Pandaw

The Pandaw dining rooms are designed to open up along the sides to allow cool breezes to waft through. Only at night we do close them up and turn on the air-conditioning. We know our passengers prefer fresh air to chilled air. The new Katha Pandaw, designed in response to feedback from our passengers, has no formal dining room but rather an open air dining space on deck.

At Pandaw we pride ourselves on offering a great choice of local cuisine and exotic foods. We source supplies and ingredients as locally as possible, always in accordance with strictly-monitored environmental health standards.

Breakfast is a buffet, while lunch features a buffet, plus soup, salad and a desert table, with the main course served at the table. Dinner is by waiter-service at the table.

We are happy to cater for individual dietary preferences. Passengers who prefer not to be served hot or spicy foods are offered delicious European-style alternatives and vegetarians are especially well catered for. Other special diets may be accommodated, by prior arrangement. Our chefs know that most passengers want to sample versions of the best, most characteristic dishes of each country they pass through.

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.

As well as the shore excursions, there are also a number of onboard activities that you can choose to take part in if you wish. These include things like fruit carving, napkin arranging and even cooking lessons. As well as these, you will be treated to onboard performances that aim to immerse you in the local culture. 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.

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.

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

As well as your personal cabin space and the dining area, each ship has a library in which you can take advantage of the modern and classical literature or simply relax. In most cases, there is also a fair-trade shop. All ‘P Class’ vessels have a sun deck, which includes a bar, from which you can admire the breathtaking scenery as it floats by.

Cycling

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.

Contrary to some perceptions, Pandaw river expeditions are not just for the more mature. They offer brilliant educational experiences for younger people. Given that all our sailing areas are very safe and secure and the local people are friendly, these sailings provide a great way for your kids to interact with locals and learn about different cultures.

We carry fishing rods and badminton nets, and often when we tether for the night on a sand bank, the crew will set up the badminton net or arrange a game of football with the locals all joining in. We carry also board games like chess, Monopoly and Scrabble to while away those long afternoons cruising. Kids also enjoy the cookery demonstrations and other onboard activities. Certain school holiday departures are designated as especially 'family friendly'.

Currently only available on our Mekong Pandaw ship, the Pandaw Spa offers head massage, foot massage and body massages in dedicated spa areas.

Our onboard spa is compact in size and staffed by a single highly-trained individual. As demand can be high, please be sure to book in advance.