About RV Mekong Pandaw

Built in 2002, RV Mekong Pandaw was built in Rangoon and specifically designed for expedition cruises on the Mekong River. Her itineraries sail between Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Siem Reap in Cambodia and is the perfect choice for discerning travellers looking to explore the heartland of Southeast Asia.

Despite being a relatively new ship, the RV Mekong Pandaw’s owners have continually strived to perfect this ship for their guests and oversaw a complete refit in 2013. Decorated in a colonial style and finished in brass and teak she is similar to her sister ships which operate on the Irrawaddy and North Vietnam’s Red River.

Equipped with an ultra-shallow draft, RV Mekong Pandaw is able to travel during low water and therefore can reach areas of the Mekong other vessels simply cannot reach. To compliment this ease of access, you can experience an incredible quota of shore excursions during your time on RV Mekong Pandaw, with as many as two complimentary trips ashore per day. These can include everything from visiting local markets with the onboard chef in search of ingredients for your evening meal, taking guided city tours – even exploring the depths of the Mekong’s jungle.

While onboard, you can enjoy a full programme of specialist lectures and presentations from local guides, all of which aid in enriching your experience while in the region. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy at least one cultural performance onboard the ship during each itinerary, such as a thrilling performance by Cambodia’s Royal Khmer Ballet.

RV Mekong Pandaw’s accommodation provides staterooms for up to 48 guests. These are in-keeping with the ship’s overall design and are wonderfully opulent. They boast en suite bathrooms, convertible double or  twin beds, a mini-bar and even your very own complimentary kimono and slippers! Perhaps refreshingly, there are no TVs in RV Mekong Pandaw’s staterooms – after all, the best moving images you will see are found just a few feet from your private French Balcony.

Dining takes place in the ship’s main restaurant. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, comprised of hot and cold delicacies, while dinner in the evening is served course-by-course at your table. If sailing on a voyage of seven nights or longer, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy two theme dinners as well as the traditional farewell gala dinner.

The ship’s public areas are spacious and include an art gallery, a fair-trade shop and a lecture room that also doubles as a cinema room. There is also a gym and library.