineraries, and seamless planning, ensuring a stress-free and enriching adventure. Whether you are exploring the Mekong, uncovering the hidden gems of India’s waterways, or tracing the ancient paths of Myanmar’s rivers, Small Ship Travel works closely with Pandaw to create an unforgettable journey.

Book with Confidence

Booking with Small Ship Travel ensures expert guidance, tailored itineraries, and concierge-level service to enhance your Pandaw Cruises experience. From pre- and post-cruise arrangements to private excursions and seamless travel logistics, we handle every detail, allowing you to fully enjoy the journey.

Embark on an extraordinary river adventure with Pandaw Cruises and Small Ship Travel—where history, culture, and exploration converge. Contact us today to begin planning your next unforgettable voyage.