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Peregrine Travel Centre

Halong Bay, Red River & Laos Mekong River Cruise

Halong Bay, Red River & Laos Mekong River Cruise

From AUD $16,746

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Description

Returning from the end of 2027, our popular Vietnam & Laos combo cruise exploring the key sites of Northern Vietnam by river ship traversing the Red River delta and its main tributaries, connecting the wonders of Halong Bay with the excitements of down town Hanoi, and then on into the interior, well off the beaten track. This is a combination of scenic beauty, lively and interesting (sometimes industrial) life of the river and exploring rivers where no other tourist craft operate.Combined this with a three-country expedition as we will traverse Laos to touch Thailand and Burma at the once notorious Golden Triangle. From Vientiane, the old French capital, and so redolent of L’Indochine, beyond Luang Prabang, Pandaw is the first river expedition since prewar days to cross all Laos.This trip included flight between ships with a one night hotel stay.Please note: During the months February to April there may be an increased risk of smog across Laos and northern Thailand. This is due to the annual crop burnings and whilst usually mild, can sometimes be quite severe. We would advise that any passengers with respiratory issues consult with their doctor before booking for this period. Most departures and travellers will be unaffected, however.

Trip Name
Halong Bay, Red River & Laos Mekong River Cruise
Days
22
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury River Cruising Length: 42.2 m Passenger Capacity: 32 passengers Built: 2012 RV Angkor Pandaw is a 46-metre luxury river cruise vessel, sister ship to the Katha, with 16 staterooms accommodating 32 guests. Built in 2012 and transferred to the Red River in North Vietnam, the ship features an enclosed, air-conditioned dining room, spacious open-air lounge, observation deck, and lounge bar. Cabins, finished in teak and brass, include panoramic French windows, air conditioning, Nespresso machines, minibars with complimentary drinks, spa-branded amenities, premium mattresses, and nightly turndown service. Guests can also use yoga mats and quality mountain bikes for independent exploration. Dining is led by a local master chef with an international culinary team, offering semi-buffet breakfasts and lunches, theme dinners, and daily light menu options. Complimentary drinks, an extensive wine list, and cultural performances enhance the experience. Excursions are supported with cold towels, bottled water, shoe cleaning, and first-aid-trained guides. The crew is fully trained to international marine standards, ensuring safety, hygiene, and 24-hour onboard support.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 HANOI - HALONG BAY
Transfer from Hanoi to Tuan Chau, Halong Bay (approximately 130km and 2.5-hour journey) by bus with a guide. Upon arrival, embark your Pandaw ship and enjoy lunch on board. Cast off in the afternoon with a welcome cocktail for an evening sail, dropping anchor in Coconut Beach a sheltered bay amidst the beautiful island scenery.
Day 2 - Day 2 HALONG BAY
Morning sail around Halong Bay and beyond with its 1,500 dramatic limestone islands and extraordinary rock formations, dating back 1 approximately 20 million years. 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. 2 Enjoy a breathtaking ride 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 3 permitting, we will end the day with cocktails at 3-Peach Island's beautiful beach in Halong Bay.
Day 3 - Day 3 HALONG BAY - HAI PHONG
Our exploration of Halong Bay continues, and we stop at the so-called "Dark and Bright Cave." Take a kayak or a local basket boat rowed by fishermen and enter this 1 remarkable cave into an enclosed area similar to a crater. Bats can be heard in the cave, and massive stalagmites hang from the ceiling. In the afternoon, we leave Halong Bay and enter the river, where we drop anchor near Hai Phong.
Day 4 - Day 4 THE KINH THAY RIVER
Observe the lively and interesting life of the Kinh Thay river, a key commercial waterway. 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 continue cruising until late evening and drop anchor midstream.
Day 5 - Day 5 DAY RIVER
This morning, we sail along the Lower Red River and Day River while getting more acquainted with your expedition vessel during a ship tour. After lunch onboard, we head ashore to Co Chat village in Nam Dinh. Here, we visit local craftspeople who are making silk by hand and explore the local markets filled with exotic produce.
Day 6 - Day 6 KHANH THIEN VILLAGE
We continue our exploration of the Red River Delta, cruising towards Ninh Binh before mooring at Khanh Thien Village. In the morning, we disembark and embark on a journey to Phat Diem, home to the magnificent Phat Diem Cathedral, a 19th-century Roman Catholic church showcasing a unique blend of Vietnamese and European architectural styles. After lunch, explore Khanh Thien Village by local transportation or bicycle, discovering a host of local handicrafts including water hyacinth weaving and a variety of rice paper and cakes. Conclude the day with an enchanting performance by local artists showcasing ‘Chau Van’ singing, an ancient art form unique to this region.
