RV Sabaidee Pandaw

Inspired by the late-19th-century K-class river steamers, these vessels draw on a lineage of shallow-draft stern wheelers originally engineered for challenging inland waterways. Designed to reduce draught and improve trim, with forward-placed boilers and compact proportions, they were well suited to remote river systems where larger steamers could not venture. Many of these early craft led remarkable lives, navigating regions shaped by both conflict and commerce, and their legacy continues to influence river exploration today.

RV Sabaidee was purpose-built for adventurous journeys along the Upper Mekong, particularly the demanding route between Laos and southern China. The vessel’s double-deck design and shallow draft allow it to negotiate narrow channels, gorges and rapids with confidence, making it ideal for expedition-style cruising in this dramatic landscape.

Accommodating just 14 staterooms — eight on the main deck and six on the upper deck — RV Sabaidee offers an intimate onboard experience. An open-plan saloon provides flexible indoor and outdoor dining, while handcrafted teak and brass details reflect traditional riverboat craftsmanship combined with modern comfort. Onboard mountain bikes are carried for independent exploration ashore, enhancing the sense of freedom and discovery that defines this journey.