An exciting and pioneering itinerary through the unchartered waters of the Red River in northern Vietnam. Spend 10 nights enjoying a passenger to staff ratio of 2:1 as you explore the stunning scenery and peaceful rivers bordering China and Vietnam. Built in 2012, RV Angkor Pandaw has 16 cabins split between the main and upper deck, each spanning 170sq ft, and finished in teak and brass. The upper deck includes six premium staterooms, a spacious open-air lounge, air-conditioned dining room, observation deck and a library stocked with contemporary and classic literature. The main deck is home to 10 staterooms.
CRUISING HALONG BAY & THE RED RIVER
HIGHLIGHTS
- Sail through limestone karsts and emerald green paddy fields
- Discover the art of traditional Vietnamese folk painting
- Hike the banks of the Red River, against a beautiful mountain backdrop
- Meet minority communities living in traditional stilt houses
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Arrive
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Day 1 Halong Bay
Transfer from Hanoi International Airport to Halong Bay (around 4 hours) and board RV Angkor Pandaw to start your cruise. After the first of many delicious lunches to come, you will cast off and sail to a remote, sheltered bay to drop anchor for the night. Enjoy sundowner cocktails on the upper deck as you drink in the panoramic view of awe inspiring limestone karsts, symbolic of northern Vietnam.
Overnight: RV Angkor Pandaw
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Day 2 Halong Bay
After a hearty breakfast, sail around Halong Bay and its 1,500 dramatic limestone islands, getting close to extraordinary rock formations dating back 20 million years. Transfer to day boats and explore Viet Hai Village by mountain bike or electric buggy. In the afternoon cruise on towards Lan Ha Bay, stopping to visit a floating fishing house. Finish the day with cocktails on a beach in Halong Bay.
Overnight: RV Angkor Pandaw
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Day 3 Halong Bay
Explore further in Halong Bay today with a visit to the "Dark and Bright Cave" by kayak or local basket boat rowed by fishermen. Leave Halong Bay and enter the river to drop anchor near Hai Phong. The chef will impress this afternoon with his fruit carving skills and Vietnamese Spring Roll demonstration.
Overnight: RV Angkor Pandaw
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Day 4 The Kinh Thay River
Step back in time to the Ly and Tran dynasty as you sail into the Kinh Thay River and explore Thanh Ha Commune with a village walk and private water puppet show beside a lotus pond. Return to the ship and continue cruising before dropping anchor for overnight midstream.
Overnight: RV Angkor Pandaw
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Day 5 Bat Trang Village
Cruise towards Hanoi today, stopping en route to explore Bat Trang Village. Here you will see how the traditional art of ceramics has been passed from generation to generation. On the way back to the ship witness a traditional unicorn and lion dance on the jetty; a dance that originated in China and subsequently spread through Southeast Asia.
Overnight: RV Angkor Pandaw
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Day 6 Hanoi
Today the RV Angkor Pandaw will arrive into Hanoi, the bustling Vietnamese capital and the country's second largest city after Ho Chi Minh City. Images of Ho Chi Minh ('Uncle Ho') are everywhere, and a visit to his imposing mausoleum is always fascinating. Other highlights include the picturesque Temple of Literature - the country's first university that now teaches only the philosophies of Confucianism - and the remains of the notorious Vietnam war prison, Hanoi Hilton, which contain an interesting museum.
Overnight: RV Angkor Pandaw
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Day 7 The Lower Red River
Enjoy a full day's sailing up the Red River to Viet Tri, the base for exploring Highland Vietnam. Witness a timeless Arcadian Vietnam with emerald green rice paddies and a backdrop of limestone karsts, and explore 8th and 11th Century temples within the barely known Tay village, home to incredible Buddhist statues carved from Jackfruit trees. Finish at a carpenters' village, famous for exquisite carvings and woodwork techniques.
Overnight: RV Angkor Pandaw
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Day 8 Lo River
This morning cruise to Tien Du ferry station to the village of Gia Thanh, makers of the conical hats and witness the sights and sounds of the bustling river awash with a variety of craft and activity. Continue by bus to Hung Lo Temple before returning to the ship for overnight.
Overnight: RV Angkor Pandaw
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Day 9 The Da River
Sail downstream on the Da River absorbing peace and tranquillity and breathing in the unspoilt beauty. Pass the Ba Vi National Park, rich in its diverse tropical and sub-tropical flora and fauna, before arriving in Hoa Binh. Here you can explore the UNESCO praised village of Duong Lam.
Overnight: RV Angkor Pandaw
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Day 10 Hoa Binh
Hoa Binh is home to the Muong ethnic group, who still wear colourful traditional clothing. The Russians built the largest power station in Southeast Asia here in Hoa Binh between 1979 and 1994, and - subject to security clearance - tours can be arranged deep inside the mountain where 1,000 Russians once toiled. Take a morning boat ride on the reservoir of Hoa Binh power station and visit a local village. In the early evening the local hill tribe will perform a traditional dance for you.
Overnight: RV Angkor Pandaw
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Day 11 Disembark in Hoa Binh
Hoa Binh is the site of a historic battle with the French in 1951 and 1952 and this morning you can visit the local museum to learn more about this. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant before you are transferred to Hanoi for your onward journey.
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
Currency
| Low | £ 2,535 | $ 3,736 |
| Mid | £ 3,099 | $ 4,568 |
| High | £ 3,380 | $ 4,982 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Pries are per person based on two people sharing a cabin.
- Sailings are either upstream from Halong Bay to Hoa Binh or downstream in reverse.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- On board the RV Angkor Pandaw all your meals, excursions, coffee, tea mineral water and tips for crew are included.
- Private transfers throughout.
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
- Internal flights where detailed in the itinerary.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
- Arrangements pre/post cruise.
