Zawgyi Pandaw Review
Rating by category
Additional details
Until 2016 cruises up the Chindwin were restricted to the rainy season when the depth of the river was sufficient. We did not fancy cruising in the rain so we were delighted when Pandaw announced they were putting the low draft Zawgyi Pandaw on for cruises in the dry season. We jumped at their offering for 2016/7 New Year cruise and were rewarded by 7 days of warm unbroken sunshine.
Ours was an upstream departure which included transfers from a Mandalay hotel or Mandalay airport.
We chose the latter, the best choice as it turned out, and caught the 07.30 Myanmar National flight from Yangon (UB103 07.30-08.25) on a brand new 737-800, and were met at Mandalay Arrivals and transferred to the Chindwin in a modern comfortable MiniVan . After stopping off to view the unique Kaunghmudaw Pagoda on the way, we arrived at Pandaw in just over 2 hours. Those who elected to stay in Mandalay fared worse-they were collected from their 4 hotels in a bus – some were on the bus for four+ hours.
Cabin Review
Cabins are comfy and have adequate storage space, good aircon, and being more modern than other Pandaw’s, the shower is large with powerful and constant hot water. Although there are no seats outside the cabins the main sun deck has loungers and plenty of seats for everyone. Laundry service is good and not expensive.
WiFi was not fitted (soon to be rectified) but most guests had bought SIM’s for their phones and had good reception most of the time-remarkable as the Captain told us that only in the last year had masts been erected and the towns up the Chindwin connected.