22 Days HALONG BAY, RED RIVER & LAOS MEKONG Cruise from VIENTIANE to Hanoi

HA LONG BAY, RED RIVER & LAOS MEKONG
21 NIGHTS FROM US$7,506.45
SAVE UP TO 10% ON SELECTED DATES
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.

Upstream
DAY 1 VIENTIANE
PLEASE NOTE: Due to low water levels around Vientiane, we will be operating a low water itinerary from December 2022 through March 2023. Our ship will not be able to sail into Vientiane and alternate transportation by river, plus overnight stays in hotel during time in Vientiane will be provided.

Embarkation 12.30, followed by lunch and afternoon exploration of the delightful French city including visits to the golden Pha That Luang Stupa, Sisaket Temple, the President’s Hall, Wat Prakeo Temple and the Phatouxay monument. Set sail late afternoon, enjoy a welcome dinner on board and overnight near Vientiane.

More about Vientiane
VientianeVientiane
DAY 2 CRUISING THE MEKONG
Cruise upstream on the Mekong, passing lush jungle scenery and tiny riverside villages. Morning presentation on the Lao language. Afternoon cooking demonstration on the upper deck. Arrive in Ban Xanakham to moor overnight.

More about Cruising The Mekong
DAY 3 PAK LAI
Afternoon visit to the French administrative town of Pak Lai with many colonial buildings and a bustling local market. This town boasts the largest elephant festival in South East Asia, usually in February.

More about Pak Lai
Pak LaiPak Lai
DAY 4 BAN PARK BOR VILLAGE
Morning visit and walking tour to Khamo tribal village, a typical village, set on the banks of the Mekong amidst lush jungle. In the afternoon pass through the Xanyaburi Hydro Electric Power Plant.

More about Xayaburi Dam
DAY 5 BAN MOUANG KHAI VILLAGE AND LUANG PRABANG
In the morning visit a Hmong village and continue upstream to the village of Ban Mouang Khai. Afternoon sightseeing by minibus visiting the jungle pools and dramatic Khaung Si waterfall then on to a butterfly garden. Arrive in the heart of the temple city of Luang Prabang where there is a buzzing night market and many great cafes and some good local restaurants.

More about Kuang Si Waterfalls
Ban Mouang Khai Village and Luang PrabangBan Mouang Khai Village and Luang Prabang
DAY 6 LUANG PRABANG
In the morning explore by tuktuk this well-preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace. Visit the National Museum and have the afternoon free to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang on your own. Enjoy traditional Laos dancing on the upper deck late afternoon. Moor overnight in Luang Prabang.

More about Luang Prabang
DAY 7 PAK OU CAVES
Early morning walking tour to see the alms offering by the local people to hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. Passengers are invited to join in with offerings we provide for the alms giving. Morning sightseeing by local boat exploring the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces. Evening cocktails on a sandbank. Sail upstream on the beautiful Mekong towards Ban Bo

More about Pak Ou Caves and Nam Ou River
Pak Ou CavesPak Ou Caves
DAY 8 PAK BENG
Morning visit to a local Khamo village. Sail upstream on the Mekong passing Pak Beng towards Pak Sit.

More about Pak Beng
DAY 9 BAN HOUAYXAY
Early morning walking tour in a Khamo village then cruise through stunning scenery to the border of Laos and Thailand. The night is spent on the Lao side in the Huay xay area where we take a late afternoon village walk.

Ban HouayxayBan Houayxay
DAY 10 CHIANG KHONG
Cross over into Thailand via the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge before rejoining your ship in Chiang Khong. Farewell cocktails and Thai traditional dance on board for your last evening.

More about Golden Triangle
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 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 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 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 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 RIVER
This morning we will sail on the Lower Red River and Day River. Afternoon visit the Dien Xa Bonsai Village where we will walk to the bonsai village and meet with local artists and share their bonsai experience. Cruise on Day River towards Ninh Binh City.

DAY 17 NINH BINH
In the morning we will visit Tam Coc, taking a rowing boat ride to visit the so call “Halong on land” in Ninh Binh. In the afternoon we visit the quaint village of Pham Phao where guests can walk around the village visiting a host family where musician instruments have been made and repaired for generations. Listen to the owner who plays every instrument within his family run business. We visit local Woodworking Artisans who produce items for local and international markets.


DAY 18 THE LOWER RED RIVER
In the morning we sail upstream on the Red River to Phat Diem Cathedral visit the famous stone cathedral of Pat Diem. We then continue on the Red River to Hanoi.

