A Pandaw cruise on Ha Long Bay, the Red River delta and its tributaries, through the dramatic landscapes and waterscapes of Northern Vietnam and the capital of Hanoi
For all 2021 bookings made by 18th December 2019, deduct £300 per person
Save up to £200 (Jun-Aug)
Day 1 - Flight
Day 2 & 3 - Ha Long Bay
Day 4 - Hai Phong
Day 5 - Kinh Thay/Thanh Ha
Day 6 - Bat Trang
Day 7 - Hanoi
Day 8 - Red River/Viet Tri
Day 9 - Viet Tri/Tien Du
Days 10 & 11 - Hoa Binh
Day 12 - Hanoi
Day 13 - Return Flight
The Red River flows 700 miles from the Himalayas in Yunnan to the Gulf of Tonkin in Vietnam and as the original route to the coast, until replaced in colonial times by the railway to Hai Phong. In Vietnam it was the scene of historic triumphs over the Chinese. From Ha Long Bay to Hanoi and the highlands, the (Song Hong) Red River and its tributaries drift through a landscape of limestone karsts, luxuriant hills, misted mountains and bright emerald rice paddies. Cruise the Red River and its lesser-known tributaries through northern Vietnam allowing access to historic sites, highland Vietnam, hill tribes and the classic landscapes and waterscapes of Indochina. The Hanoi of today is without question one of the most fascinating cities in South East Asia. No other can compare in terms of the concentration of quality architecture, built during the Chinese and French colonial eras. As a result of the country’s isolation from western development after 1954, Hanoi is preserved as a magnificent tribute to a great era of colonial architecture.
Culture & Natural Wonders
UNESCO Site: Ha Long Bay
Most Drinks Included
Guaranteed Departure
Group Size: 2 – 32
Day 1 Fly overnight from London Heathrow via Bangkok to Hanoi.
Day 2 Transfer to Ha Long Bay (4 hrs). Well over a thousand islands and islets are scattered across the bay; one a National Park with numerous caves, some little more than limestone pillars crowned with forestry, others with beaches, hemming ragged shorelines, or clusters of craggy karst cones soaring skyward from the sea. All are UNESCO protected and even more spectacular when colour-washed by sunset. Embark on the RV Angkor Pandaw for ten nights and cast off for an evening of sailing, mooring in a sheltered bay amidst the beautiful island scenery. (D)
Day 3 Morning sailing around Ha Long Bay and its islands dating back 20 million years. Mesmeric, magnificent, mystical scenery makes Ha Long Bay a magnet for visitors to Vietnam. Stop at Viet Hai village to visit a local vegetable farm and typical village houses. Cruise towards Lan Ha Bay to visit a floating fishing house. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Further cruising around Ha Long Bay, visiting a cave by local boat before entering the river to moor near Hai Phong. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Observe the lively and interesting life of the Kinh Thay River. Visit Thanh Ha for a village walk and water puppet show. Continue cruising until late evening. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Cruise to Bat Trang ceramic village and enjoy a traditional unicorn and lion dance at the jetty before cruising to Hanoi, Vietnam's capital. Straddling the Red River and circling two dozen lakes, Hanoi is as beautiful as it is historic. With its roots dating back a thousand years, its architecture echoes every era from Chinese pagodas, to the tight ‘36 streets’ of the Old Quarter, French colonial elegance and, here and there, jolting modernity. (B, L, D)
Day 7 In Hanoi, visit the war prison also known as the Hanoi Hilton, the Temple of Literature (Vietnam's first university) and Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Afternoon walking tour includes a coffee shop to learn about Vietnam's coffee making industry. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Sail up the Red River. Excursion to highland Vietnam to see the rice paddies and lime stone rock formations, visiting Tay village and pagodas dating back some 1,000 years. Visit a carpenter village. Arrive in Viet Tri in the evening for overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Cruise on the Lo River from Viet Tri to Tien Du. See the conical hats made in the bustling Gia Thanh village on the river, then drive to Hung Lo Temple. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Sail downstream on the unspoilt Da (black) River to Hoa Binh, passing Ba Vi National Park with its diverse subtropical flora and fauna. Wander through the UNESCO accredited ancient village of Duong Lam along narrow alleyways and past old temples and houses. (B, L, D)
Day 11 The provincial capital of Hoa Binh was the site of a major battle with the French in 1951. Visit a village of the Muong people. Take a boat on the reservoir of Vietnam’s largest dam, then enjoy a traditional dance performance by the people of a local hill tribe. (B, L, D)
Day 12 Disembark. Visit a traditional hill tribe museum and village. Lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Hanoi (4 hrs) for overnight flight via Bangkok. (B, L)
Day 13 Arrive London Heathrow.
Notes
Due to lower water levels Dec-Mar operates on a revised itinerary covering a larger inland water cruising area on the coastal plain area. Please see separate itinerary.
Day 1 Fly overnight from London Heathrow via Bangkok to Hanoi.
