RV PANDAW 1947 CRUISE

The RV Pandaw and other 5 similar so called “class P” design vessels was commissioned after the end of the Second World War by the Inland Water Transport Board of the government of the Union of Burma with the technical expertise of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company at that time acting as Agents to the I.W.T. Board under an agreement.
Rv Pandaw was built in Scotland on the Clyde by the famous ships builder Yarrow & Co on 1947 with the same design of the pre-war Quarter Wheeler steamers of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company. After being boarded up in order to protect her from the sea waves, she left Scotland for the delivery voyage to Burma on the 1950. On the 12th January 1951 she started to serve the Inland Water Transport (Irrawaddy Flotilla was nationalized on the 1st of June 1948) on the route Mandalay- Bhamo for both cargo and passengers transportation.
In the 1998 she was hired from Inland Water Transport and converted into a 16 cabins luxurious river cruise vessel by the Historian Mr. Paul Strachan and his wife, who is also the founder of the revived Irrawaddy Flotilla Company.
After 5 successful years of cultural cruises operations in the Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers of Myanmar, IFC decided to not renew the charter contract with IWT anymore because the Old Lady Rv Pandaw needed some major repairs and refitting, an investment that IFC probably deemed not convenient as they have already built two bigger new Pandaw replicas with higher passenger capacity.
In the second half of the 2003 Interconnection Co. Ltd signed the charter agreement with IWT and the Pandaw underwent to major renovations in the Marine Side at the Yangon Dalla Dockyards. As far as the Hotel side is concerned new furniture has been specially designed and new Food and Beverage equipment have been bought.
Historic Technical Details
The principal original dimensions of these 6 class “P” vessels were 130 feet by 34 feet and the design draft was 4 feet. The carrying capacity was 476 passengers and the cargo capacity was 210 Tons. The propulsion system was originally fitted with Quarter wheels propelled by slow speed diesel engine. The engine, reverse reduction gear box seated in forward of amid ship and worm gears box, paddle wheels fitted in extreme aft of the vessel for even keel condition. The light draft of the vessel is 2 feet only and fully loaded condition is nearly 4 feet. The hull form is box shape with round bilge, spoon bow and cut up stern for paddle wheels access. According to the spare parts scarcity, the main engine and propulsion system was reinstalled with outboard propulsion system after thirty years of service. It was over 1980 that our Rv Pandaw 1947 was major repaired in Dalla Dockyard and re-engines with Hydromaster Outboard propulsion system. The main engine is a Dorman 250Hp and transmission is Hydromaster produced in UK. At that time the hull structure was renovated and the engine room converted into cargo hold and a new propulsion system was installed in the extreme aft of the vessel. The new length is now 148 Feet, breadth and width same as before. Due to the re-powering, the vessel could be able to carry more passengers and cargos due to weight saving. Seventeen years after re-powering the vessel was converted into a tourist pleasure cruise vessel in the Myanma Shipyard (Sinmalike) by the revived Irrawaddy Flotilla Company Ltd. and during their management docking was performed annually at the Dalla Dockyard. In the 2003 under the management of Interconnection Co Ltd the ship underwent a major refitting.
Rv Pandaw is listed in the “The international register of Historic Ships” of the WORLD SHIP TRUST
”…Built in Scotland in 1947, the Pandaw is the same design as the original shallow draft of Irrawaddy Flotilla Company paddle steamers that coped so well with the difficult conditions of Irrawaddy. In 1997 we discovered old Pandaw laid-up at Mandalay. It was love at first sight. But the condition was terrible. On account of her ultra draft she had used mainly on the Mandalay-Bhamo run [...]. Pigs ran freely on the lower deck and 50 years of overloading with passengers and goods had taken his toll. Yet Yarrow built a STRONG ship and WE reckoned SHE was good for another 50 YEARS…”

Built in Scotland 1947 (by Yarrow & Co. Scotland), converted to a Passenger Cruise Vessel 1997 by Irrawaddy Flotilla Co. Refitted and refurbished 2003-04 by IWT (Inland Water Transport) & Ayravata Cruises.
