Pressure from competitors on the Mekong and Ayeyarwady rivers in Asia has forced Pandaw to add suites to two of its craft for the first time.

The upgraded rooms, made by knocking together two standard cabins on the top deck, will be retro-fitted to Pandaw II and Mekong Pandaw next summer for the start of the 2016/17 season.

There will be three suites on Pandaw II and two on Mekong Pandaw. Each will have a lounge and private balcony, and be equipped with a minibar and Espresso coffee machine. Suite passengers will be served complimentary house wine with lunch and dinner.

Also new for 2016, Pandaw has designating four departures – two on the Ayeyarwady and one each on the Mekong and Red River in North Vietnam – as family-friendly. Timed to coincide with school holidays, they will have special shore excursions, alternative menus and movie nights on board.