LUX October 2017

LUX - September 2017 23 A Ship off the Old Block A Ship off the Old Block Pandaw Expeditions Ltd is the pioneer of authentic river expeditions throughout Southeast Asia. The unique design of Pandaw’s small but powerful shallow-draft ships, beautifully hand-crafted in teak and brass, allows them to sail through a tapestry of remote rivers and coastal routes in Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and China. The original company, known as the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, founded in 1865, was acquired by Paul and Roser Strachan in 1995. Renamed Pandaw, following the discovery and acquisition of this last remaining Clyde-built steamer, the company has consistently cruised through new frontiers, pushing the boundaries beyond its original home of Burma. Pandaw brought its unique concept and style to expeditions along the Mekong River through Indochina in 2003, inaugurated new river cruises on the Ganges in India during 2009 and pioneered the first routes on both the Red River in Northern Vietnam and the Upper Mekong through Laos into China in 2015. Recently, the firm have announced the addition of a third ship to join their Laos Flotilla on the Mekong River in September 2019. This will be the 17th vessel in the Pandaw Fleet that currently ply the waterways of six South-East Asian countries. The double decked vessel to be named RV Sabei Pandaw will be 45 meters long and designed to meet the navigational challenges of shooting the rapids in the Laos gorges. At the same time it will have the shallow draft to enable year round passage across Yunnan into China. The Sabei will have just twelve classic Pandaw staterooms and an open plan saloon with flexible indoor or outdoor dining. The Sabei will be deployed between Vientiane, the Laos capital, to Jinghong in China. Travellers on this four-country expedition will visit Laos, Thailand, Burma and China. Highlights include the ancient Laos capital of Luang Prabang, visits to tribal villages, national parks and the river itself which is intensely dramatic and wild. Pandaw Founder, Paul Strachan believes that of all the Pandaw rivers the Upper Mekong is the most exciting, “There can be no waterborne experience to match sailing through Laos. The fast river with its continual spate of white water, the jungle clad peaks, the gorges; then there is the friendly welcome in every village, the ethnic diversity and the cultural riches. Traversing the remotest parts of four very different countries you see all of South-East Asia, lost and timeless”. Pandaw were the first to open luxury river expeditions in Laos in 2015 and added a second ship last year extending the programme from Laos to Thailand to continue to China. According to VP Sales and Marketing, Marco Rosa, “We have seen considerable demand for Laos and this current year both our ships are more-or-less full. This new vessel will really help satisfy that demand”. Youthful Pandaw travellers are an intrepid bunch and use the vessel as a base for expeditions ashore, trekking or by mountain bike. Cuisine on board is mixed Laos-Thai and international dishes are available on request. Last year 45% of Pandaw’s FIT bookings were repeaters and the Pandaw brand enjoys cult status amongst its followers. Pandaw believes in giving back to society. Paul Strachan, Founder & CEO, established the Pandaw charity in 2008 to support education and healthcare efforts in Burma. The charity is entirely sponsored by donations from Pandaw passengers and a profit share from Pandaw River Expeditions. Ultimately, this ethical, exceptional company make the ideal partner for anyone seeking a truly unforgettable holiday. Luxury holiday provider Pandaw announces the launch of the new Rv Sabei Pandaw. “Pandaw were the first to open luxury river expeditions in Laos in 2015 and added a second ship last year extending the programme from Laos to Thailand to continue to China.”