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Peregrine Travel Centre

Halong Bay, Red River & Laos Mekong – Vietnam & Laos River Cruise

Halong Bay, Red River & Laos Mekong – Vietnam & Laos River Cruise

From AUD $17,499

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Description

For the first-time travelers 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.
Combined this with a three-country expedition as we will traverse Laos to touch Thailand and Burma at the once notorious Golden Triangle. From Vientiane, the old French capital, and so redolent of L’Indochine, beyond Luang Prabang, Pandaw is the first river expedition since prewar days to cross all Laos.
This trip included flight between Hanoi and Vientiane or v.v. with a one-night hotel stay.
Please note: During the months February to April there may be an increased risk of smog across Laos and northern Thailand. This is due to the annual crop burnings and whilst usually mild, can sometimes be quite severe. We would advise that any passengers with respiratory issues consult with their doctor before booking for this period. Most departures and travellers will be unaffected, however.

Trip Name
Halong Bay, Red River & Laos Mekong - Vietnam & Laos River Cruise
Days
22
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 VIENTIANE
Pick up from your hotel in Vientiane at 08.00am, followed by a local long-tail boat expedition to your Pandaw vessel upstream. Lunch and drinks will be provided on the local boat by your Pandaw chef and bar staff. Embark your Pandaw in the afternoon for a welcome briefing and welcome drinks. We moor overnight at Pak Lay.
Day 2 - DAY 2 CRUISING THE MEKONG
Cruise upstream on the Mekong, passing lush jungle scenery and tiny riverside villages. Morning presentation on the Lao language after a short walk at Pha Laeb village. If time permits, we will also enjoy an afternoon walk at Ban Khok Fark.
Day 3 - DAY 3 XAYABOURI DAM
Morning walk at Ban Pak Bor Khummu village before passing through Xayabouri Hydroelectric Dam, taking an inside look of the workings of this somewhat controversial attraction as we navigate the locks. Afternoon visit to Ban Na San village, a Hmong minority village.
Day 4 - DAY 4 KUANG SI WATERFALLS
In the morning we moor at the village of Ban Mouang Khai and visit the dramatic Kaung Si waterfall. On the way back to the ship, we stop at the Laos Buffalo Farm, a social enterprise utilizing the abundant buffalo in Laos. Arrive in the heart of the temple city of Luang Prabang mid-afternoon where there is a buzzing night market and many great cafes and local restaurants. Traditional Laos Bacci ceremony and dancing on the upper deck during happy hour. Moor overnight in central Luang Prabang.
Day 5 - DAY 5 LUANG PRABANG CRAFTS & CULTURE
Today we explore the various handicrafts of Laos in more detail. We start with Ock Pop Tok, a social enterprise providing sustainable employment and training for the women of local weaving villages. We then head to TAEC (Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre) to understand more about Laos musical instruments. After lunch aboard the ship, we sail toward Ban Chan and take part in a pottery demonstration at the local pottery workshop. We finish the day with a sunset cruise on the Mekong alongside Luang Prabang, returning to moor overnight in the centre of town.
Day 6 - DAY 6 LUANG PRABANG
Early morning walking tour to observe the alms offerings to the hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. We continue after breakfast to the morning market before taking tuktuks for a city tour of this well preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace. The afternoon is free to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang.
Day 7 - DAY 7 PAK OU CAVES
Morning at leisure in Luang Prabang before setting sail at midday upstream. Afternoon sightseeing by local boat exploring the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces. See the production of local Laos whisky at the Whisky village and shop for locally produced handicrafts.
Day 8 - DAY 8 BAN TON AND SANDBANK BBQ
Day of sailing upstream along the Mekong with morning walk through Ban Ton village. In the evening, we moor alongside a sandbank for a special riverside barbecue and cocktail party. Light paper lanterns with the crew and enjoy a dance in remote Laos.
Day 9 - DAY 9 PAK BENG ELEPHANT SANCTUARY
