Pandaw announces new Burma Coastal Expedition to the remote Mergui Archipelago

Luxury river cruise operator, Pandaw, has announced the launch of four new reconnaissance voyages exploring Burma’s Deep South and the remote Mergui Archipelago.

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The sailings will depart in February and March 2016 aboard the MY Drenec, a high-class expedition ship with only five well-appointed cabins (each with private bathroom) including a spacious upper deck owner’s suite.
The MY Drenec was completely refitted and beautifully upgraded in 2012 with a classic interior design and is ideal for sailing Burma’s undiscovered coastal waters with her own dinghy, snorkelling equipment and even some water skis! A knowledgeable ex-pat expedition director leads each cruise giving daily briefings and talks.
Pandaw’s new coastal voyages will explore the southern region of Burma between the town of Thanbyuzayat and the southernmost town of Victoria Point (Kawthaung).
The region was closed to tourism until mid-2013 and there is still little tourism infrastructure in the towns and cities, but now it is possible to explore the undiscovered old colonial ports and the incredibly beautiful and little known Mergui Archipelago with its thousand tropical islands, stunning white beaches and sea gypsy inhabitants.
Pandaw’s itinerary also visits the charming town of Moulmein and includes a stop at the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, famous for its Golden Rock. 
Hugh Clayson, Pandaw’s Commercial Director said: “Pandaw clients will be one of the first to discover one of the world’s most beautiful, remote and undiscovered regions aboard the very comfortable and well-equipped expedition ship, the MY Drenec”.

Prices for the 11 day journey start from £4,795 per person sharing a main deck cabin and include international flights, one-night in Rangoon at the five star Shangri-La Hotel, transfers, a seven-night cruise on a full board basis, all excursions, entrance fees, soft drinks, tea/coffee, on board facilities of the MY Drenec, services of an expedition director.

Not included: visa costs, port dues (£200 per person), alcoholic drinks, and all tips.

Departure dates:

5 February & 4th March 2016 – Victoria Point to Rangoon
12th February & 11th March 2016 – Rangoon to Victoria Point

Itinerary Southbound – Rangoon to Victoria Point

Day 1 Rangoon to Moulmein, including a visit to the Golden Rock. Embark the MY Drenec.
Day 2 Explore Moulmein. Set sail.
Day 3 Sail to Thanbyuzyat, famous for its War Cemetery. During World War II, Thanbyuzayat was the westerly terminus of the Thailand-Burma Railway.
Day 4 Cruise to Tavoy.
Day 5 Visit the port of Myeik, with its many old colonial buildings.
Day 6 Cruise the Mergui Archipelago, visiting Hastings and Lampi Islands.
Day 7 Further exploration of the Mergui Archipelago, including a village of Moken sea nomads.
Day 8 Arrive in Kawthaung (Victoria Point). Transfer to Ranong (Thailand) for onward flights.

Northbound itinerary operates in reverse.
For reservations and further information, please contact: 0208 326 5620
www.pandaw.com

Ends

About Pandaw
Founded in 1995 by Scotsman and Burmese historian Paul Strachan with the re-building of an original Clyde-built steamer called Pandaw, the company can trace its roots back to the original Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, founded by Scots merchants in 1865.  Still a family-run company, Pandaw was the first company to offer expeditions on both the Irrawaddy and Chindwin Rivers and has 20 years experience navigating three of the great rivers of South East Asia.

Pandaw operates cruises in Burma, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and partner programmes in India, Thailand and the Amazon.

For further press information and imagery please contact Hugh Clayson hugh@pandaw.com