Pandaw Cruise Halong Bay & Red River 11 days

RIVER CRUISES

READY-TO-BOOK
INSTANT CONFIRMATION

TRIP'S BEST TIME

LOW WATER: DECEMBER - APRIL
HIGH WATER: JUNE - NOVEMBER

CRUISES

DOWNSTREAM: HOA BINH-HALONG BAY
UPSTREAM: HALONG BAY - HOA BINH

Discover the best of North Vietnam
Pandaw Cruises Red River – Hong Bay 11 days

  • Destinations: North Vietnam
  • Trip type: Cruises
  • Duration: 11 days 10 nights
  • Sight-seeing: Hoa Binh – Viet Tri – Duong Lam village – Bat Trang ceramic-Hanoi – Halong Bay
  • Downstream: Hoa Binh to Halong Bay
  • Upstream: Halong Bay to Hoa Binh

For the first time travellers will be able to explore the key sites of Northern Vietnam by river ship traversing the Red River delta and its main tributaries, connecting the wonders of Halong Bay with the excitements of down town Hanoi, and then on into the interior, well off the beaten track. This is a combination of scenic beauty, lively and interesting (sometimes industrial) life of the river and exploring rivers where no other tourist craft operate.

Price on request
Singles Welcome !
No Single Supplements on selected date

 

Price on request
Singles Welcome !
No Single Supplements on selected date

Day 1: Halong Bay Embarkation | Meal: D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise

Transfer from Hanoi International Airport or meeting point to Halong Bay to embark your Pandaw ship with a stop for lunch enroute. Cast off late afternoon for an evening sailing, dropping anchor in a sheltered bay amidst the beautiful island scenery.

TRANSFER FROM HANOI CITY
For passenger already in Hanoi the night before, please meet us at: 10.00am

PAN PACIFIC HOTEL HANOI
1 Thanh Nien Road, Ba Dinh District
10000 HANOI
VIETNAM
Tel +84 4 382 38888

Registration at hotel lobby 10.00am. Coach departs from Pan Pacific Hotel Hanoi at 11.00am. Arrival in Halong Bay at 16.00pm.

PRIVATE ARRIVAL AT HA LONG BAY
For passengers already in Ha Long Bay on the night before, please come to Tuan Chau International Jetty at 16.00pm for check in.

Day 2: Halong Bay | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise

Morning sail around Halong Bay and beyond with its 1,500 dramatic limestone islands and extraordinary rock formations, dating back 20 million years.

We make a stop at Viet Hai Village and continue our journey by mountain bike or electric buggy to visit the village’s vegetable farm and typical village houses. It is a breathtaking trip along a small road winding its way through the limestone rocks. In the afternoon we will continue cruising towards Lan Ha Bay for a visit to a floating fishing house. Weather dependent, we will end the day with cocktails at a beautiful beach in Halong Bay.

Day 3: Halong Bay - Hai Phong | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise

Our exploration of Halong Bay continues and we stop at the so called “Dark and Bright Cave”. Take a kayak or a local basket boat rowed by fishermen and enter this remarkable cave into an enclosed area similar to a crater. Bats can be heard in the cave and massive stalagmites hang from the ceiling. In the afternoon, we leave Halong Bay and are enter the river where we drop anchor near Hai Phong.

Day 4: The King Thay river | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise

Observe the lively and interesting life of the Kinh Thay river, a key commercial waterway. Afternoon excursion to Thanh Ha Commune with village walk and a private water puppet show set under shade by a beautiful pond of lotus and lilies. We continue cruising until late evening and drop anchor midstream.

Day 5: Bat Trang ceramic village | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise

Today we will be cruising towards Hanoi. Enroute, stop at Bat Trang, a ceramic village, in the afternoon. Before returning to your ship after the excursion you will enjoy a traditional unicorn and lion dance at the jetty.

Day 6: Hanoi | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise

Dropped anchor in the bustling city of Hanoi, passengers will visit some highlights of this Asian metropolis, must see’s like the notorious Vietnam war prison known as the Hanoi Hilton, temple of literature where Confucius did his thinking and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Afternoon walking tour of Hanoi including a visit to a coffee shop where we learn about Vietnam’s famous coffee making industry.

Day 7: The Lower Red River | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise

Morning sail through day from Hanoi up the Red River to Viet Tri, not the most picturesque of towns but an excellent base for going deeper into Highland Vietnam. Going ashore we visit a timeless Arcadian Vietnam with emerald green rice paddies punctuated by lime stone rock formations. Of particular interest is the Thay and Tay Phuong Pagodas, hardly known, yet with exquisite temples dating from the 8th and 11th century and home to some fine Buddhist statuary carved from jackfruit trees.  Afternoon excursion to a carpenter village. We will arrive in Viet Tri in the evening.