Day 7 - Day 7 NINH BINH
Discover ‘Halong on Land’ today as we visit Ninh Binh, and take small bamboo rowing boats through the magnificent limestone caves. Visitors traveling in September and October, or April and May will witness the valleys shine golden as the rice fields prepare for harvest. We then return to our ship and sail upstream on the Red River towards Hanoi.
Day 8 - Day 8 HANOI
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. Witness the unique spectacle of Train Street, sipping Vietnamese coffee as a train passes just inches away. Explore the local markets of Hang Da and Hang Gai Street and meet for transfer back to the RV Angkor at Thang Long Theatre.
Day 9 - Day 9 BAT TRANG CERAMIC VILLAGE
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 then set sail into the lesser visited upper Red River beyond Hanoi. 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.
Day 10 - Day 10 THE UPPER RED RIVER
In the morning we go ashore to visit the UNESCO praised village of Duang Lam. This ancient village is a well preserved example of a traditional Vietnamese village from centuries ago with intricate architecture and fascinating culture. 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 then sail upstream for your farewell dinner onboard.
Day 11 - Day 11 VIET TRI - HANOI - CHIANG KHONG
Disembark after breakfast and enjoy a morning excursion en route to Hanoi. We start with a visit to Hung Lo Temple, where we will be serenaded with traditional folk music and enjoy an exploration of this quaint traditional town. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant followed by a transfer to Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai. On arrival in Thailand, transfer to your hotel for the evening.Note: Depending on flight times to Thailand, you may need to transfer to the airport sooner which will be advised nearer the time.
Day 12 - Day 12 CHIANG KHONG
We cordially invite our guests to board their Pandaw vessel at Chiang Khong, a historic gateway to the Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge. On behalf of the captain and the entire crew, we wish you a warm welcome aboard for this amazing cruise downstream to Vientiane. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Thai dance performance on the upper deck, a graceful art form characterised by slow, deliberate movements and elaborate costumes that reflect the region's rich Lanna heritage.
Day 13 - Day 13 INTO LAOS - BAN PAK SIT
We take a minivan for 15 minutes to the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge for immigration formalities before transferring to the ship on the Lao side. Onboard, join a Lao language class to learn essential phrases such as "Sa-bai-dee", an integral part of local etiquette. In the afternoon, we visit Ban Pak Sit, a village home to the Khmu people, one of the oldest ethnic groups in Laos known for their intricate basket weaving and animist traditions. The evening features a screening of the documentary "The Secret of Nature" regarding Laos' natural wonders.
Day 14 - Day 14 BAN LOUNG TONG - PAK BENG ELEPHANT CAMP AND SANDBANK BBQ
Our morning excursion takes us to Ban Loung Tong, a lowland Lao village, offering insight into the agricultural lifestyle and traditional stilt-house architecture typical of the region. We then arrive at the Pak Beng Elephant Camp, a rescue sanctuary dedicated to the preservation of elephants in Laos—historically known as the "Land of a Million Elephants"—and providing sustainable livelihoods for Mahouts. We moor at a riverbank for a special evening where guests are invited to fly traditional paper lanterns with the crew and enjoy a dance performance in this remote setting, followed by a BBQ.
Day 15 - Day 15 BAN BOR VILLAGE - BAN HUAY KHAE
We explore Ban Bor Village, a unique settlement where Lao and Khummu people coexist, demonstrating the harmonious blend of different ethnic customs and farming practices. Onboard, we screen the documentary "Luang Prabang Timeless" . In the afternoon, we visit Ban Huay Khae, a village inhabited by Khummu and Hmong people; the Hmong are renowned for their vibrant textiles and distinct cultural heritage originating from the mountainous regions of Southern China.
Day 16 - Day 16 PAK OU BUDDHA CAVES - BAN XANG HAI - LUANG PRABANG
We transfer to a local boat to visit the extraordinary Pak Ou Buddha Caves, a sacred Buddhist sanctuary set within limestone cliffs containing thousands of Buddha statues left by pilgrims over centuries. Afterward, we sail downstream to visit Ban Xang Hai, locally known as the "Whisky Village," to observe the production of Lao-Lao (rice whisky) and traditional handicrafts Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its fusion of traditional Lao architecture and European colonial structures, join your guide for an orientation walk to familiarise yourself with the local area.
Day 17 - Day 17 LUANG PRABANG
