Pandaw · Pandaw Heritage

RV Katha Pandaw

RV Katha Pandaw is a 28-passenger Pandaw Heritage river cruise vessel operated by Pandaw. Launched in 2015, she measures approximately 46 metres in length and offers 14 staterooms and suites across 2 passenger decks. RV Katha Pandaw primarily sails the Irrawaddy, with seasonal repositioning to additional waterways.

Launched2015
Guests28
Cabins14
Decks2
Length46 m

About RV Katha Pandaw

RV Katha Pandaw belongs to Pandaw's Pandaw Heritage series and entered service in 2015. Built to navigate the lock systems and bridge clearances of European waterways, she measures roughly 46 metres in length and accommodates up to 28 guests in 14 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 Katha 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 Katha 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 Katha 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