House of travel Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Myanmar Brochure 2017 | Page 12

HALONG BAY & THE RED RIVER
Traverse the Red River Delta and its
main tributaries aboard the RV Angkor
Pandaw as you explore the key sites
of Northern Vietnam.
Connecting the wonders of Halong Bay and
beyond with its dramatic limestone islands
and extraordinary rock formations to the
excitement of downtown Hanoi. Sail deep into
highland Vietnam and discover the mountain
villages and tribal areas with emerald green
rice paddies. Enjoy a local water puppet
show, visit the local markets in Ninh Giang,
taste a homemade special cake ‘Banh Gai’,
and learn about Vietnam’s recognised coffee
making industry. Pandaw vessels are built
and designed as replicas of colonial river
steamers and offer an all-inclusive concept,
relax with a beverage in hand in peaceful
sitting areas dotted throughout the ship,
outside on the promenade decks or on the
vast observation deck above. With an informal
and very social atmosphere, enjoy other
guests company – truly relax and escape the
world as you know it.
11days/10NIGHTS
INCLUDES
10 nights’ accommodation aboard the ship, return transfers
between the meeting point and the ship, all excursions
including entrance fees, guide services (English speaking),
gratuities to crew, main meals, locally made alcoholic
beverages and soft drinks, jugged coffee and selection of
teas and tisanes and mineral water.
Departs on selected DATES throughout
the year
Day 1: Hanoi – Halong Bay (L, D)
Transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay to embark
the cruise with a stop for lunch enroute. Cast
off in the late afternoon for an evening sailing
to drop anchor in a sheltered bay amidst the
amazing island scenery.
Day 2: Halong Bay (B, L, D)
Explore Halong Bay and beyond with its
dramatic limestone islands and extraordinary
rock formations. Embark on smaller local boats
to visit a floating home, with an opportunity later
in the day to kayak to explore limestone caves.
Day 3: Halong Bay (B, L, D)
Continue cruising Halong Bay. Enter the river
delta in the afternoon and set sail upstream to
Pha Lai. Observe the lively and interesting life of
the river, a key commercial waterway. Pandaw
will anchor mid-stream for the night
Day 4: The Thai Binh River (B, L, D)
Sail on Thai Binh River, disembarking at Thanh
Ha commune for a water puppet show and a
village walking tour. Back on board, cruise to
Ninh Giang. In the afternoon, take a walking tour
in Ninh Giang commune and visit a local market
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to taste a traditional homemade cake, Banh Cai.
Continue by bus to Stork’s Island - home to more
than 20,000 storks, egrets, herons and many
other bird species.
Day 5: Bat Trang Village (B, L, D)
unspoilt beauty of the Da River. Pass the Ba Vi
National Park with its rich and diverse tropical
and sub-tropical flora and fauna before arriving
at Hoa Binh. Visit the UNESCO village of Duang
Lam.
Today, cruise towards Hanoi. In the afternoon,
stop at Bat Trang, a ceramic village. The pottery
artists are highly skilled and bring innovative
techniques and creativity to their products. Day 10: Hoa Binh (B, L, D)
Day 6: Hanoi (B, L, D) Day 11: Hanoi (B, L)
Docked in Hanoi, visit some key highlights
including the notorious prison known as the
Hanoi Hilton, the Temple of Literature, and the
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. An afternoon walking
tour includes a visit to a coffee shop to learn
about Vietnam’s famous coffee making industry.
Before returning to the ship you will enjoy a
traditional unicorn and lion dance at the jetty. Disembark after breakfast and visit a local
village where traditional dress is still worn.
Transfer to Hanoi where tour arrangements end.
Day 7: Lower Red River (B, L, D)
Sail through the day from Hanoi up the Red
River to Viet Tri – an excellent base for going
deeper into the Vietnam Highlands. Head ashore
to visit a timeless Arcadian Vietnam - emerald
green rice paddies punctuated by limestone
rock formations. Of particular interest are the
Thay and Tay Phuong Pagodas. These exquisite
temples date from the 8th and 11th century and
are home to some fine Buddhist statuary carved
from jackfruit trees.
This morning take a boat ride to visit a local
village in Hoa Binh. Tonight enjoy a traditional
performance by the local hill tribe people.
*Itinerary based on upstream departures
between Apr-Nov. Please contact Active Asia
for Dec-Mar itinerary and downstream options.
For more river cruising options in
Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar
please refer to the Active Asia River
Cruising brochure.
Day 8: Lo River (B, L, D)
Cruise to the Tien Du ferry station this
morning and onwards to the conical hat making
village of Gia Thanh. By bus continue to Hung
Lo Temple where according to legend, the first
kings of Vietnam chose this land to build the first
capital on.
Day 9: Da River (B, L, D)
Enjoy a day sailing downstream admiring the
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