DAY 19 HANOI
Dropped anchor in the bustling city of Hanoi, passengers will visit some highlights of this Asian metropolis, must see’s like the notorious Vietnam war prison known as the Hanoi Hilton, temple of literature where Confucius did his thinking and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Afternoon walking tour of Hanoi including a visit to a coffee shop where we learn about Vietnam’s famous coffee making industry. Before returning to your ship you will enjoy a traditional unicorn and lion dance at the jetty.


DAY 20 HANOI
Morning going off shore to visit Bat Trang ceramic village then sail through day from Hanoi up the Red River to Viet Tri, not the most picturesque of towns but an excellent base for going deeper into Highland Vietnam. Going a shore we visit a timeless Arcadian Vietnam with emerald green rice paddies punctuated by lime stone rock formations. Of particular interest is the Thay and Tay Phuong Pagodas, hardly known, yet with exquisite temples dating from the 8th and 11th century and home to some fine Buddhist statuary carved from jackfruit trees. We will arrive in Vinh Phuc in the evening.

DAY 21 THE UPPER RED RIVER
In the morning we go ashore to visit the UNESCO praised village of Duang Lam. In the afternoon, visit the carpenter and smith village of Ly Nhan. We sail upstream on the Upper Red River to Viet Tri. Enjoy traditional dances on board.


DAY 22 VIET TRI
Disembark after breakfast and visit the conical hat making village of Gia Thanh. By bus we continue to Hung Lo Temple, Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, followed by a transfer to Hanoi airport or drop off point Pan Pacific Hotel Hanoi.

Downstream
DAY 1 VIET TRI
PLEASE NOTE: Due to low water levels around Vientiane, we will be operating a low water itinerary from December 2022 through March 2023. Our ship will not be able to sail into Vientiane and alternate transportation by river, plus overnight stays in hotel during time in Vientiane will be provided.

Transfer to Viet Tri, embark your ship and set sail downstream for sunset and a night on the Red River. Tonight we enjoy a traditional dance on board.


DAY 2 THE LO RIVER
In the morning transfer to Gia Thanh village and visit the conical hat making village. Then continue by bus to visit Hung Lo Temple where we will enjoy a UNESCO recognized “Hat Xoan” performance. In the afternoon will moor in Minh Chau to visit a carpenter village and smith’s village in Vinh Phuc province.

DAY 3 UPPER RED RIVER
We will visit the UNESCO praised village of Duang Lam, then sail downstream on the Red River and visit a timeless Arcadian Vietnam with emerald green rice paddies punctuated by lime stone rock formations. Of particular interest are the Thay and Tay Phuong Pagodas, hardly known, yet with exquisite temples dating from the 8th and 11th century and home to some fine Buddhist statuary carved from jackfruit trees.


DAY 4 HANOI
Dropped anchor in the bustling city of Hanoi, passengers will visit some highlights of this Asian metropolis, must see’s like the notorious Vietnam war prison known as the Hanoi Hilton, temple of literature where Confucius did his thinking and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Welcome back to the ship by Lion Dances.

DAY 5 THE LOWER RED RIVER
In the morning going off shore to visit Bat Trang ceramic village followed by a Unicorn Dance. Sail down the lower Red River to Dien Xa Bonsai village.


DAY 6 DAY RIVER
After breakfast we visit Dien Xa Bonsai village followed by lunch. In the afternoon, visit the famous Phat Diem stone Cathedral and a local house where they make rice wine. Back to the ship then sail up the Day River to Ninh Binh.

DAY 7 NINH BINH
In the morning we will visit Thung Nang, taking a rowing boat to the so called “Halong on land” in Ninh Binh. In the afternoon we visit the quaint village of Pham Phao where guests can walk around the village visiting a host family where musician instruments have been made and repaired for generations. Listen to the owner who plays every instrument within his family run business. We visit local Woodworking Artisans who produce items for local and international markets.


DAY 8 LUOC – THAI BINH – KINH THAY RIVERS
Observe the lively and interesting life on the river before we reach our next destination in the 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 drop anchor near Hai Phong Port, the gateway to Halong Bay.

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”. 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 around Halong Bay until we drop anchor in Rang Dua.


DAY 10 HALONG BAY
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 11 HALONG BAY
Morning sail to Tuan Chau Jetty. Disembark and transfer to Hanoi Airport with stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Fly to Chiang Mai and be transported to your hotel where you will have the rest of the evening for self-exploration.


DAY 12 CHIANG KHONG
Transfer from your hotel in Chiang Mai to your Pandaw vessel (6 hours), including a visit to the Golden Triangle and the now infamous opium museum. Embark your ship by 16.00 and cruise upriver towards the Burma border for sunset.