Hull     Steel
Length     150ft (45.72 Mt)
Beam     34ft (11.5 Mt)
Draft     2.6ft (0.8 Mt)
Decks     3
Main Deck (6 Cabins)
Upper Deck (10 Cabins-Saloon-Dining Room)
Sundeck / Solarium (Length 20 Mt.
Furnished with Steamer Chairs/Sun Lounges/ Rattan Armchairs for 32 pax)
Diesel Engines     2 x 300hp MWM * Model: TBD-234V6
Propulsion Schotel     Outboard * Model: SRP-100/110
Max. Upriver Speed     6 Miles per Hour
Max. Downriver Speed     11 Miles per Hour
Navigation     Navigation lights, ships horn, searchlight
Comms     Gsm phone, Internal phone system, Tannoy for navigation
Generators     2 x 95 kva Denyo Gensets
Fire Protection     21 Smoke Detectors, 4 Heat Detectors, 8 Manual alarms stations, Electronic Control Panel Silent Knight (Made in USA) – 20 Fire Extinguishers – 8 Fire Hose Cabinets, fire pump
Safety     Emergency lights, Emergency Generator, life jackets for all on board and life rafts
Cabins
Cabins     16 deluxe cabins with own shower/wc (Berths 32)
Size:     3,35 Mt X 4.00 Mt (132″ X 158″)
Bar     1
Dining Room     1 (32 Seats)
Kitchen     1 Fully Equipped Kitchen
Water     Desedimentation and full water treatment – Reverse Osmosis System for the Kitchen.
Sewage     Treatment plant

11 DAYS: GOLDEN MYANMAR
UPSTREAM : Yangon – Prome – Thayetmyo – Minhla – Magwe – Salay – Bagan – River Village – Ava – Mandalay – Amarapura – Kyauk Myaung – Mingun – Sagaing
Day 1 : Rangoon/Yangon – Prome/Pyay – Thayetmyo
Drive to Prome by coach and board Pandaw 1947. Once controlled by the Mon during the Bagan Era and then conquered by the Burmese King Alaungpaya in the 1754, this quiet town boomed along with the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in the 1890’s and it is now an important trading post. In the afternoon we drive to Thayekhittaya (also known as Sri Ksetra, the “Fabulous city” in Pali language), an ancient Pyu city that ruled in this area between the 5th and the 9th century AD. In central Prome if time permits we visit the impressive Shwesandaw Pagoda complex, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site of Myanmar, and the Wunchataung Paya (Apology Mountain Pagoda) a vantage point of the Shwesandaw Pagoda and the surrounding mountains.
Day 2 : Thayetmyo – Minhla
Early Morning exploration of Thayetmyo: the oldest golf course of Myanmar, the market and the old colonial houses. Proceed cruising upstream. Moor overnight off Minhla.
Day 3 : Minhla – Magwe
In the morning we reach Minhla and Gwechaung by local boat. Visit the two forts built by two Italian Military Engineers for the Burmese King in order to keep the British at bay from Royal Myanmar at the time of the 2nd Anglo-Burmese War. Arrive Magwe in the afternoon. Visit Myat Than Lun Paya, a 1929 built pagoda of gold solid bricks set on a hilltop with a beautiful view of the river. If time permits we drive to Minbu a small village across the river where we explore the Nga Ka Pwe Taung (Dragon Lake), a burping pond of Butane Gas set in a moon-like plot of land with bubbling pools.
Day 4 : Magwe – Salay
Visit the Magwe picturesque market by trishaw. Sail all day upstream.
Day 5 : Salay – Tan Kyi
Visit Salay, a village founded in the 13th century with Bagan-era shrines, beautiful 19th century teak monasteries and preserved British colonial buildings. Continue Upstream to the village of Tan Kyi. Reach the mountaintop by WW2 jeep where stands one of the four stupas that marked the original edges of the city and enjoy a marvelous sunset over Bagan plain.
