Pandaw explores the famous rivers of Southeast Asia

July 10, 2024

SINGAPORE, July 11, 2024: Pandaw is offering a 21-day combo tour that includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, the mesmerizing Red River through northern Vietnam and the remote and pristine upper reaches of the Mekong in Laos.

Sailing aboard Pandaw’s small expedition vessels gives you the chance to explore the best that northern Vietnam and Laos have to offer without having to unpack and repack. Pandaw’s crew and support team know the waterways of these two fascinating Southeast Asian rivers like the backs of their hands.

Cruise dates are now available with special offers, such as no single supplement on select dates. Book today and reserve your preferred cabin with Pandaw in Vietnam and Laos.
To book, visit pandaw.com or contact us at (email protected)

The most important thing about the Red River

The Red River Delta is a fertile plain in northern Vietnam drained by the Red River. Here are some of the main sights and attractions.

Hanoi – Vietnam’s capital is a fascinating mix of old and new, with ancient temples and pagodas next to French colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers. The Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Old Quarter are must-sees.

Van Long Lagoon – An attractive ecotourism spot about 80 km south of Hanoi. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its stunning natural beauty with limestone cliffs, rice fields and diverse flora and fauna. You can explore the lagoon by boat and see monkeys, deer and many species of birds.

Pottery village Bat Trang – Located on the banks of the Red River, Bat Trang is a traditional village famous for its pottery. Here you can watch artisans at work, learn about the pottery-making process and buy unique souvenirs.

Long Bien Bridge – A historic cantilever bridge over the Red River in Hanoi. Completed by the French in 1902, the bridge is a popular tourist destination and offers stunning views of the river and the city.

Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong) – A complex of Buddhist temples in a limestone mountain range about 60 km from Hanoi. Visitors can take a boat ride on the Perfume River to reach the pagoda and then climb hundreds of steps to reach the top.

These are just a few of the many sights and attractions you can visit along the Red River in Vietnam. With its rich history, beautiful scenery and friendly people, the Red River Delta is a great place to experience Vietnamese culture.

A must on the upper Mekong

The Mekong River cruise from Vientiane to Huay Xai is a popular cruise route and offers stunning scenery, historical sites and a glimpse into local life in Laos. Here are some of the sights you can expect on the trip:

The mighty Mekong itself: The Mekong, the lifeline of Southeast Asia, is a sight to behold. As you cruise down the river, you are surrounded by lush green mountains, quiet villages,

Through the Xayabouri Dam: As the Pandaw ship navigates through an impressive lock system, guests get an insider’s look at how this somewhat controversial attraction works.

Pak Ou Caves: These fascinating caves near Pakbeng village are filled with thousands of Buddha statues that are centuries old. You can explore the caves and learn about their history and significance in Lao culture.

Traditional villages: Small, traditional villages line the banks of the Mekong. Locals go about their daily lives fishing, farming and weaving. Some cruises offer the opportunity to visit a village and learn more about Lao culture. Pandaw guests visit the village of Ban Na San, a hilltop community of the Hmong minority.

Sandbanks: The Mekong is known for its sandbars that form during the dry season, creating beautiful temporary islands in the middle of the river where you can relax, swim and soak up the sun.

Wildlife: Keep an eye out for wildlife as you cruise down the river. If you’re lucky, you’ll see birds like kingfishers and eagles, as well as monkeys and the occasional wild elephant.

Besides these sights, there are other activities to do, such as hiking near the village of Ban Pak Sith Khummu, visiting an elephant sanctuary and local markets, and exploring the fascinating TAEC (Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre) in Luang Prabang. So if you’re looking for a relaxing and scenic way to explore Laos, a Mekong River cruise from Vientiane to Huay Xai is a great option.

Halong Bay, Red River and Laos-Mekong combo
VIENTIANE – VIETNAM
21 nights
FROM USD7,970 PP