Angkor Pandaw

Deals

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). Our representative will be waiting for you with a Sign at column No.12. 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.

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 09:00am in reception. Please ensure you are checked out and ready in reception on time, departure 09:30am.

For those not staying at the Pan Pacific Hotel, we will arrange a taxi from your hotel in central Hanoi to the meeting point. We will arrange with your hotel reception and inform of exact time the evening before, typically pick up will be between 08:00 and 08:30am. Surcharges apply for hotels outside of Hoan Kiem District or Hanoi Old Quarter.

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.

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!

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.

Depart Halong Bay and enter the river to drop anchor near Hai Phong.

PM: In the afternoon, our chef will share his skills in fruit carving and demonstrate how to create Vietnamese spring rolls.

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.

AM: This morning we will sail on the Lower Red River and Day River. 

PM: Afternoon visits to 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 the Day River towards Ninh Binh City.

AM: In the morning we will visit Tam Coc, taking a rowing boat ride to visit the so call "Halong on land" in Ninh Binh.

PM: In the afternoon we visit the quaint village of Pham Phao where guests can walk around the village visiting a host family where musical 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.

AM: In the morning we sail upstream on the Red River to Phat Diem Cathedral and visit the famous stone cathedral of Pat Diem.

PM: We then continue on the Red River to Hanoi.

AM: Dropped anchor in the bustling city of Hanoi, passengers will visit some highlights of this Asian metropolis, must see’s the notorious Vietnam war prison known as the Hanoi Hilton, the temple of literature where Confucius did his thinking, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

PM: 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.

AM: Morning going offshore to visit Bat Trang ceramic village then sail through the 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 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.

PM: We will arrive in Vinh Phuc in the evening.

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.

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 and Hanoi hotels. Estimated arrival at Hanoi Airport at 14:45, hotels in Hanoi arriving 15:30. Your flight out of Hanoi airport must be after 16.00pm (domestic) or 17.00pm (international).

AM: We pick you up at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport – Seat in coach. The last departure is no later than 12.00 noon. A Pandaw representative will be waiting for you with a Pandaw Sign in column No12, on the right-hand side of the international arrival exit.

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

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). Our representative will be waiting for you with a Sign at column No.12. 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.

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 reception. Please ensure you are checked out and ready in reception on time, departure 10:00am.

For those not staying at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Pandaw will arrange a taxi from your hotel in central Hanoi to the meeting point. We will arrange with your hotel reception and inform of exact time the evening before, typically pick up will be between 08:30 and 09:00am. Surcharges apply for hotels outside of Hoan Kiem District or Hanoi Old Quarter.

AM: 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.

PM: In the afternoon will moor in Minh Chau to visit a carpenter's village and smith's village in Vinh Phuc province.

AM & PM: 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.

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

AM: In the morning go offshore to visit Bat Trang ceramic village followed by a Unicorn Dance.

PM: Sail down the lower Red River to Dien Xa Bonsai village.

AM: After breakfast, we visit Dien Xa Bonsai village followed by lunch.

PM: 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.

AM: In the morning we will visit Thung Nang, taking a rowing boat to the so-called "Halong on land" in Ninh Binh.

PM: In the afternoon we visit the quaint village of Pham Phao where guests can walk around the village visiting a host family where musical 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.

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. 

AM: 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.

PM: We continue our cruise around Halong Bay until we drop anchor in Rang Dua.

AM: 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.

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 beach in Halong Bay.

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).

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. Our representative will be waiting for you with a Sign at column No.12, on the right hand sided of the international arrival exit. 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 reception. Please ensure you are checked out and ready in reception on time, departure 10:00am.

For those not staying at the Pan Pacific Hotel, We will arrange a taxi from your hotel in central Hanoi to the meeting point. We will arrange with your hotel reception and inform of exact time the evening before, typically pick up will be between 08:30 and 09:00am. Surcharges apply for hotels outside of Hoan Kiem District or Hanoi Old Quarter.

AM: 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.

PM: 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.

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 limestone 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.

AM: Dropping anchor in the bustling city of Hanoi, passengers will visit some highlights of this Asian metropolis including must-sees like the notorious Vietnam war prison known as the Hanoi Hilton and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first University that is dedicated to the Chinese Philosopher Confucius. We also stop outside The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum along the way to discuss the work required to preserve the body of ‘Uncle Ho.’

PM: In the afternoon we take a walking tour of Hanoi old quarter, a bustling maze of food and shopping that is an assault on the senses. We visit a coffee shop to learn about Vietnam’s famous coffee making industry and try an authentic coffee.