Laos is known as ‘The land of a million elephants’ and today we will visit a rescue sanctuary that is helping to preserve the elephants of Laos and provide sustainable alternative employment for Mahouts who once trained and rode these beautiful creatures. Afternoon walk at Ban Pak Sith Khummu village.
Day 10 - DAY 10 PAK SITH - CHIANG KHONG
Today we sail the final leg of our journey upstream toward Huayxay. Cross over into Thailand via the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge before rejoining your ship in Chiang Khong. Enjoy a ship tour of your Pandaw vessel and fruit carving demonstration from your Pandaw Chef. Farewell cocktails and Thai traditional dance on board for your last evening.
Day 11 - DAY 11 CHIANG KHONG
Disembark by 8.30 in Chiang Khong and group transfer to hotel/airport. En route, explore the Golden Triangle including a visit to the opium museum. Continue to airports or city hotels in Chiang Rai (2 hours) and Chiang Mai (6 hours).
Day 12 - DAY 12 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.
Day 13 - DAY 13 HALONG BAY
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 14 - DAY 14 HALONG BAY
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 15 - DAY 15 THE KINH THAY RIVER
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 16 - DAY 16 DAY RIVER
We sail along the Lower Red River and Day River this morning whilst getting more acquainted with your expedition vessel as you enjoy a ship tour. After lunch onboard 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.
Day 17 - DAY 17 KHANH THIEN VILLAGE
We continue our exploration of the Red River Delta today, sailing toward Ninh Binh before mooring at Khanh Thien Village. We disembark in the morning for 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. After lunch we explore Khanh Thien Village 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 18 - DAY 18 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. We then return to our ship and sail upstream on the Red River towards Hanoi.
Day 19 - DAY 19 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 egg coffee.
Day 20 - DAY 20 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 then set sail into the lesser visited upper Red River beyond Hanoi. 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 21 - DAY 21 THE UPPER RED RIVER
In the morning we go ashore to visit the UNESCO praised village of Duang Lam. This ancient village is a well preserved example of a traditional Vietnamese village from centuries ago with intricate architecture and fascinating culture. 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. We then sail upstream for your farewell dinner onboard.
Day 22 - DAY 22 VIET TRI
Disembark after breakfast and enjoy a morning excursion en route to Hanoi. 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. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant followed by a transfer to Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport or Hanoi City.
Day 23 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-01-202525-01-2025AUD $20,403Main Deck Twin Sharing. From
04-01-202525-01-2025AUD $23,429Main Deck Twin Single Use
04-01-202525-01-2025AUD $23,429Main Deck Twin Single Use
04-01-202525-01-2025AUD $23,429Main Deck Twin Single Use
04-01-202525-01-2025AUD $23,429Main Deck Twin Single Use
04-01-202525-01-2025AUD $25,051Upper Deck Twin Sharing. From
04-01-202525-01-2025AUD $28,721Upper Deck Twin Single Use
04-01-202525-01-2025AUD $28,721Upper Deck Twin Single Use
04-01-202525-01-2025AUD $28,721Upper Deck Twin Single Use
04-01-202525-01-2025AUD $28,721Upper Deck Twin Single Use
26-01-202516-02-2025AUD $19,974Main Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From
26-01-202516-02-2025AUD $23,988Main Deck Twin Single Use
26-01-202516-02-2025AUD $24,508Upper Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From
26-01-202516-02-2025AUD $29,392Upper Deck Twin Single Use
17-02-202510-03-2025AUD $17,499Main Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From
17-02-202510-03-2025AUD $21,020Main Deck Twin Single Use
17-02-202510-03-2025AUD $21,475Upper Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From
17-02-202510-03-2025AUD $25,759Upper Deck Twin Single Use
11-03-202501-04-2025AUD $19,163Main Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From
11-03-202501-04-2025AUD $23,019Main Deck Twin Single Use
11-03-202501-04-2025AUD $23,518Upper Deck Twin/Double Sharing. From
11-03-202501-04-2025AUD $28,208Upper Deck Twin Single Use

Inclusions

    • VIENTIANE
    • PAK LAI
    • BAN PARK BOR VILLAGE
    • PAK OU CAVES
    • HALONG BAY
    • THE KINH THAY RIVER
    • THE LOWER RED RIVER

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