Combine the spectacular emerald waters and towering limestone islands of Ha Long Bay with the remote and beautiful Red River Delta in Northern Vietnam on a Vietnamese river cruise operated by Pandaw.
This memorable river cruise journey encompasses the breathtaking scenery, energetic river life and remote villages of this wonderful region and there will be ample opportunity to meet with various hill tribe groups. Start in the bustling capital, Hanoi, before travelling to iconic Ha Long Bay to explore the islands, beaches and caves. Continue your journey inland, cruising the winding rivers where you will travel on the Kinh Thay, Lo, Da and Red Rivers stopping at national parks and riverside villages en route. Finish in the historic Hoa Binh region which is known for its dramatic mountainous scenery and emerald rice terraces as well as excellent hiking trails and ancient villages.
Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Kinh Thay River – Bat Trang – The Lower Red River – Lo & Da River – Hoa Binh – Hanoi
Trip Highlights
- Cruise Ha Long Bay where hundreds of jungle clad limestone pillars rise from the sea
- Sail along the beautiful Red River stopping at riverside villages to meet local families
- Pass Ba Vi National Park which is home to diverse tropical flora and fauna
- Visit the serene Temple of Literature in central Hanoi, the city’s biggest temple complex
- Learn how to make the famous Vietnamese conical hats in the village of Gia Thanh
- Discover the historic homes, pagodas and temples of charming Duong Lam village
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today depart the UK and fly to Vietnam.
Day 2
Arrive Hanoi
Arrive into Hanoi where you will stay for two nights before embarking our your Ha Long Bay and Red River cruise. An energetic city of tree-lined boulevards, lakes, temples and a frenetic, vibrant old colonial centre, Hanoi’s charm lies in the preservation of a distinct North Vietnamese culture and way of life distinct to that of the south of the country.
Silk Path Hotel
Capella Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel
Day 3
Hanoi
Today is at leisure to explore Hanoi at your own pace. Alternatively we can arrange sightseeing or an experience for you such as a traditional cookery class.
- Breakfast
Silk Path Hotel
Capella Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel
Day 4
Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
Today marks the start of your 11-day Ha Long Bay and Red River cruise. Meet at the Pan Pacific Hotel reception at 09:00 for registration and then transfer to Tuan Chau International Jetty where you will embark the RV Angkor Pandaw ship stopping en route for lunch. Cast off late afternoon with a welcome cocktail and be inspired as the spectacular scenery comes into view. Sail through the labyrinth of limestone karsts before dropping anchor in a sheltered bay looking out to the magical landscape. Enjoy your first dinner on the upper deck as you get to know your fellow passengers.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
RV Angkor Pandaw
Day 5
Ha Long Bay
This morning explore the dramatic rock formations and cave systems of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which dates back 20 million years. Visit the village of Viet Hai, which you can explore by mountain bike or electric buggy and stop off at the local vegetable farm and stunning viewpoint that overlooks the limestone islands. In the afternoon continue cruising towards Lan Ha Bay where you can discover a traditional floating village. Weather dependent, end the day with cocktails at a beautiful beach where you can also swim in the warm water.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
RV Angkor Pandaw
Day 6
Ha Long Bay to Haiphong
After breakfast continue to explore Ha Long Bay and travel to the ‘Dark and Bright Cave’, a beautiful grotto in the bay. Take a kayak or local basket boat rowed by fisherman through this remarkable cave and admire the spectacular stalagmites hanging from the crater ceiling and watch the bats darting across the roof. Enjoy one final cruise through the beautiful landscape of Ha Long Bay before travelling to Haiphong where you will moor overnight. In the late afternoon enjoy a demonstration from the chef who will show you how to prepare traditional Vietnamese spring rolls and carve fruit.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
RV Angkor Pandaw
Day 7
Kinh Thay River
Continue upstream on the lively Kinh Thay River that is a commercially important waterway in Vietnam. As you cruise along the river enjoy a presentation of Vietnamese history, geography and river life from your guide and enjoy a traditional lunch on the sun deck. This afternoon visit a remote village in the Thanh Ha province. Take a village walk with locals and watch a private water puppet show set under shade by a beautiful pond of lotus and lilies. Water puppet shows are a Vietnamese tradition dating back to the 11th century originating in the villages of the Red River Delta. Return to the boat and continue sailing upstream before dropping anchor and mooring overnight. Enjoy cocktails and dinner onboard.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
RV Angkor Pandaw
Day 8
Bat Trang
