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Paukan is the ancient name of
Bagan, the old city of two thousand temples on the bank of the
Ayeyarwaddy River. This ancient capital, seat of the First Myanmar
Empire, is a treasure to the people of Myanmar. Throughout the century
of their existence, the temples remain a place of living worship,
maintained by donations from royalty and the public.
RV Paukan was built in 2007 at the Myanmar Shipyards in Yangon for
Ayravata Cruises. The Yangon River and its dockyards were commented upon
over two hundred years ago as "the most favourable river in the world
for naval architecture" by the first British envoy to Myanmar Captain
Michael Symes of His Britannic Majesty's 7th Regiment who arrived in
Yangon in February of 1795.
Paukan might be the younger sister ship to the Pandaw which was built in
1947, but she is a bigger vessel at 183ft 955.78m) in length. Her beam
is 38ft (11.58m) and draft is 3.09ft (1.14m). She runs on diesel
engines, with a speed of 10 knots. Safety and emergency equipment are in
place, as well as reliable communication systems.
The lovely Paukan is a boutique hotel on the river, beautifully
furnished with a unique combination of modern and traditional motifs.
The timber-walled cabins are furnished with colonial style cupboards,
dresser and doors while the ceiling is traditional Myanmar. The single
or double beds are proper and comfortable ones and not mere bunks,
enough room for 55 passengers who will be looked after by a 30-member
crew.
For luxury-living, Paukan has suites, deluxe or superior cabins as well
as singles for guest or guides. There are two massage rooms on the lower
deck offering traditional Myanmar massage designed to give soothing
relaxation.
The sun deck has a stage for cultural performances, and a bar and lounge
for relaxation and fun. The upper deck has a lecture / movie room with
lcd projector and lcd TV screen. |
Vietnamese in Hue