Halong Bay and Red River
On a Pandaw ship travellers are 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 downtown 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 that this is a real river
expedition and itineraries and schedules very much subject to change due to uncertain local conditions.
11 Mar 2025 - Viet Tri
Meeting point for embarkation in Hanoi will be the Pan Pacific Hotel (1 Thanh Nien Road, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi 10000, Vietnam) and registration will be at 09:30am in Song Hong Bar. Please ensure you are checked out and ready on time, departure 10:00am
Transfer from Hanoi to your ship moored along the Red River in Viet Tri.
After lunch we visit Lac Long Quan or the Hung Kings Temple and learn about the history of the Hung Kings and the founding of the first nation in Vietnamese history. The origins of Hung King Temple Festival are steeped in ancient legend, tracing back thousands of years to the era of the mythical Lac Long Quan. Known for his superhuman strength and affinity for water, Lac Long Quan governed the Lac-Viet tribe and laid the foundation for what would become Vietnam.
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The Hung Kings Temple is a Special National Historical Relic. Temples dedicated to Hung Kings are located on Hung Mountain at an elevation of 175m above sea level. Today the Hung mountain is still a natural forest with different generations of trees including 150 species of plants belonging to 35 families, such as Banyan, Pine, Cycad, and the Parashorea tree. The 850ha complex consists of four temples, one pagoda, a tomb, and a museum featuring the formation and development of Van Lang. The upper, middle, and lower temples commemorate the 18 Hung Kings. The fourth worships two daughters of the 18th Hung King: princesses Tien Dung and Ngoc Hoa.
We return to the ship for your welcome dinner and introduction to your crew.
12 Mar 2025 - The Lo River
A day of exploring the various crafts produced throughout the delta. We start with a visit to Hung Lo temple where we will
be serenaded with traditional folk music as well as enjoy an exploration this quaint traditional town. In the afternoon we
visit the smith village of Ly Nhan to witness first-hand the traditional production methods still being used to this day.
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Located in the ancient village of Hung Lo which is more than 300 years old, Hung Lo communal house has long been associated with customs and practices associated with the belief of worshiping Hung King. Hung Lo ancient village is located on the banks of the romantic Lo River, about 5km from the center of Viet Tri City. Legend has it that in the reign of Le Hy Tong , people here built a temple to worship the 18th Hung King, facing Nghia Linh mountain, where the Hung King's capital was located. Hung Lo Ancient Communal House is a complex of historical and cultural relics built on a large strip of land, including many construction items such as: Dai Dinh, Phuong Dinh, Bell Lau, Drum Lau, Sacrifice House. All are Built with rare types of wood such as nails, ironwood, bamboo, etc.
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Nearly every household in Ly Nhan Village, Vinh Tuong district engages in blacksmith trade. Knives, scissors, sickles, chisels and other cutting tools made by the villagers are well-known in many localities thanks to beautiful designs and premium quality of tempered steel. The villagers even made weapons during the wars. The village exported 100,000 knives to Cuba in 1962 for cutting sugarcane.
13 Mar 2025 - Upper Red River
We visit the UNESCO praised village of Duong Lam an ancient village that is a well preserved example of a traditional
Vietnamese village from centuries ago with intricate architecture and fascinating culture. After lunch we continue
downstream on the Red River and visit a timeless Arcadian Vietnam with emerald green rice paddies punctuated by
lime stone rock formations. We make a stop at a small village dedicated to the handmade production of Vietnam’s
most famous headwear, the Non La conical hat before continuing to Thay Pagoda. Hardly known, yet with exquisite
temples dating from the 11th century, we visit this beautiful temple beside a lake and explore the village that surrounds
the pagoda.