Today spend most of the day onboard cruising the Duong River and later the Red River passing the beautiful countryside as you make your way towards Hanoi. En route stop at Bat Trang, a 7th century pottery village, where you can learn how local artisans create ceramics using the rich clay that is famous in the area. On return to the ship enjoy a traditional unicorn and lion dance on the jetty, which originates from China and is now a popular performance throughout Southeast Asia.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
RV Angkor Pandaw
Day 9
Hanoi
After breakfast disembark in Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital known for its delicious street food, architectural highlights and millions of motorcycles. Spend the morning at leisure exploring some of the city’s highlights including the impressive Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the wonderful Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda and Hoan Kiem Lake. In the afternoon take a walking tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter which has been Hanoi’s commercial district for over 1,000 years. Each street in the Old Quarter traditionally specialised in a specific product or craft, for example jewellery, silk and spices, and subsequently each street is named after what was manufactured and sold. Spend an afternoon meandering down the myriad of bustling streets admiring crumbling-colonial houses and tasting Vietnam’s famous coffee.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
RV Angkor Pandaw
Day 10
The Lower Red River
Leaving Hanoi behind, continue up the scenic Red River towards Viet Tri in the Phu Tho region, which acts as an excellent base for visiting the Vietnamese highlands. Head ashore to visit remote villages and admire the beautiful countryside of rolling rice terraces punctuated by limestone rock formations. In the afternoon visit the beautifully-located Thay and Tay Phuong Pagodas as well as carpenter village famous for exquisite carvings and wood work techniques. Arrive into Viet Tre in the early evening.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
RV Angkor Pandaw
Day 11
Lo River
Today sail down the mighty Lo River and take in the sights and sounds of river life. Take a trip to the village of Gia Thanh which is known for making the famous Vietnamese conical hats. Known locally as ‘non la’, the hats are handmade using palm leaves and bamboo. Spend some time with the locals to discover how they are made and the importance they hold in Vietnamese life. After lunch continue to Hung Lo Temple, an important Buddhist temple. Enjoy a traditional ‘xoan’ singing performance, a form of storytelling that has been passed down from generations over hundreds of years.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
RV Angkor Pandaw
Day 12
Da River
Spend the day sailing downstream on the Da River and admire the unspoiled beauty of the region. Pass through the Ba Vi National Park which is home to rich and diverse tropical flora and fauna before arriving to the province of Hoa Binh where the ship will moor for the next two nights. This stunning region was the site of the Battle of Hoa Binh during the First Indochina War in the early 1950s and is steeped in history. Today visit the ancient village of Duong Lam, which is where two of Vietnam’s kings were born. Known for its 300-year old houses, grand pagodas, original fishbone roads and banyan trees, spend a few hours exploring this prestigious village. In the afternoon relax on deck and enjoy cocktails and dinner in the evening.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
RV Angkor Pandaw
Day 13
Hoa Binh
After breakfast visit the Hoa Binh Dam on the Black River, Vietnam’s largest hydroelectric dam. Spend the rest of the day cruising, admiring the spectacular scenery and visiting remote villages. In the evening enjoy sundeck cocktails and watch a traditional dance performance from a local hill tribe group.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
RV Angkor Pandaw
Day 14
Hoa Binh to Hanoi / Hanoi to the UK – by air
Today marks the last day of your spectacular Ha Long Bay and Red River cruise. After an early breakfast disembark the boat and visit a local museum and village where villagers still wear traditional Vietnamese dress. Enjoy lunch at an authentic restaurant followed by a transfer to Hanoi airport where you will check in for your international flight.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Extending your stay...
After your river cruise, travel to Ninh Binh, a region of spectacular scenery where emerald rivers snake through the towering limestone peaks and lush rice paddies. During your time here enjoy a traditional sampan boat ride to admire the spectacular scenery, cycle through local villages and take a culinary class.
Travel to Vietnam’s far north to Sapa which is located high in the Hoang Lien Son range of mountains in the Lao Cai Province. Visit the Muong Hoa valley which has the largest concentration of rice terraces in the area and the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai.
Hue, an imperial city built on the banks of the Perfume River was once home to some of Vietnam’s most powerful emperors. During your stay in Hue visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Imperial City, an impressive complex of pavilions, temples, palaces and manicured gardens.
South of Hue lies the charming town of Hoi An which is known for its winding cobbled streets, pretty wooden merchant houses, pagodas and colourful Chinese lanterns. During your time here take a cookery class, visit the UNESCO-listed temple site of My Son and relax on the soft sands of An Bang Beach.
