HALONG BAY AND RED RIVER

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

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.

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. 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.

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. Here you will taste the traditional egg coffee at Giang Cafe in the Old Quarter. Explore the local markets of Hang Da and Hang Gai Street, then meet for transfer back to the RV Angkor at Thang Long Theatre.

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.

Depart on a morning bus excursion (1 hour and 45 minutes each way) to Tam Coc, where you will board a local rowing boat to explore limestone caves. Lunch is served at the Emeralda Resort. The afternoon offers optional activities including body or foot massages, or free time for shopping in the village.

Disembark in the morning for an excursion to Khang's house in the famous Doi Tam Drum Village. Return to the ship for lunch served in the Dining Room. At 15:30 PM, head ashore for a bus excursion to visit Stork Island in Hai Duong. Conclude the day with cocktail hour, an evening talk on the upper deck with your guide, and dinner.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Morning sail to Tuan Chau Jetty. Disembark and transfer to Hanoi Airport with stop for lunch at a local restaurant (approximately 130km and 2.5-hour journey).