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Pandaw Red River Cruise

Description

Pandaw Red River Cruise Overview

The Angkor Pandaw Cruise was built in 2013 in Ho Chi Minh City for Vietnam and Cambodia Cruise. In 2015, Pandaw Angkor Cruise had been transfered to North of Vietnam to do the Halong & Red River. The Angkor Pandaw cruise has an enclosed air conditioned dining room insisted on by an American charterer. In fact the enclosed dining room has proved useful as it can be cold up there in winter. There are quality mountain bikes on the Pandaw Angkor Cruise for your independent exploration.

  • Pandaw Cruise
  • Launch 2013
  • 16 cabins
  • Metal
  • Halong bay & Red River
  • Vietnam

Pandaw Red River Cruise's Facilities

  • 24-hour Security
  • Boutique Library
  • Conference & meeting facilities
  • Observatory
  • Reception
  • Restaurant
  • Spa & Beauty

Pandaw Red River Cruise’s Travel Map

Pandaw Red River Cruise

Note*: The above map is for 8 day itinerary from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap. It could be different as per the water level and the routes you book. We will keep you updated before departure.

Cruise Itineraries

Upstream: Halong – Hoa Binh / 11 days

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

Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Red River Cruise

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 mountain bike or electric buggy, visiting 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.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Red River Cruise

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.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Red River Cruise

Observe the lively and interesting life of the KinhThay river, a key commercial waterway.

Meet your guide in the dining room for a lecture on Vietnam, its history, geography and the boat people.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Red River Cruise

The day is spent cruising towards Hanoi. Enroute, stop at Bat Trang in the afternoon, a ceramic village. On the way back to the ship watch a traditional unicorn and lion dance at the jetty.

This dance originated in China and spread over Southeast Asia.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Red River Cruise

Drop anchor in the capital and bustling city of Hanoi to visit some highlights of this Asian metropolis. Must-sees include the notorious Vietnam War prison known as the Hanoi Hilton, temple of literature where Confucius did his thinking, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Red River Cruise

Morning 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.

Go ashore to visit a timeless Arcadian Vietnam with emerald green rice paddies punctuated by limestone rock formations. Of particular interest are the Thay and Tay Phuong Pagodas.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Red River Cruise

In the morning cruising to Tien Du ferry station to the village of Gia Thanh, makers of the conical hats (known as ‘non la’). Take in the sights and sounds of the bustling river with all kinds of craft and activity.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Red River Cruise

Day sailing downstream while admiring the unspoilt beauty of the Da River. Pass through the Ba Vi National Park with its rich and diverse tropical and sub-tropical flora and fauna before arriving at Hoa Binh then visit the UNESCO-praised village of Duong Lam.

In the afternoon, take a tour of the ship including the galley, crew area and engine room.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Red River Cruise

Hoa Binh was the site of a major battle with the French in 1951 & 1952 and is home to the Muong ethnic group.

The Hoa Binh Dam at the Black River is the largest hydroelectric dam in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Take a morning boat ride on the reservoir of Hoa Binh power station and visit a local village. A traditional performance by local hill tribe people is given in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Red River Cruise

Disembark after breakfast (08.30am) and visit a museum and local village where villagers still wear traditional dress.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, followed by a transfer to Hanoi airport or drop off point Pan Pacific Hotel Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: n/a

Downstream: Hoa Binh – Hanoi / 11 days

Transfer to Hoa Binh, embark your ship at around 15.00 and set sail downstream for sunset and a night on the Da River.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Red River Cruise

Hoa Binh was the site of a major battle with the French in 1951 & 1952 and is home to the Muong ethnic group.

The Hoa Binh Dam at the Black River is the largest hydroelectric dam in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Take an afternoon boat ride on the reservoir of Hoa Binh power station.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Red River Cruise

In the morning, visit a museum and local village where villagers still wear traditional dress.

A day sailing downstream admiring the unspoilt beauty of the Da River, passing through the Ba Vi National Park with its rich and diverse tropical and sub-tropical flora and fauna before arriving at Trung Ha.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Red River Cruise

After breakfast by coach through beautiful scenic countryside to the UNESCO praised village of Duong Lam then continue cruising downstream to Viet Tri. Take in the sights and sounds of the bustling river with all kinds of craft and activity.

Meet your guide in the dining room for a lecture on Vietnam, its history, geography and the boat people.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Red River Cruise

Take in the sights and sounds of the bustling river with all kinds of craft and activity. In the morning cruise to Tien Du ferry station to visit the Hung Lo Temple.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Red River Cruise

Go ashore to visit a timeless Arcadian Vietnam with emerald green rice paddies punctuated by limestone rock formations. Of particular interest are the Thay and Tay Phuong Pagodas.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Red River Cruise

Drop anchor in the capital and bustling city of Hanoi to visit some highlights of this Asian metropolis. Must-sees include the notorious Vietnam War prison known as the Hanoi Hilton, temple of literature where Confucius did his thinking, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Red River Cruise

Observe the lively and interesting life on the river before reaching next destination in the afternoon.

