Set sail deep into Highland Vietnam on this 11-day Halong Bay and Red River downstream cruise. Journey to the Lo River and visit the conical hat-making village in Gia Thanh. Then sail downstream to the Red River and visit timeless Arcadian Vietnam with emerald green rice paddies punctuated by lime stone rock formations. Explore the bustling city of Hanoi to see the highlights of this Asian metropolis and be welcomed back to the ship by Lion Dances. Sail down the lower Red River to Dien Xa Bonsai village. Then sail through the Day River to Ninh Binh. Enjoy the lively life on the river as you cruise along the Luoc, Thai Binh, and Kinh Thay Rivers. Then the ship drops anchor near Hai Phong Port, the gateway to Halong Bay, where your cruise concludes.
Highlights
Sail around Halong Bay with its 1,500 limestone islands and rock formations
Observe the lively life of the Kinh Thay River, a key commercial waterway
Explore Hanoi must-sees: Vietnam War prison, temple of literature, and more
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Transfer to Viet Tri, embark your ship and set sail downstream for sunset and a night on the Red River. Tonight you enjoy a traditional dance on board.
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 you can enjoy a UNESCO recognized "Hat Xoan" performance. In the afternoon, moor in Minh Chau to visit a carpenter village and smith's village in Vinh Phuc province.
You can 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.
Dropped anchor in the bustling city of Hanoi, passengers can visit some highlights of this Asian metropolis, must see’s like the notorious Vietnam war prison known as the Hanoi Hilton, temple of literature where Confucius did his thinking and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Welcome back to the ship by Lion Dances.
This morning, 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 treats you to a lion dance on the pier. This colorful and energetic dance is customary during festivals throughout Vietnam, most notably during Tet. Sail through the maze of waterways this afternoon and are entertained onboard by your Pandaw Chef with a cooking class and fruit carving.
After breakfast, visit Dien Xa Bonsai village followed by lunch. 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.
In the morning you visit Thung Nang, taking a rowing boat to the so called "Halong on land" in Ninh Binh. In the afternoon you visit the quaint village of Pham Phao where guests can walk around the village visiting a host family where musician instruments have been made and repaired for generations. Listen to the owner who plays every instrument within his family run business. You visit local Woodworking Artisans who produce items for local and international markets.
Observe the lively and interesting life on the river before you reach the next destination in the afternoon. Excursion to Thanh Ha Commune with village walk and a private water puppet show set under shade by a beautiful pond of lotus and lilies. Drop anchor near Hai Phong Port, the gateway to Halong Bay.
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, you 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. Continue cruising around Halong Bay until the ship drop anchor in Rang Dua.
You make a stop at Viet Hai Village and continue the 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. In the afternoon you can continue cruising towards Lan Ha Bay for a visit to a floating fishing house. Weather dependent, you can end the day with cocktails at a beautiful beach in Halong Bay.
Day 11: Halong Bay | Disembark
1 Breakfast
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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,3842-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Main Deck Stateroom
10 main deck staterooms
Bedroom: 12' x 10'
Bathroom: 6' x 4'
Showeroom: 2'8" x 3'4"
Single Bed: 6'7" x 3'3"
*Available in Twin or Double Configuration
Upper Deck Staterooms
6 upper deck staterooms
Bedroom: 12' x 10'
Bathroom: 6' x 4'
Showeroom: 2'8" x 3'4"
Single Bed: 6'7" x 3'3"
*Available in Twin or Double Configuration
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
We have used All Adventure Life many times over the years and the team members have been amazing through all the planning processes! Jeff has been our planner for China last year and Vietnam next year, and he is very responsive and overall terrific!
Cindy Gordon
5 months ago
great service so far
Jennifer Szerb
5 months ago
Friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, timely. They have made us feel very comfortable for our trip!
Gregg Chamberlain
5 months ago
We had an excellent experience with Adventure Life. This was our second trip with them and we have a third in process. Our trip to Vietnam and Asia were well planned, great accommodations and very good guides. Everything went smoothly.
Colorado Traveler
7 months ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
