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Peregrine Travel Centre

Halong Bay and the Red River (Downstream)

Halong Bay and the Red River (Downstream)

From USD $4,136

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Description

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.

Trip Name
Halong Bay and the Red River (Downstream)
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury River Cruising Length: 42.2 m Passenger Capacity: 32 passengers Built: 2012 Angkor Pandaw is a handsome two-deck riverboat, a luxurious yet unostentatious replica of a colonial-era vessel dating from 1865. It is a K-class ship. The K-class dated back to the 1880s and were comprised of stern wheelers designed to reduce draft, their boilers placed in the bow to improve trim. Smaller than the great line steamers of the age, the K-class ships were used on the Chindwin and upper reaches of the Irrawaddy. Where possible we have reused the old IFC names and many of these original K-class ships had fascinating histories, through times of war and peace. ACCOMMODATION 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 - 24hrs hospitality bar - Onboard bakery with daily freshly baked breads and rolls ON EXCURSIONS Admissions - Shoe cleaning after excursions - Bottled drinking water - Cold towel service after excursions - Refreshing drink following excursions - Full-size motor coach on all excursions - 1st aid trained assistant guide to follow all tours and excursions 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) ONBOARD STAFF Captain - River Pilot - First Officer - Chief Engineer - 1st Engineer - Electrician - Bosun & nautical crew - Ship manager - Housekeeping - Dining - Bar keeper - Chefs - Local tour guides PUBLIC SPACES Guest relation desk - Shop, supporting fair trade - Library with contemporary and classic literature - Wireless internet in all public areas

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 VIET TRI
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. We return to the ship for your welcome dinner and introduction to your crew.
Day 2 - DAY 2 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.
Day 3 - DAY 3 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.
Day 4 - DAY 4 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.
Day 5 - DAY 5 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.
Day 6 - DAY 6 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.
Day 7 - DAY 7 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.
Day 8 - DAY 8 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.
Day 9 - DAY 9 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.
Day 10 - DAY 10 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.
Day 11 - DAY 11 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.
Day 12 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
22-10-202401-11-2024USD $4,512Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
22-10-202401-11-2024USD $5,556Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
26-01-202505-02-2025USD $4,136Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
26-01-202505-02-2025USD $5,093Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
11-03-202521-03-2025USD $4,512Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
11-03-202521-03-2025USD $5,556Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
24-04-202504-05-2025USD $4,136Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
24-04-202504-05-2025USD $5,093Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
16-05-202526-05-2025USD $4,136Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
16-05-202526-05-2025USD $5,093Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
11-10-202521-10-2025USD $4,500Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
11-10-202521-10-2025USD $5,625Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
04-01-202614-01-2026USD $4,500Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
04-01-202614-01-2026USD $5,625Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
11-03-202621-03-2026USD $4,500Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
11-03-202621-03-2026USD $5,625Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From

Inclusions

    • Explore the wonders of Halong Bay
    • Visit some highlights of the Asian metropolis
    • Hanoi
    • Sail deep into Highland Vietnam
    • Enjoy a UNESCO recognized "Hat Xoan" performance.
    • Visit a timeless Arcadian Vietnam with emerald green rice paddies punctuated by lime stone rock formations.

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