Deckplan
Built in
2014
Capacity
20
By
Pandaw Cruises
The Zawgyi Pandaw is a boutique river cruise vessel, designed for travelers seeking a personalized and immersive journey along Southeast Asia’s historic waterways. Built with classic colonial-style craftsmanship, featuring hand-polished teakwood and brass finishes, this elegant ship offers a blend of heritage charm and modern comfort. Guests can relax in spacious staterooms with panoramic windows, unwind in open-air lounges, and enjoy expertly prepared regional cuisine while taking in stunning river views. With expert-led excursions, cultural encounters, and exclusive access to remote villages and historical sites, the Zawgyi Pandaw delivers an enriching and unforgettable travel experience. Carefully selected by Small Ship Travel, this boutique river cruise provides an authentic and refined way to explore Southeast Asia’s legendary rivers.
Sailings on this ship
We'll email you the current itineraries we sell on RV Zawgyi Pandaw, plus the reasons travelers book with Small Ship Travel. Reply anytime to ask about specific cabins, dates, or itineraries.
Suites
150 sq. feet
-<ul><li>6 main deck staterooms</li><li>150 square feet (14sqm), finished in teak and brass</li><li>Panoramic sliding window</li><li>Kimonos and slippers</li><li>Spa-branded amenities</li><li>Unlimited mineral water</li><li>Electric mini safe</li><li>Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows</li><li>Premium mattresses</li><li>Convertible bed configuration</li><li>Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift</li><li>Mirror</li><li>Multi-configuration plugs</li><li>Generous closet space and under-bed storage</li><li>Hair dryer</li><li>Daily nightly turndown service</li><li>24h laundry service</li><li>Complimentary evening canapés and cocktails</li><li>Yoga mats in all cabins</li></ul>
150 sq. feet
-<ul><li>4 upper deck staterooms</li><li>150 square feet (14sqm), finished in teak and brass</li><li>Panoramic sliding window</li><li>Kimonos and slippers</li><li>Spa-branded amenities</li><li>Unlimited mineral water</li><li>Electric mini safe</li><li>Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows</li><li>Premium mattresses</li><li>Convertible bed configuration</li><li>Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift</li><li>Mirror</li><li>Multi-configuration plugs</li><li>Generous closet space and under-bed storage</li><li>Hair dryer</li><li>Daily nightly turndown service</li><li>24h laundry service</li><li>Complimentary evening canapés and cocktails</li><li>Yoga mats in all cabins</li></ul>
Pandaw Cruises runs river expeditions along some of Asia's most scenic and historically rich waterways, built for travellers who want a deep, unhurried experience. Its roots trace to the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company of 1865, and the modern company has reworked small-ship river cruising by pairing authentic regional exploration with real comfort. Voyages reach remote, culturally significant places and give guests a close view of the landscapes and communities along Asia's great rivers.
The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company was founded in 1865 by Scottish merchants and grew into a major river transport operation across the region. In 1995, Burma historian Paul Strachan revived the company, and Pandaw became the first operator to reintroduce river expeditions on the Irrawaddy and Chindwin Rivers. Since then it has expanded to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and India, opening up remote river routes and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Pandaw's traditionally designed ships, handcrafted from brass and teak, are intimate yet roomy, blending heritage character with modern amenities. Their shallow drafts and small guest numbers let them navigate narrow, less-travelled waterways, reaching small villages, quiet landscapes, and notable cultural sites. As part of its growth, Pandaw introduced the Kochi Pandaw in South India, running seven-night cruises through Kerala's backwaters.
Pandaw's voyages centre on cultural immersion and experiential travel, taking guests beyond the usual tourist routes. Each day brings guided shore excursions to temples, markets, and rural communities, with the chance to engage with local traditions and daily life. Onboard, guests enjoy regional cuisine, open-air lounges, and talks by expert guides, so the journey stays both relaxing and rewarding.
Pandaw works to make river cruising welcoming to a wide range of travellers, waiving the single supplement on select expeditions so solo travellers are not penalised. It also encourages multi-generational travel, with children under 18 sailing free on select family-friendly voyages during school holidays. That openness makes Pandaw a strong choice for travellers who want a personal, meaningful trip.
At Small Ship Travel, we focus on curating the finest small-ship cruise experiences, choosing the ones that meet our standards for cultural authenticity, comfort, and service. After careful review, we are glad to include Pandaw Cruises in our collection, recognising its commitment to heritage, distinctive itineraries, and immersive travel.
Through our partnership with Pandaw, we offer access, personalised itineraries, and well-planned logistics for a relaxed, enriching trip. Whether you are exploring the Mekong, the waterways of India, or the rivers of Myanmar, Small Ship Travel works directly with Pandaw to plan a memorable voyage.
Booking with Small Ship Travel gives you expert guidance, tailored itineraries, and concierge-level support across your Pandaw voyage. From pre- and post-cruise arrangements to private excursions and travel logistics, we handle the detail so you can enjoy the journey.
Plan a river adventure with Pandaw Cruises and Small Ship Travel, where history, culture, and exploration come together. Contact us to start planning your next voyage.
consultation
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.