Day 2 Transfer to Ha Long Bay (4 hrs). Well over a thousand islands and islets are scattered across the bay; a National Park with numerous caves, some little more than limestone pillars crowned with forestry, others with beaches, hemming ragged shorelines, or clusters of craggy karst cones soaring skyward from the sea. All are UNESCO protected and even more spectacular when colour-washed by sunset. Embark on the RV Angkor Pandaw for ten nights and cast off for an evening of sailing, mooring in a sheltered bay amidst the beautiful island scenery. (D)
Day 3 Morning sail around Ha Long Bay and its islands dating back 20 million years. Mesmeric, magnificent, mystical scenery makes Ha Long Bay a magnet for visitors to Vietnam. Stop at Viet Hai village to visit a local vegetable farm and typical village houses. Cruise towards Lan Ha Bay to visit a floating fishing house. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Further cruising around Ha Long Bay, visiting a cave by local boat before entering the river to moor near Hai Phong. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Observe the lively and interesting life of the Kinh Thay River. Visit Thanh Ha for a village walk and water puppet show. Continue cruising until late evening. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Visit the famous stone cathedral of Phat Diem. Sail upstream from Day River to Ninh Binh city. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Visit Tam Coc and a bamboo and rattan village. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Sail on the Red River to Dien Xa and visit the bonsai village and meet with local artists. Continue to Hanoi. (B, L, D)
Day 9 In Hanoi visit the war prison also known as the Hanoi Hilton, the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Visit a coffee shop and learn about Vietnam’s coffee making industry. Traditional unicorn and lion dance. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Visit Bat Trang ceramic village and sail up the Red River. Excursion to highland Vietnam to see the rice paddies and lime stone rock formations, visiting Tay village and pagodas. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Visit the UNESCO accredited Duong Lam village. Afternoon visit the carpenter and smith village of Ly Nhan. Sail to Viet Tri. Traditional dance performance. (B, L, D)
Day 12 Disembark. See the conical hats of Gia Thanh village and Hung Lo temple. Return to Hanoi (4 hrs) for overnight flight via Bangkok. (B, L)
Day 13 Arrive Heathrow.
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Operated by the excellent Pandaw River Expeditions, our partner of many years, the intimate RV Angkor Pandaw has a mix of Vietnamese and Cambodian crew and is hand finished in brass and teakwood with an air-conditioned panorama dining room, observation deck, open-air lounge, bar, fair-trade shop, library and WiFi (free/limited). Enjoy a range of Asian and Western cuisine served either as a buffet or à la carte with the occasional themed dinner. Tea, coffee, water and locally made soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are included on board. Bottled drinking water is distributed before excursions and shoe cleaning, cold towels and a refreshing drink is offered post excursion. 16 air-conditioned, outside cabins with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, luggage storage and wardrobe; 10 Main Deck and six Upper Deck cabins (172 sq. ft.).
Hua Hin Extension
Stay overnight at the 5-star Amari Watergate in Bangkok before transferring to Hua Hin (4 hrs) to relax on the beach for four nights at the 5-star Centara Hua Hin Resort & Spa (the former Railway Hotel), located in the Gulf of Siam and set amongst tropical gardens.
Day 1 Overnight at the 5-star Amari Watergate in Bangkok. (B)
Day 2 Transfer to Hua Hin for a four-night beach extension at the 5-star Centara Hua Hin. (B)
Day 3 Day at leisure. (B)
Day 4 Day at leisure. (B)
Day 5 Day at leisure. (B)
Day 6 Return to Bangkok for the return flight to London. (B)
A 5-star central hotel with restaurants, bars, gym, pool, spa and WiFi (free). 569 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
Located in the Gulf of Siam lies the 5-star colonial style Centara Hua Hin Resort & Spa (the former Railway Hotel). Set amongst tropical gardens with restaurants, bars, pools, gym, spa and WiFi (chargeable). 249 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
2020
per person in a Main Deck cabin
Thai Airways from Heathrow
| May 30 | £3695 |
| June 20 | £3595 |
| July 11 | £3695 |
| August 22 | £3695 |
| September 12 | £3795 |
| November 14 | £3695 |
| December 18 | £3995 |
2021
Fridays
per person in a Main Deck cabin
Thai Airways from Heathrow
per person in a Main Deck cabin
Thai Airways from Heathrow
Fridays
per person in a Main Deck cabin
Thai Airways from Heathrow
For all 2021 bookings made by 18th December 2019, deduct £300 per person
Save up to £200 (Jun-Aug)
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Double cabin for sole use £495
Cabin Upgrades
Upper Deck £495
Upper Deck double for sole use £985
Flight Options
Thai Airways Royal Silk Class from £1995
Extension Options
Extension - Hua Hin
5 nights £595 (Jan/Mar 2020 £795;
Dec £1295; 2021 £645)
Single supplement £375
(Jan/Mar 2020 £645; Dec £1095; 2021 £445)
Extra Nights - Bangkok
Amari Watergate Hotel
(per night) £85
Single supplement £59
Arrival or departure transfer add £25
Extra Nights - Hanoi
Pan Pacific Hanoi
(per night) £79
Single supplement £59
Departure transfer add £22
Independent Arrival
Save £800
Arrival/departure transfer with group included
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, all port charges, transfers, 10-night cruise, full board on cruise, excursions, local guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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