Day 8: Lo river | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise

In the morning cruising to Tien Du ferry station to the conical hat making village of Gia Thanh. Take in the sights and sounds of the bustling river with all kinds of craft and activity. By bus we continue to Hung Lo Temple.

Day 9: Da river & Duong Lam village | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise

Enjoy a day sailing downstream admiring the unspoilt beauty of the Da River. We pass the Ba Vi National Park with its rich and diverse tropical and sub-tropical flora and fauna before arriving at Hoa Binh. We will visit the UNESCO village of Duang Lam.

Day 10: Hoa Binh | Meal: B - L - D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise

Hoa Binh was the site of a major battle with the French in 1951 & 1952 and is home to the Muong ethnic group.This morning we will take a boat ride on the reservoir of Hoa Binh power station and visit a local village and tonight you will enjoy the traditional performance of local hill tribe people.

Day 11: Hoa Binh Disembarkation - Hanoi | Meal: B - L

Disembark after breakfast (08.30am) and visit a museum and local village where villagers still wear traditional dresses. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, followed by a transfer to Hanoi airport or drop off point Pan Pacific Hotel Hanoi.

Estimated arrival at Hanoi Airport at 17.00pm and continuing to Pan Pacific Hotel Hanoi, arriving 18.00pm.
Your flight out of Hanoi airport must be after 18.00pm (domestic) or 19.00pm (international).

Day 1: Hoa Binh Embarkation | Meal: D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise

Transfer to Hoa Binh, embark your ship at around 15.00pm and set sail downstream for sunset and a night on the Da River.

TRANSFER FROM HANOI AIRPORT
We do pick you up from Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport – seat in coach. Last departure is no later than 12.00 noon. Please look for a Pandaw sign with your name on in the arrival hall. Arrival Hoa Binh for embarkation at 15.00pm.

TRANSFER FROM HANOI CITY
For passenger already in Hanoi the night before, please meet us at:
PAN PACIFIC HOTEL HANOI
1 Thanh Nien Road, Ba Dinh District
HANOI., VIETNAM
Tel +84 4 382 38888

Registration at hotel lobby 11.00am. Coach departs from Pan Pacific Hotel Hanoi at 12.00noon. Arrival at Hoa Binh Jetty at 15.00pm.

PASSENGERS WITH OWN ARRANGEMENTS
Please arrive at Hoa Binh Jetty (behind AP Plaza Building) for embarkation at 15.00pm.

Day 2: Hoa Binh | Meal: B-L-D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise

Hoa Binh was the site of a major battle in 1951 & 1952 with the French and is home to the Muong ethnic group. We will visit a museum and a local village where villagers still wear traditional dresses. Then take a local boat ride on the reservoir of Hoa Binh power station. Tonight you will enjoy the traditional performance of local hill tribe people.

Day 3: Da river | Meal: B-L-D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise

Enjoy a day sailing downstream admiring the unspoilt beauty of the Da River. We pass the Ba Vi National Park with its rich and diverse tropical and sub-tropical flora and fauna before arriving at Trung Ha. On board your guides and chefs will entertain you with cooking demonstrations and a talk on Northern Vietnam.

Day 4: Viet Tri | Meal: B-L-D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise

After breakfast you travel by coach through beautiful scenic countryside to the UNESCO village of Duong Lam. Then we continue cruising downstream to Viet Tri. Take in the sights and sounds of the bustling river with all kinds of craft and activity.

Day 5: Lo - Red river | Meal: B-L-D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise

In the morning we cruise to Tien Du ferry station where we visit the village of Gia Thanh famous for the making of conical hats. This is travel off the beaten track, as no tourists visit this area. Travel to Hung Lo Temple for ‘Hat Xoan’ and enjoy a performance of local dance from the villagers. Afternoon visit to a carpenter village. Return to the ship and continue cruising the scenic Lo River.

Day 6: The Lower Red river | Meal: B-L-D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise

Going ashore we visit a timeless Arcadian Vietnam with emerald green rice paddies punctuated by lime stone rock formations. Of particular interest is the Thay and Tay Phuong Pagodas, hardly known, yet with exquisite temples dating from the 8th and 11th century and home to some fine Buddhist statuary carved from jackfruit trees. In the afternoon, we visit Bat Trang ceramic village. We then sail on the Lower Red River to Hanoi arriving in the evening.

Day 7: Hanoi | Meal: B-L-D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise

Dropped anchor in the bustling city of Hanoi, passengers will visit some highlights of this Asian metropolis, must see’s like the notorious Vietnam war prison known as the Hanoi Hilton, temple of literature where Confucius did his thinking and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Afternoon walking tour of Hanoi including a visit to a coffee shop where we learn about Vietnam’s famous coffee making industry. Before returning to your ship you will enjoy a traditional unicorn and lion dance at the jetty.

