Kerala Backwaters Short Cruise · Upstream

Hand-finished Teak & Brass Interiors

Every Pandaw ship is hand-finished in solid teak and polished brass by Pandaw's own master craftsmen, evoking the original 1865-1942 Irrawaddy Flotilla Company steamers. The colonial style — louvred shutters, cane chairs, wooden Mahjong tables and upright pianos — is authentic, not pastiche.

Outside-Facing All-Stateroom Layout

All cabins on every Pandaw ship are outside-facing with floor-to-ceiling windows or French balconies that open onto the river. There are no inside or interior cabins anywhere in the fleet — every guest enjoys daylight, fresh river air and a constantly changing landscape.

Shallow-Draught Expedition Sailing

Pandaw ships are deliberately shallow-draught (1.1–1.9 m) so they can sail far upriver into seasonal waterways the larger river-cruise lines cannot reach. This is what makes Upper Mekong, Upper Ganges, Brahmaputra Basin and Inland Vietnam expeditions possible from a comfortable single-base ship.

All-Inclusive Daily Excursions

Daily guided shore excursions, English-speaking local guides, entrance fees, bus and tuk-tuk transfers, all main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas and tisanes are included in every fare. There are no excursion supplements or bolt-ons — every guest joins every walk.