Pandaw is preparing to return to one of Myanmar’s most fascinating river regions, with RV Kanee Pandaw and RV Kha Byoo Pandaw set to operate a new programme through the Irrawaddy Delta. The first departure is now only weeks away, marking an important moment for the company after six years in which the two small vessels remained out of service.
Both ships have recently undergone the final stages of preparation ahead of their return. After sailing together from Pandaw’s base at Pagan to Yangon, they entered dry dock for survey and technical work, while the company also completed the process of securing the necessary permissions for the new expedition. According to Pandaw, the vessels and their crews are now ready to begin operations, with strong interest already recorded among returning guests and members of the company’s community.
The new programme is centred on The Great Irrawaddy Delta, a 10-night expedition sailing roundtrip from Rangoon via Bassein. Pandaw describes the region as a vast and intricate network of waterways made up of seven principal channels and countless smaller creeks, creating a landscape that is ideally suited to exploration by smaller river ships. The delta itself covers more than 1,000 square miles and combines wetlands, agricultural areas, towns and traditional communities linked by waterways that have played a central role in local life for generations.
The area also has a strong historic connection with river transport. During the early decades of the 20th century, the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company operated more than 100 creek steamers across the delta, connecting communities at a time when roads and bridges were still limited. Pandaw’s return therefore carries a certain historical continuity, particularly as the company’s own identity has long been closely linked to the heritage of river navigation in Myanmar.
The itinerary has been designed to focus on exploration rather than simply connecting major destinations. Travellers can expect to experience smaller towns, markets, temples, churches and mosques, together with rural landscapes and areas rich in birdlife. The combination of inhabited waterways and more remote stretches of the delta gives the programme a strong expedition character and reflects Pandaw’s long-standing approach to river cruising in Southeast Asia.
RV Kanee Pandaw will operate the inaugural departure on October 30, 2026, followed by additional sailings throughout November and December. RV Kha Byoo Pandaw will join the programme later in December, with both vessels continuing to operate selected departures into early 2027. Current schedules show a series of 10-night voyages through March 2027, with further departures already listed for late 2027.
The choice of these two K-Class ships is particularly well suited to the delta environment. RV Kanee Pandaw is a small vessel built for shallow-water navigation, while RV Kha Byoo Pandaw is another compact K-Class ship designed for river exploration. Their size allows them to reach waterways and landing points that would be difficult for larger vessels, creating a more intimate style of cruise and closer access to the communities along the route.
Life onboard follows Pandaw’s traditional style, combining comfortable accommodation with a relaxed, open-air atmosphere. The ships offer personalised dining, local and international cuisine, open-air lounge areas and al fresco dining, while the cruise experience includes guided excursions and local cultural encounters. Pandaw also includes services such as entrance fees, English-language guides, crew gratuities, main meals and selected beverages within the cruise fare.
The response to the new programme has already been strong. Pandaw reports that more than 200 guests have booked, many of them repeat travellers familiar with the company’s style of expedition cruising and particularly interested in returning to Myanmar. Several upcoming departures are already showing limited availability, while selected dates are being offered with promotional discounts or no single supplement.
This renewed focus on the Irrawaddy Delta also gives Pandaw an opportunity to showcase a lesser-known side of Myanmar. While the Irrawaddy is often associated with major inland destinations, the delta offers a very different environment, shaped by agricultural communities, waterways and coastal influences. The journey is therefore not only a return to Myanmar for Pandaw, but also a chance to bring guests into a region where the river remains closely connected to daily life.
With two compact expedition ships, a 10-night itinerary and a route designed around the delta’s smaller channels and communities, Pandaw’s new programme represents a natural extension of the company’s river-cruising heritage. The combination of historical significance, local culture and intimate navigation makes The Great Irrawaddy Delta one of the more distinctive additions to Pandaw’s 2026-27 portfolio.
Philippe Couronne
