Halong Bay & Red River 11 day Cruise
From Halong Bay, To Tuan Chau Island, Gia Luan, Kinh Thay River, Thai Binh River, Than Hai, Luoc River, Lower Red River, Hanoi, Red River, Ly Nhan Village, Viet Tri, Tien Du*, Duong Lam Village*, Hoa Binh*, (* visited on April to November cruises only) - 10 Nights
- Departing from:
- Halong Bay,
- Destination:
- Tuan Chau Island, Gia Luan, Kinh Thay River, Thai Binh River, Than Hai, Luoc River, Lower Red River, Hanoi, Red River, Ly Nhan Village, Viet Tri, Tien Du*, Duong Lam Village*, Hoa Binh*, (* visited on April to November cruises only)
- Duration:
- 10 Nights
- Offer:
- This cruise operates year round. Note that departures from December to March have an alternative itinerary covering a larger inland water cruising area on the coastal plain area. We offer 10% discount on selective cruises. Some cruises offer no single supplement. Check with our office for details.
- Tour Operator:
- Cruise Traveller,Pandaw
- Reference Code:
- Pandaw
From
US$3,222
Price per person
Package Details
Overview
Discover the best of Northern Vietnam. 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.
Sailing deep into Highland Vietnam we will discover the mountain villages and a number of tribal areas. We will go as far as is navigable up the Song Red River and then down the little known Da or Black River. Note this is a new river expedition and itineraries and schedules very much subject to change due to uncertain local conditions.
Details
DAY 1 HALONG BAY
Transfer from Hanoi International Airport or meeting point to Halong Bay to embark your Pandaw ship followed by lunch on board. Cast off in the afternoon with a welcome cocktail for an evening sail, dropping anchor in a sheltered bay amidst the beautiful island scenery
Morning sail around Halong Bay and beyond with its 1,500 dramatic limestone islands and extraordinary rock formations, dating back 20 million years.
Stop at Viet Hai Village and explore on mountain bike or electric buggy, visiting the village’s vegetable farm and typical village houses. It is a breath-taking trip along a small road winding its way through the limestone rocks.
In the afternoon continue cruising towards Lan Ha Bay for a visit to a floating fishing house.
Weather dependent, end the day with cocktails at a beautiful beach in Halong Bay – bring your swimwear!
DAY 3 HALONG BAY
Exploration of Halong Bay continues with a visit to 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.
Depart Halong Bay and enter the river to drop anchor near Hai Phong.
In the afternoon, our chef will share his skills in fruit carving and demonstrate how to create Vietnamese spring rolls.
DAY 4 THE KINH THAY RIVER
Observe the lively and interesting life of the KinhThay river, a key commercial waterway.
Meet your guide in the dining room for a lecture on Vietnam, its history, geography and the boat people.
Afternoon excursion to Thanh Ha Commune with village walk and a private water puppet show set under the shade by a beautiful pond of lotus and lilies.
Return to ship and continue cruising until late evening, dropping anchor midstream.
DAY 5 BAT TRANG VILLAGE
The day is spent cruising towards Hanoi. Enroute, stop at Bat Trang in the afternoon, a ceramic village. On the way back to the ship watch a traditional unicorn and lion dance at the jetty.
This dance originated in China and spread over Southeast Asia.
Drop anchor in the capital and bustling city of Hanoi to visit some highlights of this Asian metropolis. Must-sees include 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’s old quarter, including a visit to a coffee shop to learn about Vietnam’s famous coffee-making industry.
DAY 7 THE LOWER RED RIVER
Morning sail through the 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.
Go ashore to visit a timeless Arcadian Vietnam with emerald green rice paddies punctuated by limestone rock formations. Of particular interest are the Thay and Tay Phuong Pagodas.
Afternoon excursion to a carpenter village famous for exquisite carvings and wood work techniques.
Evening arrival in Viet Tri.
In the morning cruising to Tien Du ferry station to the village of Gia Thanh, makers of the conical hats (known as ‘non la’). Take in the sights and sounds of the bustling river with all kinds of craft and activity.
The ‘non la’ are handmade with palm leaves and bamboo. There is no machinery available to create this work of art. Their origin dates approximately 3,000 years back.
By bus continue to Hung Lo Temple.
DAY 9 THE DA RIVER
Day sailing downstream while admiring the unspoilt beauty of the Da River. Pass through the Ba Vi National Park with its rich and diverse tropical and sub-tropical flora and fauna before arriving at Hoa Binh then visit the UNESCO-praised village of Duong Lam.
In the afternoon, take a tour of the ship including the galley, crew area and engine room.
DAY 10 HOA BINH
Hoa Binh was the site of a major battle with the French in 1951 & 1952 and is home to the Muong ethnic group.
The Hoa Binh Dam at the Black River is the largest hydroelectric dam in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Take a morning boat ride on the reservoir of Hoa Binh power station and visit a local village. A traditional performance by local hill tribe people is given in the evening.
DAY 11 HOA BINH
Disembark after breakfast (08.30am) and visit a museum and local village where villagers still wear traditional dress.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, followed by a transfer to Hanoi airport or drop off point Pan Pacific Hotel Hanoi.
TRANSFERS & JOINING
DAY 1 HALONG BAY
TRANSFER FROM HANOI AIRPORT
We pick you up at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport – Seat in coach. The coach will leave the airport no later than 10:30 (Unless there are any delays with your flight). A Pandaw representative will be waiting for you with a Pandaw Sign at column No12. On the right hand sided of the international arrival exit. Arrival in Halong Bay at 14.00.
Please note: Guides and drivers are not allowed inside the terminal building. We will be waiting for you outside with a Pandaw sign. Hanoi Airport has two exits; if you don’t see us, please try the other exit on the same level (30 meters).
TRANSFER FROM HANOI CITY
For passenger already in Hanoi the night before, please meet us at the Pan Pacific Hotel lobby at 09:30
PAN PACIFIC HOTEL HANOI
1 Thanh Nien Road, Ba Dinh District
10000 HANOI
VIETNAM
Tel +84 4 382 38888
Registration at hotel lobby 09:30. Coach departs from Pan Pacific Hotel Hanoi at 10.00. Arrival in Halong Bay at 13:30.
PRIVATE ARRIVAL AT HA LONG BAY
For passengers already in Ha Long Bay on the night before, please come to Tuan Chau International Jetty. Embarkation time will be between 12:00 to 14:00.
DAY 11 HOA BINH
DEPARTURE TRANSFER
After lunch at local restaurant departure for Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport. Estimated arrival at Hanoi Airport at 15:15 and continuing to Pan Pacific Hotel Hanoi, arriving 16:00.
Your flight out of Hanoi airport must be after 16:30 (domestic) or 17:30 (international).
Inclusions
Cruise Price Includes: Entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes. Transfers between ports of embarkation and Hanoi International Airport at the start and end of the voyage.
Cruise Price Excludes: International flights, port dues (if levied), laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions), all beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes and tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.
Please contact our office for a full dossier and information on this cruise.