Day 6 : Bagan
We visit a selection of the 2,000 listed pagodas and temples and lacquerware shops in Bagan.
Day 7 : Bagan – Yandabo
Cast off time at 10.30 hrs. We cruise upstream all day. Stop at Shwe Pyi Thar village for a walk. In the early evening we arrive at Yandabo, a picturesque village that specializes in Pot-Making, where the peace treaty of the First Anglo-Burmese war signed on Feb. 24, 1826. Dinner followed by a Puppet Show performance in the village or sundeck.
Day 8 : Yandabo – Ava/Inwa
We explore Ava by horse-cart visiting the beautiful 200 year old teak Bagaya Kyaung Monastery, Nanmyin watchtower (27mt. high) and the Me Nu Ok Kyaung monastery. We travel by sampan and coach to Amarapura, the penultimate Burmese Royal Capital (1783) to visit U-Bein Bridge followed by central Mandalay visiting Mahamuni Pagoda, a Gold leaf making workshop and if time permits Mandalay Hill. Back to the ship for lunch and proceed upstream (ETD 13:30/14:00). Moor overnight nearby a river village North of Mandalay.
Day 9 : Ava – Mandalay Amarapura – Kyauk Myaung
Early Morning we go ashore for a walk through the village stopping to some pot-making workshops to learn their unique production technique, the school and the monastery. Back to the ship for breakfast and cast off (ETD 09.00 hrs). We continue upstream to the ancient city of Ava, capital of the Burmese Kingdom from 1364 to 1841.
Day 10 : Kyauk Myaung – Mingun – Sagaing
Visit the spectacular potteries-making village of Kyauk Myaung, and see the manufacture stages of the famous 50 Gallons (200 Litres) pots (1.5 hours visit). Cruise downstream to Mingun where we visited the unfinished pagoda, the largest working bell in the world and the “home for the aged”. Moor overnight at Sagaing. Dance and Theatre performance on the Sundeck.
Day 11 : Sagaing (Disembark) – Yangon
Disembark at Sagaing. End our service
Cruise Price Includes:
* All meals &, Coffee/Tea/Water
* Sightseeing as described in the Itinerary
* Ayravata Cruises English Speaking Guide (additional non-English speaking guide is provided if more than 8 cabins are booked by parties speaking the same language)
* All Entrance Fees
* Transfer by coach to/from Prome
Cruise Price Excludes:
* Drinks, laundry, all items of a personal nature
* health-accident-baggage or travel protection plan outside the ship’s boundaries
* fuel surcharges if applicable
* Hotel in Rangoon

DOWNSTREAM : Mandalay – Kyauk Myaung – Mingun – Sagaing – Amarapura – Ava – River Village – Bagan – Salay – Magwe – Thayetmyo – Prome – Yangon
DAY 1 : Mandalay – Kyauk Myaung
Board the Ship at Gawein Jetty (11.30-12.00 hrs), welcome cocktail and lunch. Sail upstream (ETD 12.30/13.00) and moor overnight at a river village North of Mandalay.
DAY 2 : Kyauk Myaung – Mingun –Sagaing
Visit the spectacular potteries-making village of Kyauk Myaung, and see the manufacture stages of the famous 50 Gallons (200 Litres) pots (1.5 hours visit). Cruise downstream to Mingun. Visit the unfinished pagoda, the largest working bell in the world and the “home for the aged”. Moor overnight at Sagaing. Dance and Theatre performance on the Sundeck.
DAY 3 : Sagaing – Ava – Yandabo
Visit Sagaing, a hill studded with many Pagodas and Monasteries rich in wood carving and religious art, Amarapura the penultimate Burmese Royal Capital (1783) and U-Bein Bridge. On the way back to ship we stop at one of the several silk-weaving factories. Afternoon we travel by coach to the ancient city of Ava, capital of the Burmese Kingdom from 1364 to 1841. We explore the ruins by horse cart visiting the beautiful 200 year’s old Bagaya Kyaung teak Monastery, Nanmyin watchtower (27mt. high) and the Me Nu Ok Kyaung monastery. Return to the ship and cast off.