We take Tuk Tuks to visit the National Museum (the former Royal Palace), which houses the sacred Phra Bang Buddha image, and the Buddhist temples of Wat Mai and Wat Xieng Thong, a masterpiece of Lao temple architecture featuring intricate glass mosaics. In the afternoon, we climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phou Si, the spiritual heart of the city offering panoramic views of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. The evening features a traditional Lao Baci Ceremony followed by a performance of Pha Lak Pha Lam (Ramayana), a dance-drama that is integral to Lao culture.
Day 18 - Day 18 LUANG PRABANG
We depart on foot to observe the morning Alms Offering (Tak Bat), a sacred ritual where locals offer food to hundreds of monks processing through the streets. Later, we take a Tuk Tuk to visit Ock Pop Tok, a social enterprise preserving traditional Lao textile techniques, and the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC), dedicated to the diverse ethnic cultures of Laos. In the afternoon, we take a Tuk Tuk to visit Ban Xang Khong, a village famous for its traditional Saa paper making and silk weaving.
Day 19 - Day 19 KAUNG SI WATERFALL
We visit the Ban Chan Pottery House to witness a demonstration of traditional pottery techniques that have been passed down through generations. We then travel by minivan to visit the Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm, a sustainable enterprise supporting local farmers, and the dramatic Kuang Si Waterfall, a 15-minute drive away, where turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations. In the evening, we present the movie "Mekong River" by Sue Perkins.
Day 20 - Day 20 BAN NA SAN VILLAGE - XAYABURI DAM - LOWLAND LAO
Our morning excursion visits Ban Na San Village to meet the Hmong people, an ethnic group historically known for shifting cultivation and distinctive silver jewelry. Onboard, our guide gives a presentation on Laos. We arrive at the Xayaburi Dam, a controversial yet impressive hydroelectric engineering project, and pass through the lock. Our chef demonstrates how to prepare famous Lao dishes such as Tum Som (Green Papaya Salad). Later, we visit Ban Khok Fark to observe the lifestyle of the Lao Loum (Lowland Lao), the dominant ethnic group in the country. The evening concludes with a screening of the "Pandaw History" documentary.
Day 21 - Day 21 BAN PAK YUN - PAK LAI
We visit Ban Pak Yun, a village known for its mix of minority groups living together, offering a unique perspective on ethnic integration in rural Laos. Back onboard, guests can enjoy a napkin folding demonstration and a guided tour of the vessel, including the galley and engine room. In the afternoon, we walk through Pak Lai, a former French administrative town featuring colonial buildings and bustling local shops that reflect its history as a commercial outpost. The captain and crew present a farewell gathering on the upper deck.
Day 22 - Day 22 DISEMBARK IN VIENTIANE
We disembark at Pak Lai and transfer by local long-tail boat downstream to Vientiane, the charming capital city known for its French colonial architecture and Buddhist temples.
Day 23 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
07-09-202628-09-2026AUD $17,422Main Deck Twin Sharing
07-09-202628-09-2026AUD $20,907Main Deck Twin Single Use
07-09-202628-09-2026AUD $21,778Upper Deck Twin Sharing
07-09-202628-09-2026AUD $26,134Upper Deck Twin Single Use
23-12-202713-01-2028AUD $16,746Main Deck Twin Sharing
23-12-202713-01-2028AUD $20,109Main Deck Twin Single Use
23-12-202713-01-2028AUD $20,837Upper Deck Twin Sharing
23-12-202713-01-2028AUD $25,005Upper Deck Twin Single Use
03-01-202824-01-2028AUD $20,837Upper Deck Twin Sharing
03-01-202824-01-2028AUD $25,005Upper Deck Twin Single Use
03-01-202824-01-2028AUD $16,746Main Deck Twin Sharing
03-01-202824-01-2028AUD $20,109Main Deck Twin Single Use
14-01-202804-02-2028AUD $16,746Main Deck Twin Sharing
14-01-202804-02-2028AUD $20,109Main Deck Twin Single Use
14-01-202804-02-2028AUD $20,837Upper Deck Twin Sharing
14-01-202804-02-2028AUD $25,005Upper Deck Twin Single Use
25-01-202815-02-2028AUD $16,746Main Deck Twin Sharing
25-01-202815-02-2028AUD $20,109Main Deck Twin Single Use
25-01-202815-02-2028AUD $20,837Upper Deck Twin Sharing
25-01-202815-02-2028AUD $25,005Upper Deck Twin Single Use
05-02-202826-02-2028AUD $16,746Main Deck Twin Sharing
05-02-202826-02-2028AUD $20,109Main Deck Twin Single Use
05-02-202826-02-2028AUD $20,837Upper Deck Twin Sharing
05-02-202826-02-2028AUD $25,005Upper Deck Twin Single Use
27-02-202819-03-2028AUD $16,746Main Deck Twin Sharing
27-02-202819-03-2028AUD $20,109Main Deck Twin Single Use
27-02-202819-03-2028AUD $20,837Upper Deck Twin Sharing
27-02-202819-03-2028AUD $25,005Upper Deck Twin Single Use

Inclusions

    • Cruise Vietnam’s Red River and Halong Bay before continuing deep into Laos along the Mekong
    • Explore remote villages, cultural traditions, and sacred sites including Luang Prabang and the Pak Ou Caves
    • Journey through the Golden Triangle on a rare multi-country river expedition across Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand

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