22 days from

£8727 GBP pp

* Current p/p indicative rate.

Overview

Highlights

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Map

Ships

HighlightsCruise 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

                    Highlights
                    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

                  

Ship Angkor Pandaw

Capacity: 32, Type: River Boat

Feture image for Halong Bay, Red River & Laos Mekong River Cruise

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.

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

Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights

23 December, 2027 to 13 January, 2028 on Angkor Pandaw

Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Main Deck Twin Sharing

£8845 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Finished in brass and teak, the main and upper deck rooms are very spacious at 168 square feet (15.6 sqm). Much loved by all our passengers we have ensured that with each ship we build the stateroom remains the same. Our cabins do not have mini-bars, satellite TV’s, internet or phones. Our passengers usually want to escape from the tiresome features found in international business hotels. All our cabins have the same size and signature amenities. All cabins are twin, beds can be pushed together to form doubles. Special to Your Stateroom: fruit and flowers on arrival, kimonos and slippers, spa-branded amenities, unlimited mineral water, free use of mini DVD player on request and selection of DVDs from our library (subject to availability).

Main Deck Twin Single Use

£10621 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Main Deck Twin Single Use

Upper Deck Twin Sharing

£11006 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Upper Deck Twin Single Use

£13207 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Upper Deck Twin Single Use

03 January, 2028 to 24 January, 2028 on Angkor Pandaw (reverse)

Prices

Main Deck Twin Sharing

£8845 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Main Deck Twin Single Use

£10621 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Main Deck Twin Single Use

Upper Deck Twin Sharing

£11006 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Upper Deck Twin Single Use

£13207 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Upper Deck Twin Single Use

14 January, 2028 to 04 February, 2028 on Angkor Pandaw

Prices

Main Deck Twin Sharing

£8845 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Main Deck Twin Single Use

£10621 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Main Deck Twin Single Use

Upper Deck Twin Sharing

£11006 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Upper Deck Twin Single Use

£13207 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Upper Deck Twin Single Use

25 January, 2028 to 15 February, 2028 on Angkor Pandaw (reverse)

Prices

Main Deck Twin Sharing

£8727 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Main Deck Twin Single Use

£10479 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Main Deck Twin Single Use

Upper Deck Twin Sharing

£10859 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Upper Deck Twin Single Use

£13031 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Upper Deck Twin Single Use

05 February, 2028 to 26 February, 2028 on Angkor Pandaw

Prices

Main Deck Twin Sharing

£8845 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Main Deck Twin Single Use

£10621 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Main Deck Twin Single Use

Upper Deck Twin Sharing

£11006 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Upper Deck Twin Single Use

£13207 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Upper Deck Twin Single Use

27 February, 2028 to 19 March, 2028 on Angkor Pandaw

Prices

Main Deck Twin Sharing

£8845 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Main Deck Twin Single Use

£10621 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Main Deck Twin Single Use

Upper Deck Twin Sharing

£11006 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Upper Deck Twin Single Use

£13207 GBP pp (+ Port Taxes & Fees £139 GBP pp)

Upper Deck Twin Single Use

show reverse itinerary

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

1 - Hanoi - Halong Bay

2 - Halong Bay

3 - Halong Bay - Hai Phong

4 - The Kinh Thay River

5 - Day River

6 - Khanh Thien Village

7 - Ninh Binh

8 - Hanoi

9 - Bat Trang Ceramic Village

10 - The Upper Red River

11 - Viet Tri - Hanoi - Chiang Khong

12 - Chiang Khong

13 - Into Laos - Ban Pak Sit

14 - Ban Loung Tong - Pak Beng Elephant Camp and Sandbank BBQ

15 - Ban Bor Village - Ban Huay Khae

16 - Pak Ou Buddha Caves - Ban Xang Hai - Luang Prabang

17 - Luang Prabang

18 - Luang Prabang

19 - Kaung Si Waterfall

20 - Ban Na San Village - Xayaburi Dam - Lowland Lao

21 - Ban Pak Yun - Pak Lai

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.

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Itinerary also available in reverse

show main itinerary

Itineraries are subject to change.

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.

Itineraries are subject to change.

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.

* = Indicative

Angkor Pandaw

Vessel Type: Luxury River Cruising Length: 42.2 m Passenger Capacity: 32 passengers Built: 2012 Angkor Pandaw is a handsome two-deck riverboat, a luxurious yet unostentatious replica of a colonia…

Angkor Pandaw

Vessel Type: Luxury River Cruising

Length: 42.2 m

Passenger Capacity: 32 passengers

Built: 2012

Angkor Pandaw is a handsome two-deck riverboat, a luxurious yet unostentatious replica of a colonial-era vessel dating from 1865. The upper deck with its walk-around promenade has six cabins of 170 square feet. All have twin beds, air-conditioning and French windows. Bathrooms have good showers, with bathrobes, hair dryers, and slippers provided. Cabins also have desks and safes. There is an onboard laundry and crew clean shoes after excursions. The main deck is similar with 10 cabins. Passengers spend their leisure time on the covered upper deck, from where they can take in the sights of Asia going by from teak loungers. The upper deck also has a library, shop and a small covered deck. There is an open-bridge policy. Meals are served in the air-conditioned upper deck restaurant affording panoramic views. Breakfast is buffet style but preceded by coffee, tea and light bites on the sun deck for early risers. Lunch is served either buffet style or standard sit-down, while dinners are four-course affairs. Produce is fresh, regional and seasonal. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, ice cream (available all day), beer and domestic spirits are complimentary and served at the bar on the upper deck. There is wifi,,which is often slow due to the remote areas traveled. However, guides can help find internet shops in some of the riverside towns. Tipping is optional. Angkor Pandaw has two guides who give briefings at cocktail hour every night on the upper deck, and accompany all excursions, which are daily and free. Some local entertainment is offered, such as folkloric dancing and puppet shows. DVDs and mini-players can be borrowed from the library. Overnights often involve stopping in the middle of nowhere and securing the ship with lines attached to stakes hammered into the riverbank, Sometimes part of the gangway is little more than a plank, making this trip difficult for those with disabilities. But plenty of willing crew hands are always there to assist, Most passengers see Pandaw as a world away from conventional cruising and take such measures in stride.

Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.

Overview

Highlights

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Map

Ship

22 days from £8727 GBP pp

Trip Tags

River Cruises Luxury

Halong Bay, Red River & Laos Mekong River Cruise

£8727 GBP pp

Highlights

Highlights

Angkor Pandaw

22 days from £8727 GBP pp

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