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14 Mar 2025 - Hanoi
Dropping anchor in the bustling city of Hanoi, passengers will visit some highlights of this Asian metropolis including
must-sees like the notorious Vietnam war prison known as the Hanoi Hilton and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s
first University that is dedicated to the Chinese Philosopher Confucius. We also stop outside The Ho Chi Minh
Mausoleum along the way to discuss the work required to preserve the body of ‘Uncle Ho.’ In the afternoon we take a
walking tour of Hanoi old quarter, a bustling maze of food and shopping that is an assault on the senses. We visit a
coffee shop to learn about Vietnam’s famous coffee making industry and try an authentic coffee.
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15 Mar 2025 - Bat Trang Ceramic Village
This morning we visit Bat Trang ceramic village, a hub of ceramic production for generations. The ceramics made here
are famous throughout Vietnam and adorn many homes both north and south. Before returning to the ship, a local
dance troupe will treat us to a lion dance on the pier. This colourful and energetic dance is customary during festivals
throughout Vietnam, most notably during Tet. We sail through the maze of waterways this afternoon and are entertained
onboard by your Pandaw Chef with a cooking class and fruit carving.
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16 Mar 2025 - Day River
After breakfast we head ashore to Co Chat village, Nam Dinh. Here we visit local craftspeople making silk by hand and
the local markets filled with exotic produce. After lunch onboard we moor at Khanh Thien Village, a quaint town known
for it’s skilled craftspeople. We explore this cultural hub by local transportation or bicycle and discover a host of
handicrafts including water hyacinth weaving and a variety of rice paper and cakes. We end the evening with a
performance by the locals of ‘Chau Van’ singing, an ancient art form local to this area
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17 Mar 2025 - Ninh Binh
Discover ‘Halong on Land’ today as we visit Ninh Binh and take small bamboo rowing boats through the magnificent
limestone caves. Visitors in September and October or April and May will witness the valleys shine golden as the rice
fields prepare for harvest. After lunch we continue our exploration of the Red River Delta with a journey to Phat Diem,
home to Phat Diem Cathedral, a 19th-century Roman Catholic church built in an eclectic blend of Vietnamese and
European architectural styles. We continue upstream on our journey to Halong.
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18 Mar 2025 - Luoc - Thai Binh - Kinh Thay Rivers
Observe the lively and interesting life on the river as we spend a morning sailing the delta. Enjoy an exploration of your
vessel with a ship tour before lunch.
In the afternoon we visit Thanh Ha Commune, considered the origin of water puppetry in Vietnam. After a stroll or bicycle
through the quaint village, we enjoy a private water puppet show set under shade by a beautiful pond of lotus and lilies,
as it has been enjoyed for centuries.
We drop anchor near Hai Phong Port, the gateway to Halong Bay.
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19 Mar 2025 - Halong Bay
Cast off early morning along the river before entering Halong Bay’s amazing island scenery with its 2,000 dramatic
limestone islands and extraordinary rock formations dating back 20 million years.
Exploring Halong Bay, we stop at the so called “Dark and Bright Cave” where we 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.
We continue our cruise through Halong Bay until we drop anchor in a quieter part of the bay.
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20 Mar 2025 - Halong Bay
Continuing our sailing we make a stop at Viet Hai Village. We continue our journey by mountain bike or electric buggy to
visit 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 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 secluded beach.
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21 Mar 2025 - Halong Bay
Morning sail to Tuan Chau Jetty. Disembark and transfer to Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport or central Hanoi with a
stop for lunch at a local restaurant.Our last drop off at Pan Pacific Hanoi Hotel for passengers stay in Hanoi.
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22 Mar Hano1 - Siem Reap
Private transfer (without guide) from Pan Pacific hotel Hanoi to Hanoi Noi Bai Airport on 22 Mar 2025
Flight Hanoi to Siam Reap for Cambodia Anghor Air flight 17.05 - 18.50
Siem Reap to Saigon
23 Mar 2025 - Siem Reap To The Mekong
Transfer & Joining Information . Join us at the meeting point to check in and transfer to your Pandaw. Check in will be at the FCC Angkor by Avani hotel in Siem Reap with registration at 09:00am. Address: FCC Angkor by Avani, Pokambor Ave (next to Royal residence), Siem Reap. Tel: +855 63 760 280. Latest departure from the hotel at 10:00am with an approximate transfer time of 4 hours. Lunch is included along the way.