Guide to Price
14 days from £4800 per person
What's Included
- International flights
- Cruise accommodation and sightseeing on a join-in basis with other passengers
- Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £4800
Travel Information
Getting There
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are available from Vietnam Airlines. Indirect flights are also available. Thai Airways fly via Bangkok to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and other airlines including Emirates, Malaysian, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways travel via their regional hubs.
Flying Times From UK
Direct flights take around 12 hours. Flights with stops en-route take around 16 hours.
Time Zone
Vietnam is +7 hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
Visa-free travel for stays of up to 45 days. For holidays longer than 45 days, you can apply for an e-visa that allows a 90-day stay and multiple entries.
Do’s & Don’ts
It is illegal to import, transport, use, store or sell vapes or e-cigarettes in Vietnam. This ban applies to both visitors and locals. If found in possession of a vape or e-cigarette the device will be confiscated and a fine, or more significant penalty, enforced. We strongly advise not to bring or use any vape or e-cigarette during your stay in Vietnam.
Whenever entering someone's house make sure you remove your shoes.
Ensure you do not point your feet in the direction of other people as this is considered very rude.
Money
The national currency in Vietnam is the Dong. ATMs are plentiful and credit cards are widely accepted. Although US Dollars, British Pounds and Euros are all often taken, it does depend on the particular vendor and their chosen exchange rate at the time. Whatever currency you are using, make sure the notes are well-kept and not torn, otherwise they will not be accepted.
Tipping
You will not be expected to tip in most places in Vietnam, yet when you do it is very much appreciated. If you liked the service you received then a generous tip is most appreciated. A guideline for tipping drivers and guides will be advised prior to travel.
Food & Drink
Rice, noodles, fresh vegetable and herbs all play big roles in Vietnamese food making it one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. You will find that each region tends to have its own range of specialities although as a general rule southern dishes contain more spice than their northern counterparts. Whereas the bulk of the restaurants are based in the major cities, smaller vendors and stalls can be found virtually anywhere. And no matter where you go, everyone drinks the national beverage at all social gatherings – green tea. There is still a strong French influence in Vietnam’s cuisine, baguettes and patisseries are readily available, and there are numerous French restaurants.
Accommodation
The general standard of accommodation across the country is high, so no matter your budget, Vietnam will cater for you. Eco lodges, homestays or simple local hotels with basic facilities are typical in rural and remote parts of Vietnam where the focus is on experiencing the location rather than where you are staying. In contrast, cities and towns offer a whole range of accommodation with a selection of impressive high-end luxury and boutique hotels similar to the rest of Southeast Asia. Vietnam is known for its breadth of cruises and vessels vary in size, standard and style. At Ha Long Bay cruises take place in small to medium-sized junk boats whilst in the Mekong Delta smaller sampan-style boats are used for exploring the narrow tributaries and larger cruise boats for extended upstream expeditions to Cambodia. Throughout the coast between Central and South Vietnam you will find many beautiful boutique spa hotels perfect for a luxury beach holiday.
Shopping
With countless street markets, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to handicrafts ranging from lacquerware to textiles. Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An especially offers excellent value for money when it comes to tailored clothing, fine cotton goods, hand embroidered fabrics and various jewellery and shawls.
Suggested Reading
The usual good sources of information, such as Bradt and Footprint, are always helpful. If you want a more visually appealing guide to Vietnam, then Nguyen Van Huy's ‘Vietnam: Journeys of Body, Mind and Spirit’ carries a number of stunning photographs from journeys through the heart of the country. ‘Vietnam: A Traveller's Literary Companion’ is interesting and Qui Doc Nguyen's collection of stories by various local writers allows you to get an insight into the country's culture through its own folklore and literature. We would also highly recommend a couple of books by Pam Scott, namely 'Vietnam: Hanoi Stories' and 'Life in Hanoi'.
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Vietnam the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Looking for something more bespoke?
Our Vietnam travel consultants can help you create your perfect trip
- Experts in tailor-made holidays
- Honest pricing with no hidden extras
- ABTA and ATOL protected
Getting to know you
A crucial part of our process, discuss your plans with us either by phone, video or in person.
Helping you to design your trip
Entirely tailor-made, there is complete flexibility to incorporate all your requirements.
On-hand support, when you need it
Our team are on hand to answer any questions and ensure you are fully ready, and excited, for your trip.
Full confidence whilst you are away
Enjoy full support from our UK team and trusted local partners throughout your journey.
We’re pleased to confirm that Pettitts Travel will not apply any surcharges to our package holidays when we are operating as a tour operator, regardless of changes in global costs. The price you agree at the time of booking is the price you will pay, a commitment we have proudly upheld for the past 38 years.
