Vietnam & Red River Uncovered
19 nights / 20 days
Fully Guided
All Available Dates - Call 01 2366852 To Book Now
22 Sep 2025
22 Sep 2025
14 Oct 2025
14 Oct 2025
27 Dec 2025
27 Dec 2025
07 Jan 2026
07 Jan 2026
03 Mar 2026
03 Mar 2026
05 Apr 2026
05 Apr 2026
See the highlights of Vietnam, including Saigon and its vibrant and rich heritage; then onto Hoi An and discover its lantern-lit haven of ancient streets and culinary delights before travelling to Hanoi; Vietnam's timeless capital with historic landmarks. Set sail in Halong Bay on a 10-night boutique Pandaw river cruise and navigate the Red River and its hidden treasures and lush landscapes, meeting the fascinating people who live upon its shores and their local crafts as you get a glimpse into Vietnam's northern cultural epicentre.
B Breakfast Included
L Lunch Included
D Dinner Included
Day 1 - Fly to Saigon
Fly overnight to Saigon, Vietnam's largest and most evocative city. The rest of the day is yours to relax, refresh or begin your explorations. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
Day 2 - Fly to Saigon
Fly overnight to Saigon, Vietnam's largest and most evocative city. The rest of the day is yours to relax, refresh or begin your explorations. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
Day 3 - Explore Saigon
See the sights of the city the morning, admiring the colonial architecture of the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, visiting the fascinating Reunification Palace, and viewing the exhibits of the War Remnants Museum. Later, discover the reality of guerrilla warfare at the Cu Chi Tunnels, which were central to the Viet Cong's military operations, including the Tet Offensive. For a truly authentic insight into the war, meet a Vietnamese veteran and hear his story.
Day 4 - Discover the Mekong Delta
Travel to the Mekong Delta, taking to the canals and palm-lined waterways by boat, to admire its verdant and bountiful beauty and catch a glimpse of daily life. Return to Saigon, stopping en route at a chocolate factory, where you'll learn about the bean to bar production process.
Day 5 - Fly to Danang
Transfer to the airport and board a flight to Danang. On arrival, transfer to the charming Hoi An, where the rest of the afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish.
Day 6 - Hoi An on foot
Head out on a walking tour of Hoi An, a wonderfully atmospheric, laidback and traditional city, wandering the cobbled streets of the old town to spot hidden temples, historic merchant houses and to visit the famous Japanese Bridge. At Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, a special experience awaits in the form of personalised blessings presented in symbolic red envelopes.
Day 7 - Fly to Hanoi
Transfer to the airport and fly to Hanoi, Vietnam's capital city. On arrival, visiting the fascinating Museum of Ethnology before hopping into cyclos for a ride through the streets of the city's vibrant Old Quarter.
Day 8 - Explore Hanoi
Head out on foot to explore Hanoi's rich history and culture. Starting at the 11th-century northern gate, the entry point of the imperial citadel of Thang Long, continue to Cua Bac Church and along Phan Dinh Phung, considered Hanoi's most beautiful street. Pause to discover Quan Thang Temple, walk along the West Lake and browse the stalls of Chau Long market. Later, meet with a local master for a workshop with traditional zo paper, using brush pens and ink stones to learn the art of calligraphy. Pay a visit to a Yen Thai community.
Day 9 - Board your cruise
Travel to Halong Bay and board your river cruise vessel, enjoying lunch before setting sail into the beauty of this UNESCO-listed bay. This evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail on deck surrounded by spectacular scenery, anchoring in a sheltered bay.
Day 10 - Explore Halong Bay
Spend the morning sailing on turquoise waters among limestone islands and rock formations. Stop at Viet Hai Village, boarding an electric buggy to explore the vegetable gardens and typical rural houses. Back on the water, cruise towards Lan Ha Bay to visit a floating fishing house then, if the weather is good, sip a cocktail on a beautiful beach.
Day 11 - More Halong Bay
Take to the waters yourself in a kayak or board a local basket boat rowed by a fisherman to visit 'Dark and Bright Cave', entering it by water to admire the massive stalagmites hanging for the ceiling. This afternoon, bid farewell to Halong Bay and enter the Kinh Thay River, dropping anchor near Hai Phong.
Day 12 - Kinh Thay River
Observe life on the Kinh Thay River, a key commercial waterway, as you cruise. This afternoon, visit the Thanh Ha Commune, the place considered to be the birthplace of Vietnam's famous water puppets. Take a stroll through the village before settling under a shady tree by a pond full of lotus and lilies to enjoy a private water puppet show.
Day 13 - Day River
Sail along the Lower Red and Day rivers this morning. Get better acquainted with your cruise vessel with a ship tour before lunch onboard. Head ashore to explore Co Chat silk village, where you can meet local craftspeople and watch them make silk by hand and visit the local markets to browse the wares.
Day 14 - Red River Delta
Sail towards Ninh Binh, mooring at Khanh Thien Village. Disembarking to visit Phat Diem and its cathedral which blends Vietnamese and European architectural styles. Explore Khanh Thien Village and discover some lovely local handicrafts, like water hyacinth weaving, rice paper and cakes. This evening, enjoy a performance of 'Chau Van' singing by the local, an ancient artform of the area.
Day 15 - Ninh Binh
Experience 'Halong Bay on Land' at Ninh Binh, boarding small bamboo rowing boats to pass through a river landscapes of lush paddy fields, limestone peaks and caves. Return to the ship and sail upstream on the Red River, towards Hanoi.
Day 16 - Historic Hanoi
Arrive back in Hanoi and experience the city from a different angle. Tour what remains of the notorious 'Hanoi Hilton' prison before soaking up the tranquillity of the Temple of Literature and learning at the life of revolutionary leader and president Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum. Then walk through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, stopping to enjoy the delights of a Vietnamese delicacy, egg coffee, seeing how it is made and how good it tastes. Return to the ship for a relaxed evening and dinner.
Day 17 - Bat Trang Village
Visit Bat Trang ceramic village which has produced ceramics famous throughout Vietnam for generations. Returning to the ship, a local dance troupe will perform a lion dance on the pier. Set sail for the upper reaches of the Red River, a less explored area, stopping at a village dedicated to the production of 'non la', Vietnam's famous conical hat. Then, stop at the lakeside 11th-century Thay Pagoda to explore its exquisite temples and the surrounding village.
Day 18 - Upper Red River
Disembark at the UNESCO-recognised Duang Lam, a beautifully preserved example of a traditional Vietnamese village, to admire the intricate architecture and fascinating culture. This afternoon, visit the smithing village of Ly Nhan to see traditional production methods. Sail upstream while enjoying a farewell dinner this evening.
Day 19 - Viet Tri
Bid farewell to your river cruise vessel and begin the journey back to Hanoi. En route, visit Hung Lo Temple where you can enjoy a performance of traditional folk music and a stroll through this traditional town. Sit down for lunch at a local restaurant. This evening in Hanoi is at leisure.
Day 20 - Fly to UK
Transfer to the airport and fly home to the UK, arriving home the same or the following day.
Call 01 2366852 To Book Now
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