Halong Bay and Red River - Upstream

Transfer by bus with a guide from Hanoi to Tuan Chau, Halong Bay (approximately 130 km, 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, board the Pandaw ship and have lunch on board. Depart in the afternoon with a welcome cocktail and begin the evening cruise, anchoring at Coconut Beach, a sheltered bay surrounded by island scenery.

Begin the day with a cruise through Halong Bay and surrounding areas, passing limestone islands and rock formations estimated to be 20 million years old. Stop at Viet Hai Village and travel by mountain bike or electric buggy to see a local vegetable farm and traditional village homes. Ride along a narrow road that winds through limestone terrain. In the afternoon, continue cruising to Lan Ha Bay for a visit to a floating fishing house. If weather allows, end the day with cocktails on the beach at 3-Peach Island.

Your exploration of Halong Bay continues, and you 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, you leave Halong Bay and enter the river where the anchor is dropped near Hai Phong. 

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. You continue cruising until late evening and drop anchor midstream. 

This morning, you sail along the Lower Red River and Day River while getting more acquainted with your expedition vessel during a ship tour. After lunch onboard, you head ashore to Co Chat village in Nam Dinh. Here, you visit local craftspeople who are making silk by hand and explore the local markets filled with exotic produce.

You continue your exploration of the Red River Delta, cruising towards Ninh Binh before mooring at Khanh Thien Village. In the morning, you 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.

Discover ‘Halong on Land’ today as you visit Ninh Binh and take small bamboo rowing boats through the magnificent limestone caves. Visitors in September and October or April and May can witness the valleys shine golden as the rice fields prepare for harvest. Then return to the ship and sail upstream on the Red River towards 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 Theater.

This morning, 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 treats you to a lion dance on the pier. This colorful and energetic dance is customary during festivals throughout Vietnam, most notably during Tet. Then set sail into the lesser visited upper Red River beyond Hanoi. 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, visit this beautiful temple beside a lake and explore the village that surrounds the pagoda.

In the morning, 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, visit the smith village of Ly Nhan to witness firsthand the traditional production methods still being used to this day. Then sail upstream for your farewell dinner onboard.

Disembark after breakfast and enjoy a morning excursion en route to Hanoi. Start with a visit to Hung Lo temple, where you are serenaded with traditional folk music, as well as enjoy an exploration of this quaint traditional town. Lunch is served at a local restaurant, followed by a transfer to Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport or Hanoi City.