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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.
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Itineraries
Day 1
HANOI - HALONG BAY
Transfer from Hanoi to Tuan Chau, Halong Bay (approximately 130km and 2.5-hour journey) by bus with a guide. Upon arrival, embark your Pandaw ship and enjoy lunch on board. Cast off in the afternoon with a welcome cocktail for an evening sail, dropping anchor in Coconut Beach a sheltered bay amidst the beautiful island scenery.
Day 2
HALONG BAY
Morning sail around Halong Bay and beyond with its 1,500 dramatic limestone islands and extraordinary rock formations, dating back 1 approximately 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. 2 Enjoy a breathtaking ride 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 3 permitting, we will end the day with cocktails at 3-Peach Island's beautiful beach in Halong Bay.
Day 3
HALONG BAY - HAI PHONG
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 1 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 enter the river, where we drop anchor near Hai Phong.
Day 4
THE KINH THAY RIVER
Observe the lively and interesting life of the Kinh Thay river, a key commercial waterway. 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 continue cruising until late evening and drop anchor midstream.
Day 5
DAY RIVER
This morning, we sail along the Lower Red River and Day River while getting more acquainted with your expedition vessel during a ship tour. After lunch onboard, we head ashore to Co Chat village in Nam Dinh. Here, we visit local craftspeople who are making silk by hand and explore the local markets filled with exotic produce.
Day 6
KHANH THIEN VILLAGE
We continue our exploration of the Red River Delta, cruising towards Ninh Binh before mooring at Khanh Thien Village. In the morning, we disembark and embark on a journey to Phat Diem, home to the magnificent Phat Diem Cathedral, a 19th-century Roman Catholic church showcasing a unique blend of Vietnamese and European architectural styles. After lunch, explore Khanh Thien Village by local transportation or bicycle, discovering a host of local handicrafts including water hyacinth weaving and a variety of rice paper and cakes. Conclude the day with an enchanting performance by local artists showcasing ‘Chau Van’ singing, an ancient art form unique to this region.
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 traveling 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 8
HANOI
Dropping anchor in the bustling city of Hanoi, passengers will embark on a captivating journey through Hanoi, venturing beyond the typical tourist trail. Explore the historic Temple of Literature, a testament to Vietnam's Confucian roots, and gain a poignant understanding of the city's past at the Hoa Lo Prison. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Old Quarter, a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and aromas. Witness the unique spectacle of Train Street, sipping Vietnamese coffee as a train passes just inches away. Explore the local markets of Hang Da and Hang Gai Street and meet for transfer back to the RV Angkor at Thang Long Theatre.
Day 9
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 10
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 11
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 and enjoy an exploration of 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.
- 10 nights onboard Pandaw ship cruising Halong Bay, Red River Delta & upper tributaries
- Entrance fees & guided shore excursions with English-speaking guides
- Main meals available onboard
- Local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes
- Transfers between ports of embarkation and Hanoi International Airport at start & end
- Gratuities to crew
Notes: International flights, visa costs, port dues, laundry, beverages beyond those mentioned, and tips to local guides may be extra. Schedule subject to change due to river / local conditions.
- Travel Insurance – your North Travel consultant can provide you with a quote. Get a quote now.
- Tourism visa or transit visa if required
- Upgrades to Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class available and to be quote at the time of booking.
- Itinerary deviations (e.g. extensions or specific airline requests). This will be quoted by a North Travel consultant at the time of booking.
- Professional service fee's (if any)
Advertised prices are not guaranteed until confirmed at booking. Prices are dynamic and may be affected by foreign exchange, airline, cruise, tour and supplier changes beyond North Travel’s control.
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