Travel by coach from Siem Reap to the riverside town of Steung Trang for embarkation. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the
Mekong and meet your crew for the next 7 nights before your welcome dinner is served.
24 Mar 2025 - Peam Chi Korng And Pak Russei Crafts
Enjoy morning Tai Chi or just a coffee on deck as we take a sunrise cruise to Peam Chi Korng, an untouched gem that
is a hub of pottery in Cambodia. After a short tuk tuk ride from the banks of the Mekong, we witness the local potters in
action before continuing to explore the village and local fresh market where you can test your language skills. This
afternoon we step ashore at Pak Russei, a small and remote village on the banks of the Mekong. We will explore on
foot and visit local craftspeople weaving silk and producing handmade noodles. Before returning to the ship, we learn
about the ancient art of Bokator, a traditional form of martial art with a private performance in the village.
25 Mar 2025 - Life On The Tonle Sap River
In the morning, travel by coach to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong where we visit the Vipassana Dhura
Meditation Centre. Walk around the vast complex with it's impressive Khmer architecture and experience a short
meditation class to quieten your mind. Rejoin your ship in Kampong Tralach for lunch abaord. In the afternoon we travel
by ox-cart around the river-side villages, markets and temples to get a sense of life in rural Cambodia. In the evening
cocktails are served around a fire pit at a small fishing village where we will be joined by village folk keen to share tales
and show us their traditional dancing.
26 Mar 2025 - Phnom Penh
Morning orientation of Phnom Penh by cyclo visiting the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda followed by the National
Museum with its marvelous collection of Angkorian statuary. In the afternoon we visit the Killing Fields and Genocide
museum to learn more about the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. We dock overnight in Phnom Penh city port with its lively
bars, restaurants and nightlife. Feel free to explore the city before returning to your hotel on the water.
27 Mar 2025 - Into Vietnam
We up anchor early in the morning and cruise downstream along the Mekong River to the Vietnam border for
immigration formalities. The ship sails toward Chau Doc where we talk an evening stroll along the river before dinner
aboard.
28 Mar 2025 - Chau Doc And The Fertile Waterways
In the morning, we take minivans for a short drive to Sam Mountain, the location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda.
After climbing the steps we are greeted with stunning views across the Mekong. For those not keen on the stairs,
explore the local market instead. Afterwards, we visit the nearby floating fish farms by Sampan before being treated to a
private Lion dance performance at a local Village. After lunch aboard we continue sailing into the heart of the Mekong
delta and enjoy on-deck entertainment from your crew.
29 Mar 2025 - Ben Tre And Sailing Into Saigon
In the morning, we journey by sampans through mangroves and bamboo forests to the fruit orchards of Ben Tre. This is
a fertile farming region with half of Vietnam's rice production coming from the Mekong Delta. It also hosts a rich
artisanal culture which we will witness at a local village specialising in handicrafts. After returning to the ship enjoy
lunch onboard as we sail through the Cho Gao Canal toward Saigon. The Cho Gao Canal is a vital waterway link for the
transportation of goods to and from the city which was constructed in 1876 by the French and offers a fascinating
insight to life along the water. In the evening we sail into central Saigon and enjoy the stunning skyline over dinner.
30 Mar 2025 - Saigon Disembarkation
After breakfast, disembark your Pandaw vessel at 08:30 in central Saigon for your onward journey.
Dock address: Cruise Passenger Port, No. 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Ward 12, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City.
What Is Included
Entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee,
teas & tisanes, transfers between the meeting point and the ship in Siem Reap.
What Is Excluded
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.
Flight Turkish 22.05 gets ion Val 18.00 on 31 MAr