About Pandaw — 30 Years of River Expeditions

The Pandaw experience is all about exploring remote and often hard-to-navigate rivers in luxury shallow-draft cruise ships.

Founded in 1995 by Scottish historian Paul Strachan, Pandaw was inspired by the legacy of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company—once the largest fleet of privately owned ships in the world. What began as a passion project to revive river travel in Myanmar has grown into Asia's leading river cruise company. With over 30 years of experience, Pandaw pioneered river expeditions across Southeast Asia, becoming the first to open many of the region's waterways to international travelers.

Crafted in the style of colonial-era steamers, our fleet of 17 brass-and-teak vessels was built to serve as a bridge between past and present. Our journeys are deeply rooted in cultural connection, exploration, and an enduring respect for the rivers and communities we sail through.

WHY PANDAW

At Pandaw, we do river cruises differently. Our focus is on delivering an immersive, small-ship experience that brings travellers closer to the landscapes, communities, and cultures of Asia. With fewer than 30 cabins on each ship, our cruises offer a relaxed, intimate atmosphere where you can truly unwind and explore at your own pace.

What sets Pandaw apart is our ability to take guests beyond the ordinary. Our shallow-draft ships can navigate where others can't—through jungle-clad villages in India and to hidden temples tucked away in Laos. These aren't just tourist routes; they are living landscapes, filled with vibrant cultures. With our locally hired crew and guides, you'll gain more than just insight, you'll experience these places through the eyes of those who know them best. Many of our team members grew up along these rivers, bringing not only deep knowledge but also personal stories and genuine hospitality to every journey.

The "Pandaw spirit" is something you can feel, even if it's hard to describe. It's the camaraderie between guests, the peaceful vibe on deck, and the subtle thrill of discovering places off the beaten path. This unique atmosphere is what keeps 45% of our travelers coming back time and time again.

If you're seeking meaningful travel, real connections, and the freedom to explore Asia's hidden treasures, there's no better way to do it than aboard a Pandaw.

THE PANDAW STORY

The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company Was Established

The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company was established by Scots merchants in 1865. By the 1920s, the company sailed 650+ vessels on the rivers of Burma. It had become the largest privately owned fleet of ships in the world, with the largest class of vessels - 350ft long and licensed for 4,000 passengers.

The IFC Fleet Sunk

The IFC fleet in its entirety was scuppered as an "act of denial" when the Imperial Japanese Army invaded Burma.

River Cruising Begins

Paul and Roser Strachan revived the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company and were the first since colonial times to offer river cruises on the Irrawaddy, one thousand miles from the sea. Local boats were chartered and converted, and a new generation of travellers experienced the spirit of high adventure.

Restoration of First Pandaw

In 1998, Paul Strachan discovered an original Clyde-built steamer called the Pandaw and arranged for its lease and restoration. Thus, Pandaw was born, and a unique style of river cruising was created.

Began Sailing Between Vietnam and Cambodia

In 2003, we took our Pandaw concept to the Mekong River in Indochina, plying between Saigon in Vietnam and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Here, the Pandaws broke the previously impenetrable river border between two very different countries. In high water, our vessels accomplished the first cross navigation of the Tonle Sap, an inland sea previously un-navigated by anything other than local speed boats.

Pandaw Fleet Grows With India Exploration

We inaugurated sailing in India, bringing the Ganges River to our fleet. This historic river, rich in cultural and spiritual significance, offered an incredible opportunity to expand our expeditions into the heart of the Indian subcontinent. With it, we introduced guests to a slower, more immersive way of experiencing India, far from the busy roads and tourist trails.

New Routes Expand Operations into North Vietnam and Laos

We successfully pioneered cruises on the Red River in Northern Vietnam and the Upper Mekong through Laos, bringing the fleet up to 14 ships.

Sailing Begins on the Brahmaputra River

Marking a bold new chapter in exploration, Pandaw expands into Northeast India with sailings along the wild and majestic Brahmaputra River.

Pandaw Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Since launching its first cruise in Myanmar in 1995, the company has grown into the region's leading river cruise operator, known for immersive journeys and authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

THE TEAM

Pandaw is proud to be powered by a dedicated team of over 300 people across Asia, many of whom have been with the company for decades.

From ship crew to local guides, nearly all of our onboard and ground staff are hired from the regions in which we sail. This commitment to local recruitment not only brings deep regional knowledge and warm hospitality to every voyage but also ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are shared with the communities along our routes. By supporting local talent and fostering long-term relationships, we create a strong sense of connection—between our team, our guests, and the rivers we explore.

Aung Aung Oo

Purser

"My job is to ensure you have everything you need while on board. I'm here to answer your questions and to take care of any special needs. We are looking forward to welcoming you on board!"

Myo Zaw Aung

Barman

"Pandaw operates boutique river cruises. So lean back and let me mix a special cocktail for you, or enjoy the cocktail of the day in our air-conditioned saloon bar or open air sundeck bar."

Nguyen Ngoc Thu

Captain

"Thanks to Pandaw's ultra-shallow drafts we can moor almost anywhere and explore unspoiled areas along the river banks of the Mekong."