Overview
The 138-ft Angkor Pandaw is a handsome replica of a colonial-era river steamer dating from 1865. Her teak decks and brass adornments create a wonderfully authentic atmosphere as you cruise through some of Northern Vietnam’s most stunning landscapes. With only 16 cabins over two decks, the Angkor Pandaw experience is all about exploring remote and often hard-to-navigate river sites in a specially-designed luxury small ship. The character features are combined with modern facilities and superb service to ensure that your journey will be a comfortable one.
Your Accommodation
The teak-lined cabins accommodate up to 32 passengers. Each is 168 square feet in size, offering ample living space with the same furnishings and amenities, including air-conditioning, a desk and chair, an en-suite bathroom, and French windows, as well as a private balcony for optimal views along the river.
Double or twin cabins are available. The Upper Deck with its walk-around promenade has six cabins while the Main Deck is similar with 10 cabins. You can look forward to fruit and flowers on arrival, kimonos and slippers, spa-branded amenities, unlimited mineral water, free use of a mini-DVD-player on request and selection of DVDs from the library.
Life On Board
You will want to spend much of your leisure time on the partially-shaded Upper Deck. Here, you can relax on a teak lounger and take in the sights of Vietnam going by; local families in their traditional floating homes will often stop what they are doing to wave as you drift past, giving you a glimpse into their water-based way of life. The Upper Deck also has a library, a fair-trade shop and a small covered deck.
Be sure to take advantage of the open-bridge policy; this is the Captain’s Deck where the weather and charts are studied, where plans for the journey are decided and where the magic happens. Meals are served in the air-conditioned restaurant affording panoramic views. Produce is fresh, regional and seasonal.
The Angkor Pandaw Cruise has two guides who give daily briefings at cocktail hour, and accompany all excursions, which are daily and free. Some local entertainment is offered, such as folk dancing performances and puppet shows, and the ship also has quality mountain bikes for your independent exploration.
Life On The Red River
The ‘Song Hong’ (Red River) in Northern Vietnam is an ancient trade route. Hanoi, the busy and ancient capital of Vietnam, straddles the river, while close to its mouth lies the island-studded Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Gulf of Tonkin. The Angkor Pandaw is the only cruise ship to ply this river and its network of tributaries.
A choice of 11-day journeys take you through the many towns and villages along its banks and will give you a glimpse of both rural life and industrial muscle, with low-key excursions emphasizing the traditions that remain vital to Vietnamese life, from visits to a village whose residents specialize in making conical hats, to ones that grow bonsai trees. Scheduled itineraries vary in accordance with the season but the highlight of every voyage is a night or two at anchor amid the beautiful towering and jagged karst formations of Halong Bay.
Itineraries & Prices
Embarkation
AM: Transfer to Hoa Binh, embark your ship at around 15.00 and set sail downstream for sunset and a night on the Da River.
* We can pick you up at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport – Seat in coach, upon your request. Last departure is no later than 12.00 noon. Our representative will be waiting for you with a Angkor Pandaw Sign at column No12. On the right hand sided of the international arrival exit. Arrival in Hoa Binh jetty at 15.00.
Please note: Guides and drivers are not allowed inside the terminal building. We will be waiting for you outside with a Pandaw sign. Hanoi Airport has two exits; if you don’t see us, please try the other exit on the same level (30 meters).

Hoa Binh Dam
AM: 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.
PM: Take an afternoon boat ride on the reservoir of Hoa Binh power station. A traditional performance by local hill tribe people is given in the evening.

Ba Vi National Park
AM: In the morning, visit a museum and local village where villagers still wear traditional dress.
PM: 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.
Our chef will share his skills in fruit carving and demonstrate how to create Vietnamese spring rolls.

Duong Lam Village, Viet Tri
AM: After breakfast by coach through beautiful scenic countryside to the UNESCO praised village of Duong Lam then continue cruising downstream to Viet Tri.
PM: 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.

Hung Lo Temple, Gia Thanh Village
AM: 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.
Continue by bus to Gia Thanh village, makers of the conical hats (known as ‘non la’). The ‘non la’ are handmade with palm leaves and bamboo. There is no machinery available to create this work of art. Their origin dates approximately 3,000 years back.
PM: Afternoon excursion to a carpenter village famous for exquisite carvings and wood work techniques.