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

Drop anchor near Hai Phong Port.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Red River Cruise

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.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Red River Cruise

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 mountain bike or electric buggy, visiting 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.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Pandaw Red River Cruise

Morning sail to Tuan Chau Jetty. Disembark and transfer to Hanoi Airport or Pan Pacific Hotel Hanoi with stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: n/a

Important note*

  • PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO THE WATER LEVEL. WE WILL KEEP YOU UPDATED 2 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE
  • For overnight registration, we will need passport information (Full name, sex, Nationality, passport number, date of birth) of passengers at least four weeks prior to cruise date.

Cabins & Rates

Cabintype Rates
(US$/person)

Pandaw Red River Cruise
  • 16sqm
  • Main deck
  • Double/twin beds
  • Max 2 persons


Contact us for price

Pandaw Cruise Mekong River Cabins
  • 16sqm
  • Upper deck
  • Double/twin beds
  • Max 2 persons

Note*: The tour price would vary depending on date of departure and group size. Please book the tour or contact us for a free updated quote.

Booking Policy

Cruise Price Includes: Entrance fees, guide services (English language), main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes. Transfers between ports of embarkation and Hanoi International Airport at the start and end of the voyage.

Cruise Price Excludes: International flights, port dues (if levied), laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions), all beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes and tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.

Cancellation by Customer
Cancellation is not confirmed till we receive your official email. For cancellations of bookings, the following charges will apply:

  • A 30% deposit of your total booking value with Pandaw is required upon confirmation and is non refundable.
  • Final balance must be paid 75 days before departure or the booking will be cancelled and the deposit forfeited.
  • Certain special offers may require higher non-refunable deposits. These will be advised to you at the time of booking.

Children from 5 years up to 18 years old get:

  • 1 adult and 1 child – 1 cabin – child receives 50% reduction from adult price.
  • 2 adults and 1 child – 2 cabins – 1 cabin with no single supplement and 50% reduction for the child.
  • 2 adults and 2 children – 2 cabins – 50% reduction for both children.
    Larger family groups – prices on request.
  • Please note our cruises are not suitable for young or small children as the ships have railings but no netting.

Pandaw Red River Cruise’s Deck Plan

  • 10 cabins on Main Deck
  • 6 cabins on Upper deck
Pandaw Red River Cruise

Pandaw Red River Cruise Amenities

  • Air-conditioner
  • Cabinet
  • Free Wifi - Public area
  • Hair Dryer
  • Non Smoking Rooms
  • Private Bathroom
  • Safety box
  • Toiletries

Video about Pandaw Red River Cruise

Questions & Answers


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The rivers you will sail on are subject to seasonal rises and falls of water level, in some places as much as 30 metres. Water levels can change dramatically overnight and a sudden rise can impede our progress upstream considerably and even prevent us from passing under certain bridges. A sudden fall can result in our being unable to get into certain places or go as far upstream as we would hope. Groundings on sandbars are not infrequent and are part of the
excitement of any expedition. Published itineraries are indicational only and subject to sudden change. In such events alternative itineraries will be provided and we do our best to ensure that if a stop is missed we make up for it with another stop.

Passengers are thus forewarned and expected to be flexible and patient. River cruising in Asia can be a dramatic and adventurous experience – not like cruising the controlled waterways of Europe or America. Note also that we operate in areas with little or no developed infrastructure and subject to the strictures of local officialdom. Be prepared for this and it is all more the fun!

For itineraries that include flights in the price of the ticket it should be noted that regional airlines can change departure times or cancel flights at very short notice. In such an event we endeavour to arrange alternative flights but note that this can result in delays often resulting in embarking or disembarking on a different day to that indicated in the itinerary. In such an event the company will cover the cost of hotel accommodation and main meals only, but will not be liable for any claims for compensation for missed days on board a ship, drinks or curtailment of the said itinerary.

We recommend wearing loose and comfortable clothing made of cotton or modern material that can readily cool off sweat and body hear. The type of shoes will depend on the excursion types so best to have both light, open toed shoes as well as good walking/hiking shoes with you. A sun hat is always a good idea to bring along.
Southern Vietnam and Cambodia are warm all year-round, but our other cruise destinations can get chilly during the winter months (Laos, Myanmar or northern Vietnam). Therefore, it is always recommended to bring a pullover or a warm jacket with you during this period.
Many of our cruises include visits to local temples or pagodas. When visiting these holy sites, make sure to wear appropriate clothing which covers your shoulders and knees.

