Pandaw · Pandaw Heritage

RV Burma Pandaw

RV Burma Pandaw is a 40-passenger Pandaw Heritage river cruise vessel operated by Pandaw. Launched in 2013, she measures approximately 55 metres in length and offers 20 staterooms and suites across 2 passenger decks. RV Burma Pandaw primarily sails the Irrawaddy, with seasonal repositioning to additional waterways.

Launched2013
Guests40
Cabins20
Decks2
Length55 m

About RV Burma Pandaw

RV Burma Pandaw belongs to Pandaw's Pandaw Heritage series and entered service in 2013. Built to navigate the lock systems and bridge clearances of European waterways, she measures roughly 55 metres in length and accommodates up to 40 guests in 20 staterooms across 2 passenger decks.

Pandaw was founded by Paul Strachan in 1995 to revive the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company tradition. Its small, two-deck, all-teak vessels run the Irrawaddy, Chindwin, Mekong, Red, Halong Bay and the upper reaches of rivers other operators cannot reach. RV Burma Pandaw reflects that brand DNA — from the design of her public spaces to the inclusions in her base fare.

The ship's typical home waters are the Irrawaddy, where she runs 2 distinct itineraries during the operating season. Repositioning sailings, themed wine cruises and Christmas-market voyages may be added in autumn and early winter.

Background reading: our long-form explainer of the Pandaw fleet philosophy covers the design choices that distinguish Pandaw Heritage ships from the rest of the European fleet.

Cabin categories

The following stateroom and suite categories are offered onboard. Square-foot figures are quoted from the operator's published deck plans and exclude balcony floor space.

CategorySquare feetDeckWindow / viewMax guests
Main Deck Stateroom 168 sq ft Main Deck Sliding teak doors 2
Upper Deck Stateroom 168 sq ft Upper Deck Sliding teak doors 2

Deck plan

RV Burma Pandaw is laid out across 2 passenger decks plus the open-air sun deck. Public spaces, cabins and crew areas are arranged in the configuration described below.

Sun Deck
Open-air sun deck with putting green, walking track, herb garden and shaded lounge.
Upper Deck
Most premium staterooms and suites, plus the panorama lounge and library.
Middle Deck
Mid-tier staterooms with French balconies and the main restaurant.
Main Deck
Standard staterooms with fixed windows, the reception, the gift shop and the spa.
For cabin-selection strategy across this class, see our deck-by-deck guide to choosing a cabin on a Pandaw Heritage-style vessel.

Onboard amenities

  • Sun deck with shaded lounge area
  • Panoramic lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows
  • Main restaurant serving open-seating regional cuisine
  • Casual bistro for breakfast, lunch and late-night snacks
  • Reception with 24-hour staff and concierge service
  • Lift between most passenger decks
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi throughout the ship
  • Hair salon and small fitness room
  • Teak open-air observation deck and sundowner lounge

Featured itineraries

The voyages below are representative of those RV Burma Pandaw sails during her primary season. Exact ports, departure dates and durations vary by year — consult the operator for current schedules.

ItineraryLengthSample portsRegion
Bagan to Mandalay 8 nights Mandalay · Sagaing · Mingun · Yandabo · Pakokku · Bagan Irrawaddy
Irrawaddy Explorer 11 nights Yangon · Pyay · Bagan · Pakokku · Mandalay · Mingun Irrawaddy
Planning notes: our pre-departure logistics guide for Irrawaddy river cruises covers visa requirements, port-of-embarkation transfers and pre-cruise hotel options.

Sister ships in the Pandaw fleet