The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company (IFC), founded in 1995 by Myanmar historian Paul Strachan, will soon offer cruises throughout the countries of the Mekong. The company plans to start services in three other ASEAN countries by 2004. Two new vessels are currently under construction in Yangon - the Mekong Pandaw, that will cruise between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap and the Kwai Pandaw, that will cruise along Thailand’s River Kwai. Based on current Irrawaddy cruise demand, the company believes there is ample opportunity for expansion. The news that Lauda Air will soon be begin direct flights from Vienna to Myanmar is particularly encouraging for the IFC as 70% of their clients come from Switzerland, Germany, the UK and France. Irrawaddy cruise itineraries range from an overnight cruise to a 12-night voyage. The IFC began business with the 45-metre RV Pandaw I, built in 1947 in Glasgow as a paddle steamer and re-launched in 1998 after restoration. The company then introduced the 54-metre Pandaw II in November 2001, with 24 air-conditioned en-suite state rooms, and the 39-room Pandaw III in May of this year. Starting November 2002 through April 2003, the smaller Pandaw I will ply a new circular route from the Irrawaddy Delta up to the beach resort of Bassein (Bathein), and be marketed to families. The Pandaw II will cover the 10 night-itinerary between Mandalay and Pyay and target incentive groups interested in extended expeditions. Meanwhile the Pandaw III will cruise the classic Pagan-Mandalay route.

As mentioned in the last issue of New Destinations Exotissimo recently handled all the land arrangements in Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia for a Qantas charter flight with over 200 passengers.

The tour was a 16-day whirlwind trip taking in some of the highlights of Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. The crew of 20 included a doctor, nurse and speciality chefs as well as Qantas Airways cabin crew. The group stayed for two nights at Traders Hotel in the centre of Yangon.

A day and half was spent seeing the sights of Myanmar’s capital city, Yangon. Visits included the reclining Buddha, the National Museum, colonial downtown Yangon and the Shwedagon Pagoda. Perhaps the highlight in Yangon was a journey through Yangon by chartered steam train specially decorated with rattan furnishings and tropical plants. As the train travelled through the peaceful countryside around Yangon, the passengers were kept entertained by the dances of U Shwe Yo and Daw Moe, classical Burmese clowns, who even had the Qantas air crew joining in!

A cocktail party followed by dinner at Yangon’s best-known colonial hotel, The Strand, featured entertainment by a group of children supported by World Vision. The Australian organization Foresight Australia donated 715 pairs of glasses to the Mahar Thantithukha Monastery Health Centre during the evening.