Tay Phuong Pagoda, Bat Trang
AM: 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.
PM: Enroute to Hanoi, stop at Bat Trang in the afternoon, a ceramic village (literally: ‘bat’ means ‘bowl’ and ‘trang’ means ‘workshop’). Bat Trang is a seven century-old pottery village, located in an area rich in clay.
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.

Hanoi
AM: 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.
PM: Afternoon walking tour of Hanoi’s old quarter, including a visit to a coffee shop to learn about Vietnam’s famous coffee-making industry.

Luoc, Thai Binh
AM: Observe the lively and interesting life on the river before reaching next destination in the afternoon.
PM: 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.
The Water Puppets are a tradition which dates back as far as the 11th century, originating in the villages of the Red River Delta. The stories tell the day-to-day life of rural Vietnam with a strong reference to Vietnamese folklore. The puppets are made of lacquered wood, and the performers are in a waist-deep pool hidden behind a screen.

Dark and Bright Cave, Rang Dua
AM: 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.
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.
PM: Continue cruise around Halong Bay until dropping anchor in Rang Dua.

Viet Hai Village, Lan Ha Bay
AM: 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.
PM: In the afternoon continue cruising towards Lan Ha Bay for a visit to a floating fishing house. Weather dependent, end the day with cocktails at a beautiful beach in Halong Bay -bring your swimwear!

Disembarkation
AM: Morning sail to Tuan Chau Jetty. Disembarkation at 10.00 Tuan Chau Port at Halong Bay.
PM: After lunch at local restaurant, departure for Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport. Estimated arrival at Hanoi Airport at 15.30 PM and continuing to Pan Pacific Hotel Hanoi, arriving at 16.10 PM. Your flight out of Hanoi airport must be after 16:30 (domestic) or 17:30 (international).

Embarkation
PM: Transfer from Hanoi International Airport or meeting point to Halong Bay to embark your Pandaw ship with a stop for lunch en route. Cast off late afternoon with a welcome cocktail for an evening sail, dropping anchor in a sheltered bay amidst the beautiful island scenery.
*If you want us to pick you up at airport: The coach will leave the airport no later than 10:30 (Unless there are any delays with your flight). Our representative will be waiting for you with a Pandaw Sign at column No12. On the right hand sided of the international arrival exit. Arrival in Halong Bay at 14.00.
Please note: Guides and drivers are not allowed inside the terminal building. We will be waiting for you outside with a Pandaw sign. Hanoi Airport has two exits; if you don’t see us, please try the other exit on the same level (30 meters).

Viet Hai Village, Lan Ha Bay
AM: 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.
PM: In the afternoon continue cruising towards Lan Ha Bay for a visit to a floating fishing house.
Weather dependent, end the day with cocktails at a beautiful beach in Halong Bay - bring your swimwear!

Dark and Bright Cave
AM: 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.
Depart Halong Bay and enter the river to drop anchor near Hai Phong.
PM: In the afternoon, our chef will share his skills in fruit carving and demonstrate how to create Vietnamese spring rolls.

Thanh Ha Commune
AM: Observe the lively and interesting life of the Kinh Thay river, a key commercial waterway. Meet your guide in the dining room for a lecture on Vietnam, its history, geography and the boat people.
PM: 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.
Return to ship and continue cruising until late evening, dropping anchor midstream.

Bat Trang Village
AM: The day is spent cruising towards Hanoi.
PM: 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.

Hanoi
AM: 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.
PM: Afternoon walking tour of Hanoi’s old quarter, including a visit to a coffee shop to learn about Vietnam’s famous coffee-making industry.

Tay Phuong Pagoda, Viet Tri
AM: 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.
PM: Afternoon excursion to a carpenter village famous for exquisite carvings and wood work techniques. Evening arrival in Viet Tri.

Gia Thanh, Hung Lo Temple
AM: 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. The ‘non la’ are handmade with palm leaves and bamboo. There is no machinery available to create this work of art. Their origin dates approximately 3,000 years back.
PM: By bus continue to Hung Lo Temple.

Ba Vi National Park, Hoa Binh
AM: 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.
PM: In the afternoon, take a tour of the ship including the galley, crew area and engine room.

Hoa Binh
AM: 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.
PM: A traditional performance by local hill tribe people is given in the evening.