Day 8: Luoc - Thai Binh river | Meal: B-L-D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise

We will be cruising in the morning. Afternoon, local boat ride to Stork ‘s Island with its well-maintained bird sanctuary and take a walking tour of Ninh Giang commune visiting the local market. Enjoy a homemade special cake (Banh Gai) and return to the ship for dinner.

Day 9: Kinh Thay - Bach Dang river | Meal: B-L-D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise

Morning sailing on the Thai Binh River and visit the Thanh Ha Commune where we take a walking tour. Here, we enjoy also a water puppet show. Observe the lively and interesting life of the river, a key commercial waterway. Back to the ship and have lunch while the ship cruises through amazing scenery to Halong Bay. We arrive at Halong Bay around 4 pm for a sunset cruise. Tonight enjoy a barbeque on a secluded bay in Halong Bay – quite wonderful !

Day 10: Halong Bay | Meal: B-L-D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise

Morning sailing in Halong Bay and beyond, with its 2,000 dramatic limestone islands and extraordinary rock formations dating back 20 million years. We will visit, by local boat, a floating home, stop at a beach and enjoy kayaking or taking a rowing basket boat to bright & dark limestone caves.

Day 10: Halong Bay | Meal: B-L-D | Overnight: Pandaw Cruise

Morning sailing in Halong Bay and beyond, with its 2,000 dramatic limestone islands and extraordinary rock formations dating back 20 million years. We will visit, by local boat, a floating home, stop at a beach and enjoy kayaking or taking a rowing basket boat to bright & dark limestone caves.

Day 11: Halong Bay - Disembarkation - Hanoi | Meal: B-L

Morning sail back to Tuan Chau Jetty. Disembark at 11.00am for transfer to Hanoi Airport or Pan Pacific Hotel Hanoi with stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

Please note: This is a seat in coach service to the airport. Your domestic flights must depart after 18.00 pm. Your international flights must depart after 19.00 pm

RV ANGKOR PANDAW
Sister to the Katha and from the same yard delivered in 2013, the only difference with the Katha is an enclosed air conditioned dining room insisted on by an American charterer. Originally on the Mekong in 2015 we transferred her to the Red River in North Vietnam. In fact the enclosed dining room has proved useful as it can be cold up there in winter.

  • Build 2012 in Saigon
  • Length: 138.61ft / 42.25m
  • Beam: 28.50ft / 8.70m
  • Draught: 3ft / 90cm
  • Berths: 32 pax

ACCOMMODATIONS

  • 10 main deck and 6 upper deck staterooms
  • Air-conditioned panorama dining room
  • Spacious, open-air lounge
  • Observation deck
  • Lounge bar
  • 24hrs hospitality bar
  • Fair-trade Shop
  • Guest relation desk
  • Library with contemporary and classic literature
  • Hair Dryers in all cabins

WINING & DINING

  • Local master chef heading an experienced international culinary team
  • Semi-buffet breakfast, Semi-buffet lunch, and seated theme dinners
  • Daily lean & light menu options
  • Complimentary coffee, water, tea, soft drinks, local beer, local spirits, juices
  • Extensive wine list with premium wines
  • Series of cultural performances, educational talks, cooking classes, and ship tour
  • Welcome drink on arrival
  • Welcome cocktail
  • Farewell Reception
  • Theme dinners
  • Lounge bar
  • 24 hrs hospitality bar
  • Onboard bakery with daily freshly baked breads and rolls

SAFETY & SECURITY

  • All onboard crew is trained and certified as per international marine standards (VIRES)
  • Fire alarm system in all cabins, public areas and back areas
  • Fire fighting system in all ship areas
  • Expert marine superintendant
  • 24 hrs watch on duty
  • Certified hygiene standards for all areas (Johnson & Diversey)
  • Entrance fees
  • Guide services (English language)
  • Gratuities to crew
  • Main meals
  • Locally made soft drinks, local beer and local spirits, jugged coffee and selection of teas and tisanes, mineral water.
  • Transfers between ports of embarkation and Hanoi International Airport at the start and end of the voyage.
  • International flights
  • Port dues (if levied)
  • Laundry
  • All visa costs
  • Fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions)
  • Imported beverages such as wines, premium spirits and liqueurs, fancy soft drinks like Perrier, espressos and cappuccinos at bar
  • Tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.

``Now back in the midst of a Sydney winter, I'm reminiscing fondly about my cruising days, and planning my next Pandaw itinerary. This time though, I won't get away without my husband, now that he's seen the photos and heard the stories!``

Lex Lees | Australia | Oct 2016

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