DAY 4 : Yandabo – Bagan
Stop at Yandabo, a picturesque river village specializing in Pot-Making, where the peace treaty of the First Anglo-Burmese war signed on Feb. 24, 1826. Explore the village stopping to some pot-making workshops to learn their unique production technique, the school and the monastery. Arrive in Bagan in the early evening.
DAY 5 : Bagan
We visit a selection of the 2,000 listed pagodas and temples and lacquerware shops in Bagan.
DAY 6 : Bagan – Tan Kyi
Further exploration of Bagan. Cast off at 15.30 and sail downriver to reach the village of Tan Kyi on the opposite side of the river. Reach the mountaintop by WW2 jeep where stands one of the four stupas that marked the original edges of the city and enjoy a marvelous sunset over Bagan plain.
DAY 7 : Tan Kyi – Salay/ Salay – Magwe
Sail downstream to Salay, a 7,000 residents village founded in the 13th century with Bagan-era shrines, beautiful 19th century teak monasteries and preserved British colonial buildings. We visit the huge Youqson Kyaung wooden monastery designed as a copy of the Crown Prince House of Mandalay; we explore then an area of colonial buildings and some interesting Bagan-era monuments such as Payathonzu and the Shinpinsarkyo Paya. Back to the boat for lunch and proceed south to Magwe.
DAY 8 : Magwe – Minhla / Minhla – Thayetmyo
Early morning visit Myat Than Lun Paya, a 1929 built pagoda set on a hilltop with a beautiful view of the river. We drive then to Minbu a small village across the river where we explore the Nga Ka Pwe Taung (Dragon Lake), a burping pond of Butane Gas set in a moon-like plot of land with bubbling pools. Back to the boat and cast off before lunchtime. Stop in Minhla and Gwechaung to visit the two forts built by two Italian Military Engineers for the Burmese King in order to keep the British at bay from Royal Myanmar at the time of the 2nd Anglo-Burmese War. Proceed downstream to Thayetmyo, a pleasant colonial town.
DAY 9 : Thayetmyo – Prome-Pyay
Early Morning exploration of Thayetmyo: the oldest golf course of Myanmar, the market and the old colonial houses. Proceed sailing downriver. In late evening we arrive in Prome (Pyay) Once controlled by the Mon during the Bagan Era and then conquered by the Burmese King Alaungpaya in the 1754, this quiet town located 8 Km West of the famous ancient Pyu capital of Thayekhittaya, boomed along with the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in the 1890’s and it is now an important trading post.
DAY 10 : Prome-Pyay (Thayekhittaya)
Drive to Thayekhittaya (also known as Sri Ksetra, the Faboulous city in Pali language), a huge ancient Pyu city that ruled in this area between the 5th and the 9th century AD. We visit also the impressive Shwesandaw Pagoda complex, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site of Myanmar, and the Wunchataung Paya (Apology Mountain Pagoda) a vantage point of the Shwesandaw Pagoda and the surrounding mountains.
DAY 11 : Prome-Pyay (Thayekhittaya) – Yangon (By Coach)
Disembark and drive by coach to Yangon. End our service
Cruise Price Includes:
* All meals &, Coffee/Tea/Water
* Sightseeing as described in the Itinerary
* Ayravata Cruises English Speaking Guide (additional non-English speaking guide is provided if more than 8 cabins are booked by parties speaking the same language)
* All Entrance Fees
* Transfer by coach to/from Prome
Cruise Price Excludes:
* Drinks, laundry, all items of a personal nature
* health-accident-baggage or travel protection plan outside the ship’s boundaries
* fuel surcharges if applicable
* Hotel in Rangoon

6 DAYS : THE ROYAL CAPITALS
UPSTREAM : Yangon – Bagan – River Village – Ava-Mandalay-Amarapura- Kyauk Myaung – Mingun-Sagaing
Day 1 : Bagan
Embark Pandaw1947 at 08.30. We visit a selection of the 2,000 listed pagodas and temples and lacquerware shops. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight on board.