Disembarkation
AM: Disembark after breakfast (08.30am) and visit a museum and local village where villagers still wear traditional dress.
PM: Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, followed by a transfer to Hanoi airport or drop off point Pan Pacific Hotel Hanoi.

Embarkation
AM: We pick you up at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport – Seat in coach. The last departure is no later than 12.00 noon. A Pandaw representative will be waiting for you with a Pandaw Sign in column No12, on the right-hand side of the international arrival exit.
PM: Transfer to Viet Tri, embark on your ship, and set sail downstream for sunset and a night on the Red River. Tonight we enjoy a traditional dance on board.
Please note: Guides and drivers are not allowed inside the terminal building. We will be waiting for you outside with a Pandaw sign. Hanoi Airport has two exits; if you don’t see us, please try the other exit on the same level (30 meters).
For passengers already in Hanoi the night before, we will pick you up from your hotel in central Hanoi and transfer you directly to the ship. Please ensure your pre-cruise hotel information is provided to Pandaw in advance. Pick-up times will be notified to your hotel reception the night before and will typically be between 09:30 am and 10:00 am. Surcharges may apply for hotel transfers outside of Hoan Kiem District or Hanoi Old Quarter.

Gia Thanh Village
AM: In the morning transfer to Gia Thanh village and visit the conical hat-making village. Then continue by bus to visit Hung Lo Temple where we will enjoy a UNESCO-recognized "Hat Xoan" performance.
PM: In the afternoon will moor in Minh Chau to visit a carpenter's village and smith's village in Vinh Phuc province.

Duang Lam
AM & PM: We will visit the UNESCO-praised village of Duang Lam, then sail downstream on the Red River and visit a timeless Arcadian Vietnam with emerald green rice paddies punctuated by lime stone rock formations. Of particular interest are the Thay and Tay Phuong Pagodas, hardly known, yet with exquisite temples dating from the 8th and 11th century and home to some fine Buddhist statuary carved from jackfruit trees.

Hanoi
AM: Dropped anchor in the bustling city of Hanoi, passengers will visit some highlights of this Asian metropolis, must see’s the notorious Vietnam war prison known as the Hanoi Hilton, the temple of literature where Confucius did his thinking, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. PM: Welcome back to the ship by Lion Dances.

Bat Trang Village
AM: In the morning go offshore to visit Bat Trang ceramic village followed by a Unicorn Dance.
PM: Sail down the lower Red River to Dien Xa Bonsai village.

Dien Xa Bonsai Village
AM: After breakfast, we visit Dien Xa Bonsai village followed by lunch.
PM: In the afternoon, visit the famous Phat Diem stone Cathedral and a local house where they make rice wine. Back to the ship then sail up the Day River to Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh
AM: In the morning we will visit Thung Nang, taking a rowing boat to the so-called "Halong on land" in Ninh Binh.
PM: In the afternoon we visit the quaint village of Pham Phao where guests can walk around the village visiting a host family where musical instruments have been made and repaired for generations. Listen to the owner who plays every instrument within his family-run business. We visit local Woodworking Artisans who produce items for local and international markets.

Luoc - Thai Binh - Kinh Thay River
AM: Observe the lively and interesting life on the river before we reach our next destination in the afternoon.
PM: Excursion to Thanh Ha Commune with a village walk and a private water puppet show set under shade by a beautiful pond of lotus and lilies.
We drop anchor near Hai Phong Port, the gateway to Halong Bay.

Dark and Bright Cave
AM: 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”. 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.
PM: We continue our cruise around Halong Bay until we drop anchor in Rang Dua.

Viet Hai Village
AM: 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. It is a breathtaking trip along a small road winding its way through the limestone rocks.
PM: 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 beach in Halong Bay.

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

Embarkation
PM: Transfer from Hanoi International Airport or meeting point to Halong Bay to embark on your Pandaw ship with a stop for lunch en route. Cast off the late afternoon with a welcome cocktail for an evening sail, dropping anchor in a sheltered bay amidst the beautiful island scenery.
*If you want us to pick you up at the airport: The coach will leave the airport no later than 10:30 (Unless there are any delays with your flight). Our representative will be waiting for you with a Pandaw Sign at column No12. On the right-hand sided of the international arrival exit. Arrival in Halong Bay at 14.00.
Please note: Guides and drivers are not allowed inside the terminal building. We will be waiting for you outside with a Pandaw sign. Hanoi Airport has two exits; if you don’t see us, please try the other exit on the same level (30 meters).