DAY 13 INTO LAOS
Pass through immigration formalities at the Thai/Laos border and re-join the ship. Set sail downstream on the beautiful Upper Mekong River. After lunch, if time allows, sightseeing on foot in a Laos jungle village.


DAY 14 KHAMO VILLAGE
Morning walk in a Khamo village. Sail downstream on the beautiful Mekong then relax with evening cocktails on a sandbank.

DAY 15 PAK OU CAVES & LUANG PRABANG
Continue cruising downstream to Pak Ou, transfer to a local boat and enter the Nam Ou River to visit the extraordinary Pak Ou Buddha Caves. Admire spectacular limestone cliff faces in the Buddhist sanctuary.
Pak Ou Caves & Luang PrabangPak Ou Caves & Luang Prabang
DAY 16 LUANG PRABANG
In the morning explore by tuktuk this well preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace. Visit the National Museum and have the afternoon free to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang. Traditional Laos dancing on the upper deck late afternoon. Moor overnight in Luang Prabang.

More about Luang Prabang
DAY 17 KHAUNG SI WATERFALL
Early morning walking tour to observe the morning alms offering by local people to the hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. Drive to see the deep jungle pools at the Khaung Si Waterfall, the teak forest trails and butterfly farm.


DAY 18 XAYABURI DAM
Pass through the Mekong water control lock at Xayaburi Hydro Electric Power Plant (itself an interesting and perhaps controversial tourist attraction). Late afternoon walking tour of a local village.
DAY 19 XANAKHAM
Morning visit to Ban Pha Leab with its beautiful limestone mountain. Continue to Pak Houng-Thai Lao Border for an excursion to a plantation village and meet the local people.


DAY 20 VIENTIANE
Pass through a dramatic landscape of jungle and mountain where the river flows fast and wild. Amazing rock formations straddle the river banks. Here we enter the cultivated plains of Vientiane province. Arrive mid-afternoon in Vientiane to moor overnight. Opportunity for independent exploration of this delightful, French influenced city.

DAY 21 VIENTIANE
Morning exploration of the delightful French city including visits to the golden Pha That Luang Stupa, Sisaket Temple, the President’s Hall, Watt Prakeo Temple and the Phatouxay monument. Opportunity for independent exploration and experience the many cafes and bistros in this charming little corner of L’Indochine. Farewell cocktails and dinner.
DAY 22 VIENTIANE
Disembark in Vientiane after breakfast and transfer to airports or hotel in Vientiane or Udon Thani in Thailand (1.5hrs, just across the river).

WHATS INCLUDED
Cruise Price Includes: One overnight at Pan Pacific Hotel (Hanoi) or Ansara (Vientiane) or similar, one flight from Hanoi or Vientiane or v.v., entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes. Transfers between ports of embarkation and Hanoi International Airport at the start and end of the voyage.

Cruise Price Excludes: International flights, port dues (if levied), laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions), all beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes and tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.

TRANSFERS & JOINING
DAY 1 VIET TRI
TRANSFER FROM HANOI AIRPORT
We pick you up at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport – Seat in coach. Last departure is no later than 12.00 noon. A Pandaw representative will be waiting for you with a Pandaw Sign at column No12, on the right hand sided of the international arrival exit.

Please note: Guides and drivers are not allowed inside the terminal building. We will be waiting for you outside with a Pandaw sign. Hanoi Airport has two exits; if you don’t see us, please try the other exit on the same level (30 meters).

TRANSFER FROM HANOI CITY
For passenger already in Hanoi the night before, we will pick you up from your hotel in central Hanoi and transfer you directly to the ship. Please ensure your pre-cruise hotel information is provided to Pandaw in advance. Pick up times will be notified to your hotel reception the night before and will typically be between 09:30am and 10:00am. Surcharges may apply for hotel transfers outside of Hoan Kiem District or Hanoi Old Quarter.

DAY 22 VIENTIANE
Disembark 08.30 in Vientiane after breakfast followed by transfer to airport or hotel.

Please note: There is a surcharge for private transfers, and pick up and drop for Udon Thani if you are not able to meet us at above scheduled pick up times.

Vientiane Jetty- Land River Transport Enterprise, Thadeua Road km4, Sisattanark District.

VISA INFORMATION
Downstream
Visa on arrival for Laos can be acquired easily at the border crossing and requires 1 passport photo plus USD40 – USD55 in cash for processing. Alternatively, an E-visa can be obtained prior to travel for a fee of $50 USD. Please use the official Laos E-visa website only – https://laoevisa.gov.la.

Upstream
Most nationalities are eligible for visa waiver in Thailand meaning no visa is required for stays of 15 days. Please check your local embassy for up to date information about your personal requirements.