AM: 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 colorful and energetic dance is customary during festivals throughout Vietnam, most notably during Tet.

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

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.

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.

AM: Observe the lively and interesting life on the river as we spend a morning sailing the delta. Enjoy an exploration of your vessel with a ship tour before lunch.

PM: 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 drop anchor near Hai Phong Port, the gateway to Halong Bay.

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”. 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.

AM: 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.

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 beach in Halong Bay.

AM & PM: 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.

AM: Transfers from airports or any city hotel in Chiang Rai (2 hours) and Chiang Mai (6 hours) including Lunch at Ban Rai Sabaidee Farm plus guided visit to the Golden Triangle and the now infamous opium museum.

PM: Embark your ship by 16.00 and enjoy welcome drinks on the sundeck with traditional Thai dancing.

Note : Hotel pick-ups from city hotels in Chiang Mai can be as early as 06.00 or as late as 08.00. From Chiang Rai hotels can be as early as 08.30 or as late as 10.00. Timing varies according to the docking place of the Pandaw vessel. Our representative will call you on the evening before or leave a message with the hotel to reconfirm the exact pick up time.

If your arrival is after the above mentioned time we will pick you up from the airport Chiang Rai (arrival must be before 13.00) or airport Chiang Mai (arrival must be before 13.00) and transfer you to the ship. This transfer will not include any visits to Golden Triangle, Opium House and Lunch due to time limit.

There is a surcharge for private transfers if you are not able to meet us at above scheduled pick-up times.

AM: Pass through immigration formalities at the Thai/Laos border and re-join the ship. Set sail downstream on the beautiful Upper Mekong River, Morning presentation on the Lao language.

PM: After lunch, if time allows, sightseeing on foot in Pak Sith.

AM: Morning walk at Ban Luang Tong Lao Lowland village.

PM: Laos is known as ‘The land of a million elephants’ and after Lunch we will visit a rescue sanctuary that is helping to preserve the elephants of Laos and provide sustainable alternative employment for Mahouts who once trained and rode these beautiful creatures. In the evening we moor at a sandbank for a special riverside barbecue and cocktail party. Light paper lanterns with the crew and enjoy a dance in remote Laos.

AM: Today we discover the Khmu minority group and learn about their remote way of life. In the morning we will visit Ban Bor village, home to the Lao & Khummu people.

PM: We will have the opportunity to support locally produced handicrafts and walk through the Khummu village of Yoi Haoi in the afternoon.

AM & PM: Continue cruising downstream to Pak Ou, sightseeing by local boat exploring the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces. See the production of local Laos whisky at the Whisky village and shop for locally produced handicrafts before sailing into the World Heritage City of Luang Prabang. Moor overnight in central Luang Prabang.

AM: Today we explore the various handicrafts of Laos in more detail. We start with a morning walk up the 228 steps to Phousi temple where the best views of Luang Prabang can be found.

PM: After lunch aboard the ship, we visit Ock Pop Tok, a social enterprise providing sustainable employment and training for the women of local weaving villages. We then head to TAEC (Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre) to understand more about Laos musical instruments. Cocktail hour is accompanied by a traditional Bacci ceremony onboard highlighting some of the instruments seen in the afternoon.

AM: 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. We continue after breakfast to the morning market before taking tuktuks for a city tour of this well preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries and royal palace.

PM: The afternoon is free to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang.

AM: After breakfast sail downstream to Ban Chan where we take part in a pottery demonstration at the local pottery workshop.

PM: After Lunch we moor at Ban Mouang Khai and take a short drive to see the deep jungle pools at the Khaung Si Waterfall where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters. We then stop at the Laos Buffalo Farm, a social enterprise utilizing the abundant buffalo in Laos before rejoining the ship. We sail downstream for a sunset cruise and moor overnight at Ban Na San.

AM: Morning walk through Ban Na San Hmong Village.

PM: In the afternoon we pass through Xayabouri Hydroelectric Dam and take an inside look of the workings of this somewhat controversial attraction as we pass through the locks. Afternoon walk at Ban Khok Fark and moor overnight.

AM: Explore Ban Pak Yun Mixed minorities tribe in the morning, a rural local village before setting sail to Pak Lay, our final destination.

PM: Enjoy a tour of your Pandaw ship and fruit carving demonstration on the sundeck in the afternoon before farewell cocktails and dinner in the evening.

AM: Disembark at 08:30am followed by a local long-tail boat expedition downstream to Vientiane. Lunch and drinks will be provided on the local boat by your Pandaw chef and bar staff. Arrival to Vientiane around 17:30 with drop off at your hotel or Vientiane airport.