Refit complete for Mekong Pandaw

#expeditioncruising

The river cruiser Mekong Pandaw has emerged from a major refit as one of the finest examples of floating colonial era indulgence in Southeast Asia.

Butler service, redesigned staterooms with French windows, beds that can be configured twin or double, new bathrooms and airconditioning, and more personal deck space are major features of the upgrade.

All lower deck cabins were removed creating room for a gymnasium, spa, library, a shop, and office, reducing the ship’s capacity to 48 (in 24 staterooms).

Guests will also be offered an I-pad with its own Pandaw app that contains maps, itineraries, daily programmes, movies and e-postcards. Wi-fi is available throughout the ship.

The sundeck, a favourite spot for gin and tonics at sunset, has been retained and redecorated.

Hand finished in brass and teak in Yangon (Rangoon) by traditional Burmese craftsmen 10 years ago, the 60m long Mekong Pandaw is a replica of the river steamers that plied Burma’s Irrawaddy River in the 1930’s and 40’s.

Pandaw will have 13 colonial river cruisers on the Mekong, Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers in 2014 and more are planned.

The Mekong Pandaw has cruises between Saigon and Siem Reap for three, four, seven, or 10 nights.

Bookings through travel agents. Further information www.pandaw.com <http://www.pandaw.com> or John Boyd jlbati@ozemail.com.au