Day 2 : Bagan-Yandabo
Cast off time at 10.30 hrs. We cruise upstream all day. Stop at Shwe Pyi Thar village for a walk. In the early evening we arrive at Yandabo, a picturesque village that specializes in Pot-Making, where the peace treaty of the First Anglo-Burmese war signed on Feb. 24, 1826. Dinner followed by a Puppet Show performance in the village or sundeck.
Day 3 : Yandabo – Ava/Inwa
Early Morning we go ashore for a walk through the village stopping to some pot-making workshops to learn their unique production technique, the school and the monastery. Back to the ship for breakfast and cast off (ETD 09.00 hrs). We continue upstream to the ancient city of Ava, capital of the Burmese Kingdom from 1364 to 1841.
Day 4 : Ava – Mandalay Amarapura – Kyauk Myaung
We explore Ava by horse-cart visiting the beautiful 200 year old teak Bagaya Kyaung Monastery, Nanmyin watchtower (27mt. high) and the Me Nu Ok Kyaung monastery. We travel by sampan and coach to Amarapura, the penultimate Burmese Royal Capital (1783) to visit U-Bein Bridge followed by central Mandalay visiting Mahamuni Pagoda, a Gold leaf making workshop and if time permits Mandalay Hill. Back to the ship for lunch and proceed upstream. Moor overnight nearby a river village North of Mandalay.
Day 5 : Kyauk Myaung – Mingun – Sagaing
Visit the spectacular potteries-making village of Kyauk Myaung, and see the manufacture stages of the famous 50 Gallons (200 Litres) pots (1.5 hours visit). Cruise downstream to Mingun where we visit the unfinished pagoda, the largest working bell in the world and the “home for the aged”. Moor overnight at Sagaing. Dance and Theatre performance on the Sundeck.
Day 6 : Sagaing (Disembark)
Disembark at Sagaing. End our service
Cruise Price Includes:
* All meals &, Coffee/Tea/Water
* Sightseeing as described in the Itinerary
* Ayravata Cruises English Speaking Guide (additional non-English speaking guide is provided if more than 8 cabins are booked by parties speaking the same language)
* All Entrance Fees
* Transfer by coach to/from Prome
Cruise Price Excludes:
* Drinks, laundry, all items of a personal nature
* health-accident-baggage or travel protection plan outside the ship’s boundaries
* fuel surcharges if applicable
* Hotel in Rangoon

DOWNSTREAM : Mandalay – Kyauk Myaung – Mingun – Sagaing Ava– Amarapura – Ava – River Villiage – Bagan
DAY 1 : Mandalay – Kyauk Myaung
Board the Ship at Gawein Jetty (11.30-12.00 hrs), welcome cocktail and lunch. Sail upstream (ETD 12.30/13.00) and moor overnight at a river village North of Mandalay.
DAY 2 : Kyauk Myaung – Mingun –Sagaing
Visit the spectacular potteries-making village of Kyauk Myaung, and see the manufacture stages of the famous 50 Gallons (200 Litres) pots (1.5 hours visit). Cruise downstream to Mingun. Visit the unfinished pagoda, the largest working bell in the world and the “home for the aged”.. Moor overnight at Sagaing. Dance and Theatre performance on the Sundeck.
DAY 3 : Sagaing – Amarapura – Ava – Yandabo
Visit Sagaing, a hill studded with many Pagodas and Monasteries rich in wood carving and religious art, Amarapura the penultimate Burmese Royal Capital (1783) and U-Bein Bridge. On the way back to ship we stop at one of the several silk-weaving factories. Afternoon we travel by coach to the ancient city of Ava, capital of the Burmese Kingdom from 1364 to 1841. We explore the ruins by horse cart visiting the beautiful 200 year’s old Bagaya Kyaung teak Monastery, Nanmyin watchtower (27mt. high) and the Me Nu Ok Kyaung monastery. Return to the ship and cast off.
