The Pandaw Champa is a beautifully crafted river cruise vessel designed to offer an authentic and intimate exploration of the Mekong River. Built with Pandaw’s signature colonial style, the ship combines traditional charm with modern comfort, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests seeking a deeper connection with Southeast Asia’s vibrant cultures and landscapes.
Onboard, guests can enjoy a relaxed dining experience featuring a fusion of regional and Western cuisines, an open-air lounge for watching life unfold along the riverbanks, and a spacious sun deck ideal for relaxing and soaking in the panoramic views. The ship’s small size allows it to navigate narrower channels and visit off-the-beaten-path destinations, offering deeper cultural immersion through daily guided shore excursions to remote villages, local markets, and historic temples.
Ideal for adventurous travelers looking for an intimate, enriching journey, the Pandaw Champa delivers a unique Mekong River cruise experience marked by exceptional service, fascinating discoveries, and the timeless beauty of life along the Mekong.
The Champa Pandaw, sister ship of the Laos Pandaw and a cruise ship of Pandaw River Cruise. The cruise ship began cruises on the Upper Mekong from September 2016. The ship has quality mountain bikes for your own independent exploration.
My River Cruise would like to introduce you to lots of Pandaw Champa river cruise itineraries as below.
The Pandaw Champa stands out for its handcrafted colonial-style design, intimate atmosphere, and ability to explore remote regions that larger ships cannot reach. Unlike mass-market cruises, it offers a personal and immersive journey along the Mekong River, allowing guests to experience the authentic culture, history, and daily life of Southeast Asia with minimal impact on the environment. With a shallow draft and small passenger capacity, it’s ideal for travelers looking for exclusivity, serenity, and meaningful cultural encounters.
Pandaw Champa typically carries a small group of passengers—usually around 20 to 30 people, making the experience highly personal and uncrowded. The limited number of cabins ensures spacious accommodation and attentive service, creating a friendly and sociable onboard environment.
The ship features elegantly furnished staterooms with traditional teak wood and brass fittings, reflecting the charm of 1920s colonial river travel. Each cabin includes:
Twin or double beds with high-quality linens
Private ensuite bathroom with hot shower
Individually controlled air conditioning
Storage space, wardrobe, and safe box
Large outward-facing windows (not portholes), offering river views and natural light
Daily housekeeping and turndown service
There are no interior cabins, and all staterooms open onto a shared promenade deck, allowing guests to walk out and enjoy the river breeze at any time.
Depending on the chosen route, the Pandaw Champa may sail:
Upper Mekong: From Vientiane to Luang Prabang or even into China, passing jungle-clad mountains, remote villages, and hidden temples.
Lower Mekong: Between Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and Siem Reap, including Phnom Penh, Kampong Chhnang, Tonle Sap, and the Mekong Delta.
These cruises allow travelers to explore UNESCO sites, vibrant floating markets, colonial towns, and areas rarely seen by tourists.
All excursions are included and designed to provide deep cultural insights. Highlights may include:
All excursions are guided by knowledgeable local experts, and headsets are provided for clear audio during tours.
Dining aboard the Pandaw Champa is a major highlight:
Despite its small size, the ship offers:
Yes, the Pandaw Champa is ideal for seniors thanks to:
However, guests should note that some sites require walking on uneven ground or embarking/disembarking from tenders, so basic mobility is helpful. Walking sticks and light support are welcome.
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