Irrawaddy River Cruises, Myanmar
RV Paukan 1947
Cruise the Irrawaddy aboard an original colonial era steamer
Built in Scotland in 1947, the Pandaw, as the vessel was then known, reached Burma in 1950, and ran on the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay to Bhamo, one of the most popular routes on the great river.
Completely restored and fitted for luxury cruises in the 21st century, the renamed Paukan 1947’s 16 cabins retain their historic charm with teak panelling and brass fittings, featuring large balconies and en suite bathrooms.
The communal areas are equally attractive, with plenty of wicker furniture and sun loungers dotted around for you to relax and watch the riverbank slide by. You can even enjoy a traditional massage on board. The open-air restaurant (which can be closed up on cooler evenings) serves high quality Asian and European cuisine, locally sourced wherever possible, and the staff are friendly, courteous, and very professional.
Highlights
16 en suite cabins with balconies
Open-air restaurant
Saloon bar
Traditional massage
Trip Inspiration
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Places to combine RV Paukan 1947 with
Vietnam
La Siesta Premium Hang Be Hotel stands as a graceful symbol of Hanoi’s rich history and evolving modernity. Located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the hotel’s striking white façade overlooks Hang Be Street, once a bustling hub for trading be or wooden boats. Today, this street pulses with life, offering a tapestry of cafés, artisan shops, restaurants and traditional market stalls.
Inside the hotel, La Siesta Premium Hang Be is a sanctuary of elegance. The interior exudes a calm sophistication, with a neutral colour palette of soft creams and warm accents, enhanced by thoughtful lighting that creates a serene atmosphere. Polished wood, elegant period furnishings and traditional motifs offer a sense of heritage, while modern touches ensure comfort and luxury at every turn. Each room is designed with comfort and tranquillity in mind, featuring plush furnishings, elegant décor and modern amenities to make guests feel at home.
For a truly memorable dining experience, ascend to Cloud Nine, the hotel’s restaurant. Situated on the 9th floor and wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows, Cloud Nine offers panoramic views that sweep across Hanoi’s storied rooftops, the shimmering Hoan Kiem Lake and the serene Red River. The restaurant’s name, inspired by the phrase “on cloud nine,” encapsulates the bliss you’ll feel as you gaze out over the city and savour exquisitely prepared dishes. Sunlight floods the space during the day, while in the evening, the city’s lights twinkle beneath you, enhancing the sense of floating above Hanoi’s streets.
For guests who prefer dining in privacy, the hotel’s in-room dining service brings the best of Cloud Nine’s menu to your door, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal in the comfort of your own space. Meanwhile, the hotel’s La Spa offers a serene retreat where you can rejuvenate body and mind with a range of luxurious treatments.