DAY 4 : Yandabo – Bagan
Stop at Yandabo, a picturesque river village specializing in Pot-Making, where the peace treaty of the First Anglo-Burmese war signed on Feb. 24, 1826. Explore the village stopping to some pot-making workshops to learn their unique production technique, the school and the monastery. Arrive in Bagan in the early evening.
DAY 5 : Bagan
We visit a selection of the 2,000 listed pagodas and temples and lacquerware shops in Bagan.
DAY 6 : Bagan (Disembark)
Morning Disembark. End our service
Cruise Price Includes:
* All meals &, Coffee/Tea/Water
* Sightseeing as described in the Itinerary
* Ayravata Cruises English Speaking Guide (additional non-English speaking guide is provided if more than 8 cabins are booked by parties speaking the same language)
* All Entrance Fees
* Transfer by coach to/from Prome
Cruise Price Excludes:
* Drinks, laundry, all items of a personal nature
* health-accident-baggage or travel protection plan outside the ship’s boundaries
* fuel surcharges if applicable
* Hotel in Rangoon

8 DAYS : THE BHAMO CRUISE
Mandalay –Kyauk Myaung – Tagaung – Katha – Bhamo – Shwegu – Mingun – Mandalay
MONDAY : Mandalay (Gawein) – Mingun
Embark the ship at 12.30 hrs. We cast off at 13.00 hrs and sail upstream to Mingun. Visit the unfinished pagoda, the largest working bell in the world and the “home for the ages”. Moor overnight nearby a river village.
TUESDAY : Mingun – River Village
Cast off early in the morning. Stop at a typical river village for sightseeing. We enter the Third Defile (Gorge). Moor overnight nearby a river village.
WEDNESDAY : River Village – Tagaung
Stop at Tagaung to explore the ancient city archaeological area and the fortifications around 9:00 am. Continue sail upstream all day. Moor overnight nearby a river village.
THURSDAY : Tagaung – Katha
After breakfast we arrive Katha, the setting of the George Orwell’s book “Burmese Days” and also the place where hundreds of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company ships were scuttled in 1942 before the Japanese could seize them. We explore this pleasant colonial town surrounded by hills plenty of hardwood forests and “Elephant Logging Camp” located west of Khatha. If time permit we will also visit the lake Indaw. Moor overnight nearby Sin Khan village.
FRIDAY : Katha – Bhamo
We continue sailing upstream to Bhamo and walking tour of the town, an important trading post located just 50 miles from the Chinese border. After lunch, we will try to reach the village of Sinbo set below the 1st Defile by local boat. Moor overnight at Bhamo.
SATURDAY : Bhamo – Katha
After breakfast, we enter the dramatic 2nd defile with its magnificent cliffs reaching down the narrow channel and visit a typical river village. Back to the ship before lunch and cast off for the Downstream return journey to Mandalay. Moor overnight at River Village.
SUNDAY : Katha – Kyauk Myaung
Cruise all day. Arrive the spectacular potteries-making village of Kyauk Myaung around early evening , and see the manufacture stages of the famous 50 Gallons (200 litres) pots (1.5 hours visit). Handbook of Sailings & General Information * SEP 2010-APR 2011 (2nd Ed. Mar 2010) / Page 28 of 46 We arrive near Htone Gyi Village around late evening. Dance and Theatre performance from Mandalay Art School on the Sundeck. Moor overnight near a river village.
MONDAY : Mingun – Mandalay
After breakfast, disembark at Mandalay Gawein Jetty around 10:00 hrs. End our service
Cruise Price Includes:
* All meals &, Coffee/Tea/Water
* Sightseeing as described in the Itinerary
* Ayravata Cruises English Speaking Guide (additional non-English speaking guide is provided if more than 8 cabins are booked by parties speaking the same language)
* All Entrance Fees
Cruise Price Excludes:
* Drinks, laundry, all items of a personal nature
* health-accident-baggage or travel protection plan outside the ship’s boundaries
* domestic flights.
* fuel surcharges if applicable