Viet Hai Village
AM: 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 a mountain bike or electric buggy, visiting the village’s vegetable farm and typical village houses. It is a breathtaking trip along a small road winding its way through the limestone rocks.
PM: In the afternoon continue cruising towards Lan Ha Bay for a visit to a floating fishing house.
Weather dependent, end the day with cocktails at a beautiful beach in Halong Bay - bring your swimwear!

Dark and Bright Cave
AM: 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.
Depart Halong Bay and enter the river to drop anchor near Hai Phong.
PM: In the afternoon, our chef will share his skills in fruit carving and demonstrate how to create Vietnamese spring rolls.

Thanh Ha Village
AM: Observe the lively and interesting life of the Kinh Thay river, a key commercial waterway. Meet your guide in the dining room for a lecture on Vietnam, its history, geography, and the boat people.
PM: Afternoon excursion to Thanh Ha Commune with a village walk and a private water puppet show set under the shade by a beautiful pond of lotus and lilies.
Return to the ship and continue cruising until late evening, dropping anchor midstream.

Dien Xa Bonsai Village
AM: This morning we will sail on the Lower Red River and Day River.
PM: Afternoon visits to the Dien Xa Bonsai Village where we will walk to the bonsai village and meet with local artists and share their bonsai experience. Cruise on the Day River towards Ninh Binh City.

Ninh Binh
AM: In the morning we will visit Tam Coc, taking a rowing boat ride to visit the so call "Halong on land" in Ninh Binh.
PM: In the afternoon we visit the quaint village of Pham Phao where guests can walk around the village visiting a host family where musical instruments have been made and repaired for generations. Listen to the owner who plays every instrument within his family-run business. We visit local Woodworking Artisans who produce items for local and international markets.

The Lower Red River
AM: In the morning we sail upstream on the Red River to Phat Diem Cathedral and visit the famous stone cathedral of Pat Diem.
PM: We then continue on the Red River to Hanoi.

Hanoi
AM: Dropped anchor in the bustling city of Hanoi, passengers will visit some highlights of this Asian metropolis, must see’s the notorious Vietnam war prison known as the Hanoi Hilton, the temple of literature where Confucius did his thinking, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
PM: Afternoon walking tour of Hanoi including a visit to a coffee shop where we learn about Vietnam’s famous coffee-making industry. Before returning to your ship you will enjoy a traditional unicorn and lion dance at the jetty.

Hanoi
AM: Morning going offshore to visit Bat Trang ceramic village then 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. Going a shore we visit a timeless Arcadian Vietnam with emerald green rice paddies punctuated by lime stone rock formations. Of particular interest are the Thay and Tay Phuong Pagodas, hardly known, yet with exquisite temples dating from the 8th and 11th century and home to some fine Buddhist statuary carved from jackfruit trees.
PM: We will arrive in Vinh Phuc in the evening.

The Upper Red River
AM: In the morning we go ashore to visit the UNESCO-praised village of Duang Lam. In the afternoon, visit the carpenter and smith village of Ly Nhan.
PM: We sail upstream on the Upper Red River to Viet Tri. Enjoy traditional dances on board.

Disembarkation
AM: Disembark after breakfast and visit the conical hat-making village of Gia Thanh.
PM: By bus, we continue to Hung Lo Temple, Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, followed by a transfer to Hanoi airport or drop off point Pan Pacific Hotel Hanoi.

Accommodations
Social Areas







Suites & Cabins
Main Deck Stateroom
These ample-sized rooms feature various amenities to ensure guests have a comfortable stay. On request, guests can get a mini DVD player and enjoy some entertainment in their rooms. The room also comes with spa-branded amenities and a hairdryer to ensure guests stay refreshed.
Upper Deck Stateroom
Guests looking to entertain themselves from the comfort of their rooms can get a mini DVD player on request. The rooms also feature unlimited mineral water for guests to stay dehydrated at all times, kimonos, slippers, a hairdryer, and spa-branded amenities.
Technical Information
Features
- Air conditioning
- Lecture room
- WIFI available
- Kosher Meals
- Medical staff
- Souvenir shop
- Hot showers
- All inclusive
- Charging areas for electronic equipment
Equipment
- Kayaks / Canoes
- Bicycles
- Yoga mats
- Flash lights
- Water canteen/bottle
- Insect repellent
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