Generally speaking, the rivers we are cruising on in Southeast Asia are very calm and there is hardly any motion on any of our ships. A bit of motion can occur during monsoon rains with stormy winds, but the amount of motion is much less than one would feel during bad weather on the open ocean.
Sea cruises as we offer in Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay can sometimes encounter heavier waters and ship motion, although this happens very rarely and port authorities will most likely not allow sailing under any such circumstances anyway.
If you are new to cruising or prone to motion sickness, it does not hurt to bring along some motion sickness medication. Drinking a nice hot fresh ginger tea is a natural remedy and tasty alternative our staff is always happy to make for you.

All food and beverage on board is completely safe to eat and enjoy, including the ice cubes you enjoy in your chilled drinks. We do not recommend drinking water straight from the tap anywhere, including onboard. We provide you with complimentary clean drinking water throughout your cruise.
You may want to be bit careful with local dishes as they can be spicier than you are used to from home. Approach new dishes slowly and carefully. If you have a sensitive stomach, then you may like to double check with our chef or onboard managers about specific dishes or meals.
On excursions, it may be a good idea to avoid local foods and snacks unless offered by our tour guides. Besides the above, in general we recommend the following motto for your pre- and post-cruise travelling in the Southeast Asian tropics: boil it, peel it, cook it, wash it or forget it!

The most effective protection from personal contamination is ensuring strict attention to personal hygiene and in particular, frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water and refraining from hand-to-mouth contact. Colds and other viruses can spread quickly in an enclosed area such as a ship. Continue to practice common-sense hygiene and respiratory courtesy. Wash your hands often and cover your coughs and sneeze. It is recommended that passengers carry anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, which does not require rinsing with water. Use sanitizer frequently and throughout the day, particularly after shore excursions and prior to meals. If you have any questions regarding your health or safety, please do not hesitate to ask your cruise director.

Motion sickness can be a problem for some people when cruising, flying or travelling on coaches and trains and it is a good idea to take precautionary measures. Over-the-counter drugs for treating motion sickness can be purchased at pharmacies in most countries, though a side effect can by drowsiness. Alternatives such as ginger tablets and acupressure wristbands are also available and work well for some people.

Cambodia visas are easily obtained for most travelers on arrival. Note that passports must have a validity of at least 6 months after your last date of travel in Cambodia.
Because travel restrictions across Southeast Asia are constantly changing, we recommend checking with the Cambodia embassy/consulate in your home country for the latest information.

With the exception of visa exemptions, all travelers must arrange their visa prior to arrival in Vietnam. Passports must also have a validity of at least 6 months after your last date of travel in Vietnam.
Because travel restrictions across Southeast Asia are constantly changing, we recommend checking with the Vietnam embassy/consulate in your home country for the latest information.

Laos visas are easily obtained for most travelers. Note that passports must have a validity of at least 6 months after your last date of travel in Laos.
Because travel restrictions across Southeast Asia are constantly changing, we recommend checking with the Laos embassy/consulate in your home country for the latest information.

We recommend at least purchasing travel health insurance which covers both in- & outpatient visits and medical repatriation. Buying additional trip cancellation and interruption coverage may also be beneficial in case you have to cancel your travel plans due to unforeseen circumstances.

We always recommend bringing a travel adapter as a standard item in your travel kit. You can borrow an adapter on board, but these may be limited.

Indochina Countries use 220V, and a mixture of flat 2-pin, round 2-pin or 3 pin plugs. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adapter.

It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $3-$5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service.

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5 star ratingGood to be back! Pandaw continues to offer exceptional comfort, service and interesting experiences on their cruises.
AnneF56 Avatar
AnneF56
25/04/23
5 star ratingCruise up the Mekong in Laos My husband and I have just completed a wonderful cruise up the Mekong in Laos with Pandaw, the crew, food, and comfort was fantastic and we had one of the best guides we have ever had... read more
Wendy R Avatar
Wendy R
15/04/23
5 star ratingA wonderful experience in a beautiful country! This was our second Pandaw trip, this time to Northern Laos and it exceeded our very high expectations. I think Luang Prabang is now our favourite destination. Its not often you come across a small ship experience (just 16 passengers)... read more
Martin H Avatar
Martin H
31/03/23
5 star ratingExcellent experience for intrepid travelers All the crew were outstanding and worked hard as a team to make sure we had an excellent time. I was very impressed with the docking team and their kindness to our passengers who had some mobility concerns. ... read more
AnnArborMHT Avatar
AnnArborMHT
28/03/23
5 star ratingExceptional cruise with excellent customer service This was my first Pandaw cruise but it will not be my last. The company offers great customer service and did a river cruise visiting interesting and educational sites. I did the 10 day Red River cruise in Northern Vietnam... read more
mnptrip Avatar
mnptrip
25/03/23
5 star ratingA trip I will always remember This trip exceeded my high expectations the crew were always accessible, sensitive to our needs and wishes, but not subservient. the food was outstanding, with lots of choices-- and the soups Aah! .u.The cabins were well designed, so we had... read more
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The_Flying_Chef
18/03/23
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