Angkor Pandaw in Ha Long Bay Angkor Pandaw in Ha Long Bay
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Angkor Pandaw

A handsome replica of a colonial-era river-steamer designed for off-the-beaten track exploration.

Overview

The 138-ft Angkor Pandaw is a handsome replica of a colonial-era river steamer dating from 1865. Her teak decks and brass adornments create a wonderfully authentic atmosphere as you cruise through some of Northern Vietnam’s most stunning landscapes. With only 16 cabins over two decks, the Angkor Pandaw experience is all about exploring remote and often hard-to-navigate river sites in a specially-designed luxury small ship. The character features are combined with modern facilities and superb service to ensure that your journey will be a comfortable one.

Your Accommodation

The teak-lined cabins accommodate up to 32 passengers. Each is 168 square feet in size, offering ample living space with the same furnishings and amenities, including air-conditioning, a desk and chair, an en-suite bathroom, and French windows, as well as a private balcony for optimal views along the river.

Double or twin cabins are available. The Upper Deck with its walk-around promenade has six cabins while the Main Deck is similar with 10 cabins. You can look forward to fruit and flowers on arrival, kimonos and slippers, spa-branded amenities, unlimited mineral water, free use of a mini-DVD-player on request and selection of DVDs from the library.

Life On Board

You will want to spend much of your leisure time on the partially-shaded Upper Deck. Here, you can relax on a teak lounger and take in the sights of Vietnam going by; local families in their traditional floating homes will often stop what they are doing to wave as you drift past, giving you a glimpse into their water-based way of life. The Upper Deck also has a library, a fair-trade shop and a small covered deck.

Be sure to take advantage of the open-bridge policy; this is the Captain’s Deck where the weather and charts are studied, where plans for the journey are decided and where the magic happens. Meals are served in the air-conditioned restaurant affording panoramic views. Produce is fresh, regional and seasonal.

The Angkor Pandaw Cruise has two guides who give daily briefings at cocktail hour, and accompany all excursions, which are daily and free. Some local entertainment is offered, such as folk dancing performances and puppet shows, and the ship also has quality mountain bikes for your independent exploration.

Life On The Red River

The ‘Song Hong’ (Red River) in Northern Vietnam is an ancient trade route. Hanoi, the busy and ancient capital of Vietnam, straddles the river, while close to its mouth lies the island-studded Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Gulf of Tonkin. The Angkor Pandaw is the only cruise ship to ply this river and its network of tributaries.

A choice of 11-day journeys take you through the many towns and villages along its banks and will give you a glimpse of both rural life and industrial muscle, with low-key excursions emphasizing the traditions that remain vital to Vietnamese life, from visits to a village whose residents specialize in making conical hats, to ones that grow bonsai trees. Scheduled itineraries vary in accordance with the season but the highlight of every voyage is a night or two at anchor amid the beautiful towering and jagged karst formations of Halong Bay.

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

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11-Day A
11-Day B

11 Day - Red River Cruise: Halong Bay - Viet Tri (Upstream)

itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: Transfer from Hanoi International Airport or meeting point to Halong Bay to embark on your Pandaw ship with a stop for lunch en route. Cast off the late afternoon with a welcome cocktail for an evening sail, dropping anchor in a sheltered bay amidst the beautiful island scenery.

*If you want us to pick you up at the airport: The coach will leave the airport no later than 10:30 (Unless there are any delays with your flight). Our representative will be waiting for you with a Pandaw Sign at column No12. On the right-hand sided of the international arrival exit. Arrival in Halong Bay at 14.00.

Please note:

TRANSFER FROM HANOI AIRPORT

We pick you up at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport. Last departure is no later than 10:30 (Unless there are any delays with your flight). Your guide will be waiting for you with a Pandaw Sign at column No12. On the right hand sided of the international arrival exit. Arrival in Halong Bay at 12.00.

If you encounter any difficulties, please contact our emergency number of Vietnam +84 936 903 168.

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

Meeting point for embarkation in Hanoi will be the Pan Pacific Hotel (1 Thanh Nien Road, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi 10000, Vietnam) and registration will be at 09:30am in Song Hong Bar. Please ensure you are checked out and ready in reception on time, departure 10:00am.

For those not staying at the Pan Pacific Hotel, please ask your hotel reception support by arrange a taxi to the meeting point at 09.30am for registration.

PRIVATE ARRIVAL AT HA LONG BAY

For passengers already in Ha Long Bay on the night before, please come to Tuan Chau International Jetty. Embarkation time will be between 12:00 and 13:00.

Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Halong Bay - Viet Tri (Upstream)-Day 1
Location
Hanoi-Halong Bay
Day
1 / 11

Viet Hai Village

AM: Morning sail around Halong Bay and beyond with its 1,500 dramatic limestone islands and extraordinary rock formations, dating back 20 million years.

Stop at Viet Hai Village and explore on a mountain bike or electric buggy, visiting 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.

PM: In the afternoon continue cruising towards Lan Ha Bay for a visit to a floating fishing house.

Weather dependent, end the day with cocktails at a beautiful beach in Halong Bay - bring your swimwear!

Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Halong Bay - Viet Tri (Upstream)-Day 2
Location
Halong Bay
Day
2 / 11

Dark and Bright Cave

AM: Exploration of Halong Bay continues with a visit to 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.

PM: In the afternoon, we leave Halong Bay and enter the river, where we drop anchor near Hai Phong.

Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Halong Bay - Viet Tri (Upstream)-Day 3
Location
Halong Bay
Day
3 / 11

Thanh Ha Village

AM: Observe the lively and interesting life of the Kinh Thay river, a key commercial waterway. Meet your guide in the dining room for a lecture on Vietnam, its history, geography, and the boat people.

PM: Afternoon excursion to Thanh Ha Commune with a village walk and a private water puppet show set under the shade by a beautiful pond of lotus and lilies.

Return to the ship and continue cruising until late evening, dropping anchor midstream.

Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Halong Bay - Viet Tri (Upstream)-Day 4
Location
Kinh Thay River
Day
4 / 11

Day River

AM: This morning, we sail along the Lower Red River and Day River while getting more acquainted with your expedition vessel during a ship tour.

PM: 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.

Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Halong Bay - Viet Tri (Upstream)-Day 5
Location
Lower Red River
Day
5 / 11

Khan Thien Village

AM: 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.

PM: 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.

Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Halong Bay - Viet Tri (Upstream)-Day 6
Location
Ninh Binh
Day
6 / 11

Ninh Binh

AM & PM: 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.

Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Halong Bay - Viet Tri (Upstream)-Day 7
Location
Lower Red River
Day
7 / 11

Hanoi

AM & PM: 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.

Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Halong Bay - Viet Tri (Upstream)-Day 8
Location
Hanoi
Day
8 / 11

Bat Trang Ceramic village

AM & PM: 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.

Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Halong Bay - Viet Tri (Upstream)-Day 9
Location
Hanoi
Day
9 / 11

The Upper Red River

AM: 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.

PM: We sail upstream on the Upper Red River to Viet Tri. Enjoy traditional dances on board.

Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Halong Bay - Viet Tri (Upstream)-Day 10
Location
Upper Red River
Day
10 / 11

Disembarkation

AM: Disembark after breakfast and visit the conical hat-making village of Gia Thanh.

PM: 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.

Note:

After lunch at local restaurant departure for Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport. Estimated arrival at Hanoi Airport between 14:30 to 14.45, Pan Pacific hotel arriving between 15:30 to 16.00. Your flight out of Hanoi airport must be after 16.00pm (domestic) or 17.00pm (international).

After lunch at local restaurant departure for Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport and the Pan Pacific hotel. Estimated arrival at Hanoi Airport between 14:30 to 14.45, Pan Pacific hotel arriving between 15:30 to 16.00. Your flight out of Hanoi airport must be after 16.00pm (domestic) or 17.00pm (international).

Please arrange your own taxi from the Pan Pacific hotel to your hotel in Hanoi if different.


Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Halong Bay - Viet Tri (Upstream)-Day 11
Location
Viet Tri
Day
11 / 11
1 / 11

11 Day - Red River Cruise: Viet Tri - Halong Bay (Downstream)

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: Transfer from Hanoi to your ship moored along the Red River in Viet Tri.

PM: After lunch we visit Lac Long Quan or the Hung Kings Temple and learn about the history of the Hung Kings and the founding of the first nation in Vietnamese history. We return to the ship for your welcome dinner and introduction to your crew.

Please note:

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. Pandaw guide 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 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

Meeting point for embarkation in Hanoi will be the Pan Pacific Hotel (1 Thanh Nien Road, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi 10000, Vietnam) and registration will be at 09:30am in Song Hong Bar. Please ensure you are checked out and ready on time, departure 10:00am.

For those not staying at the Pan Pacific Hotel, please ask your hotel reception support by arrange a taxi to the meeting point at 09.30am for registration.

Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Viet Tri - Halong Bay (Downstream)-Day 1
Location
Viet Tri
Day
1 / 11

The Lo River

AM & PM: A day of exploring the various crafts produced throughout the delta. We start with a visit to Hung Lo temple where we will be serenaded with traditional folk music as well as enjoy an exploration this quaint traditional town. 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.

Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Viet Tri - Halong Bay (Downstream)-Day 2
Location
The Lo River
Day
2 / 11

Upper Red River

AM: We visit the UNESCO praised village of Duong Lam an ancient village that is a well preserved example of a traditional Vietnamese village from centuries ago with intricate architecture and fascinating culture.

PM: After lunch we continue downstream on the Red River and visit a timeless Arcadian Vietnam with emerald green rice paddies punctuated by lime stone rock formations. 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.

Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Viet Tri - Halong Bay (Downstream)-Day 3
Location
Upper Red River
Day
3 / 11

Hanoi

AM & PM: 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.

Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Viet Tri - Halong Bay (Downstream)-Day 4
Location
Hanoi
Day
4 / 11

Bat Trang Village

AM & PM: 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 sail through the maze of waterways this afternoon and are entertained onboard by your Pandaw Chef with a cooking class and fruit carving.

Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Viet Tri - Halong Bay (Downstream)-Day 5
Location
Lower Red River
Day
5 / 11

Day River

AM: After breakfast we head ashore to Co Chat village, Nam Dinh. Here we visit local craftspeople making silk by hand and the local markets filled with exotic produce.

PM: After lunch onboard we moor at Khanh Thien Village, a quaint town known for it’s skilled craftspeople. We explore this cultural hub by local transportation or bicycle and discover a host of handicrafts including water hyacinth weaving and a variety of rice paper and cakes. We end the evening with a performance by the locals of ‘Chau Van’ singing, an ancient art form local to this area.

Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Viet Tri - Halong Bay (Downstream)-Day 6
Location
Day River
Day
6 / 11

Ninh Binh

AM: Discover ‘Halong on Land’ today as we visit Ninh Binh and take small bamboo rowing boats through the magnificent limestone caves. Visitors in September and October or April and May will witness the valleys shine golden as the rice fields prepare for harvest.

PM: After lunch we continue our exploration of the Red River Delta with a journey to Phat Diem, home to Phat Diem Cathedral, a 19th-century Roman Catholic church built in an eclectic blend of Vietnamese and European architectural styles. We continue upstream on our journey to Halong.

Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Viet Tri - Halong Bay (Downstream)-Day 7
Location
Ninh Binh
Day
7 / 11

Luoc - Thai Binh - Kinh Thay River

AM: Observe the lively and interesting life on the river before we reach our next destination in the afternoon.

PM: Excursion to Thanh Ha Commune with a 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. 

Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Viet Tri - Halong Bay (Downstream)-Day 8
Location
Kinh Thay River
Day
8 / 11

Dark and Bright Cave

AM & PM: 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” where we 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 through Halong Bay until we drop anchor in a quieter part of the bay.

Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Viet Tri - Halong Bay (Downstream)-Day 9
Location
Halong Bay
Day
9 / 11

Viet Hai Village

AM: Continuing our sailing we make a stop at Viet Hai Village. We continue our journey by mountain bike or electric buggy to visit the village’s vegetable farm and typical village houses. It is a breath-taking trip along a small road winding its way through the limestone rocks.

PM: 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 secluded beach.

Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Viet Tri - Halong Bay (Downstream)-Day 10
Location
Halong Bay
Day
10 / 11

Disembarkation

AM: Morning sail to Tuan Chau Jetty.

PM: Disembarkation at 09:00 Tuan Chau Port at Halong Bay. After lunch at local restaurant departure for Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport and central Hanoi hotels. Estimated arrival at Hanoi Airport at 15.30 PM, hotels in Hanoi arriving around 16.30 PM. Your flight out of Hanoi airport must be after 16:30 (domestic) or 17:30 (international).

Please note:

After lunch at local restaurant departure for Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport and the Pan Pacific hotel. Estimated arrival at Hanoi Airport between 14:30 to 14.45, Pan Pacific hotel arriving between 15:30 to 16.00. Your flight out of Hanoi airport must be after 16.00pm (domestic) or 17.00pm (international).

Please arrange your own taxi from the Pan Pacific hotel to your hotel in Hanoi if different.

Angkor Pandaw - Red River Cruise: Viet Tri - Halong Bay (Downstream)-Day 11
Location
Halong Bay
Day
11 / 11
1 / 11

Accommodations

Social Areas

Lounge
Outdoor Lounge
Restaurant
Restaurant
Bridge
Deck
Lecture
The outdoors lounge onboard Angkor Pandaw
The view of the Ha Long Bay from the deck
The dining room with the dinner setup
A stewardess preparing the table onboard Angkor Pandaw
Captain on a bridge
Woman looking overboard
People at the lounge

Suites & Cabins

Angkor Pandaw's Main Deck Stateroom Angkor Pandaw's Main Deck Stateroom
10 Cabins

Main Deck Stateroom

Guests
2
Size
16 m² / 172 ft²
Beds
Double / Twin

These ample-sized rooms feature various amenities to ensure guests have a comfortable stay. On request, guests can get a mini DVD player and enjoy some entertainment in their rooms. The room also comes with spa-branded amenities and a hairdryer to ensure guests stay refreshed.

Angkor Pandaw's Upper Deck Stateroom
6 Cabins

Upper Deck Stateroom

Guests
2
Size
16 m² / 172 ft²
Beds
Double / Twin

Guests looking to entertain themselves from the comfort of their rooms can get a mini DVD player on request. The rooms also feature unlimited mineral water for guests to stay dehydrated at all times, kimonos, slippers, a hairdryer, and spa-branded amenities.

Technical Information

Deck Plan

Deck plan

Features

  • Air conditioning
  • Lecture room
  • WIFI available
  • Kosher Meals
  • Medical staff
  • Souvenir shop
  • Hot showers
  • All inclusive
  • Charging areas for electronic equipment

Equipment

  • Kayaks / Canoes
  • Bicycles
  • Yoga mats
  • Flash lights
  • Water canteen/bottle
  • Insect repellent
** Use of certain equipment at additional cost, ask for details
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