RV Katha Pandaw

Local master chef heading an experienced international culinary team
Semi-buffet breakfast, semi-buffet lunch, and seated theme dinners
Daily lean & light menu options
Complimentary local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes
Extensive wine list with premium wines
Series of cultural performances, educational talks, cooking classes, and ship tour
Welcome drink on arrival
Welcome cocktail
Farewell reception
Theme dinners
Open air lounge and bar
24hrs hospitality bar
Onboard bakery with daily freshly baked breads and rolls

Whilst the peace and tranquillity of our passengers is our priority and many passengers prefer to read, write or engage in painting or photography, we do offer a number of social activities that have become a traditional part of any Pandaw river expedition.
There are a number of social events during an expedition which will include a welcome dinner, cocktail parties on deck, a farewell gala dinner and dinners themed with local menus and costume. In the Burma dry season we often tie up on a sandbank and have a barbeque beach party on the sands, usually around a bonfire in winter.

Sun deck with bar and seating.

Shop, supporting fair trade

Library with contemporary and classic literature

Excursions ashore are a key part of any Pandaw river expedition. These may take the form of a good walk through the countryside and villages; further explorations by speedboat going deeper into jungle or up river; horse cart rides in Burma or cyclos in Cambodia.
We try not to use cars or coaches wherever possible and in some places only the most basic local transportation is available, like at Katha in Burma where you may find yourself in the back of a truck looking for a working elephant camp.

We stop at least once a day, and usually twice. On the Mekong we will spend a day and a night in exciting Phnom Penh; in Burma we need at least a day and a half in both Pagan and Mandalay. Our expert guides will accompany you on these explorations ashore or you are welcome to make individual excursions as there are no issues of safety or security in any of the ports we visit.

All scheduled excursions are accompanied by members of the crew with first aid kits, water and cold towels
Entrance fees for sights included in the itinerary
Comprehensive fact sheets or 'trip books' provided
Passengers can visit Pandaw Charity projects along the way and interact with the local communities who welcome us
There is an opportunity to travel to local markets with the Pandaw Head Chef at least once during the cruise programme
We provide crew assists for those who require them in areas where river banks are steep and slippery
While individual excursions are encouraged, passengers are asked to rejoin the ship at the appointed time to avoid delays in our schedule

Imagine making your own discoveries by bike though the pagodas and temples of Pagan or exploring the scenic Burmese countryside and friendly villages at your own pace.

Pandaw offers high quality Giant brand mountain bikes on all Pandaw ships, for departures from December 2015. At each river stop, the Pandaw crew will advise travellers on the best routes to follow for independent exploration and if required, a member of the crew will accompany travellers on their cycle adventures.

From its earliest days, the Pandaw concept has been deeply rooted in cultural and historical expertise, worn lightly. On any Pandaw river expedition, daily briefings are hosted by your purser and guide, which provide a forum to discuss the day's events and plans.

Most sailings will feature at least one cultural performance: in Burma it is the marionette theatre; in Cambodia the Royal Khmer Ballet; in Laos villagers perform a dance on deck.

We also offer a range of onboard activities including: cooking demonstrations, fruit carving, napkin tying and a tour of the working ship.

Themed movie nights are also popular - the film Indochine in Vietnam, The Killing Fields in Cambodia and The Lady in Burma are some of the favourites.

Sports items: basket balls, soccer balls, badminton sets are always great for the children to stay fit and play together.
Educational items: writing pads, pencils, pens are always necessities for facilitating learning.
English learning DVD’s with Cambodian instructions, kindergarden and primary school English books are useful.
Personal Care: shampoo, soaps, laundry detergent, toothpaste, tooth brushes, band aids, mosquito nets are always in need.