Pandaw Cruises will resume river expeditions in Myanmar’s Irrawaddy Delta in November, marking its return to the region after a six-year suspension.
The RV Kanee Pandaw will operate a 10-night round-trip itinerary from Yangon, with sister vessel RV Kha Byoo Pandaw expected to follow in December. Pandaw’s Irrawaddy Delta programme includes both vessels and centres on Yangon, also known as Rangoon.
Pandaw suspended operations in Myanmar following the military coup in 2021.
The line said its assessment found that UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice does not advise against travel throughout the Irrawaddy Delta. However, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Pathein and several other townships in the Ayeyarwady Region.
Pandaw said it will continue to monitor conditions in Pathein before calling there.
Australian government advice remains more restrictive. Smartraveller advises Australians not to travel anywhere in Myanmar because of the dangerous security situation and the threat of civil unrest and armed conflict.
Pathein, the capital and largest city of Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady Region, is around 190km west of Yangon. The British built a fort and established a garrison there in 1826, following the First Anglo-Burmese War.
Today, Pathein is known for its waterfront, Buddhist temples and traditional umbrella workshops.