According to the agreement between Yen Duc Village and Pandaw Cruise, the itinerary will commence in July 2015 offering Pandaw guests the chance to explore the beautiful limestone islands in the iconic Halong Bay and Yen Duc village. Office to book the Pandaw Cruise on Halong Bay and Yen Duc: Address: 18 lane 32 Chua Ha Street, Hanoi Office: First Choice Travel Email: gm@firstchoice.vn UPSTREAM CRUISE Day 1: Noi Bai Airport- Halong Bay Transfer from Hanoi International Airport to Halong Bay to embark the cruise. Cast off in the late afternoon for an evening sailing to drop anchor in a sheltered bay amidst the amazing island scenery. Day 2: Halong Bay Morning sail around in Halong Bay and beyond with its 1,500 dramatic limestone islands and extraordinary rock formations, dating back 20 million years. We will visit by local boat a floating fisherman village, a floating school and limestone caves. Day 3: The Kinh Thay River Enter the Kinh Thay River and moor at Yen Duc Village, a beautiful spot set amidst poetic scenery on a charming stretch of rivers with historical mountains coupled with sacred legends and relics related to Ly and Tran dynasty. The village was recognised as a national relic in 1993 Day 4: The Duong River From Dong Trieu town we continue the expedition towards Hanoi on the Duong River. Here we will explore the Dong Ho village, where we can witness the Dong Ho Vietnamese folk painting, dating back to the 11th century, on paper made from sticky rice & oysters. All colouring is natural as well, from coal for example or burned bamboo leaves. Further down we will visit the Bat Trang ceramic village where traditions of producing ceramic items are passed on from generation to generation. Day 5: Hanoi Docked in the bustling city of Hanoi, passengers will visit some highlights of this Asian metropolis, must see’s like the notorious Vietnam war prison known as the Hanoi Hilton, the water puppets show, temple of literature where Confucius did his thinking and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Day 6: Further Explorations of Hanoi Further explorations of Hanoi visiting the Van Phuc Silk Village with personal time to explore the Old French Quarter with its café life and many interesting boutiques. Day 7: Lower Red River Sail through 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 is the Tay village, hardly known, yet with exquisite temples dating from the 8th and 11th century and home to some fine Buddhist statuary carved from jackfruit trees. In the afternoon we a visit to an orphanage in Viet Tri. The kids are encouraged to live together with own responsibilities in manageable family units under a foster parent. The orphanage lies amidst lush gardens. Day 8: Upper Red River The Red River flows down from China’s Yunnan province and has for centuries been a key trade route between nations. Between Viet Tri and Hoa Ha the mountains loom large and the river narrows and flows fast. Hoa Ha is a typical riverine village and a pleasant place for a hike ashore. Day 9: Da River Enjoy a day sailing downstream admiring the unspoilt beauty of the Da River. We pass the Ba Vi National Park with its rich and diverse tropical and sub tropical flora and fauna before arriving at Hoa Binh Day 10: Hoa Binh Hoa Binh was the site of a major battle in 1951 & 1952 with the French and is home to the Muon ethnic group of. We visit a museum and a local village where villagers still wear traditional dresses. The largest power station in South-East Asia was built here buy the Russians between 1979 and 1994 and is still fully operational and subject to security clearance tours can be arranged deep inside the mountain where at one point 1,000 Russian engineers toiled. We will also visit a 400 ton statue of Ho Chi Minh which commands spectacular views over the Hao Binh valley. Day 11: Mai Chau Early morning we will take a coach trip to Mai Chau through staggeringly lovely scenery. The sleepy town of Mai Chai is home to the Black Thai & White Thai, an ethnic minority who still live in Tai bamboo stilt houses. In the afternoon we return downstream towards the town of Viet Tri. Disembarkation and transfers to Sapa and Tonkinese Alps or back to Hanoi International Airport. ABOUT THE FLEET (HALONG BAY PANDAW) Build 2012 in Saigon Length: 138.61ft / 42.25m Beam: 28.50ft / 8.70m Draught: 3ft / 90cm Berths: 32 pax UPPER DECK 6 upper deck premium staterooms Air-conditioned panorama dining room Spacious, open-air lounge Observation deck Lounge bar with complimentary ice cream from sunrise to sunset 24hrs hospitality bar Fair-trade Shop Guest relation desk Library with contemporary and classic literature MAIN DECK PANDAW 10 main deck staterooms ACCOMMODATION ON THE PANDAW 6 upper deck premium, 10 main deck 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass Panoramic French window 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) Electric mini safe Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows Premium mattresses Convertible bed configuration Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift Make-up mirror Multi-configuration plugs Generous closet space and under-bed storage Hair dryer Daily nightly turndown service 24h laundry service Complimentary evening canapés Complimentary postcard mailing DINING & WINING Local master chef heading an experienced international culinary team Semi-buffet breakfast, Semi-buffet lunch, and seated theme dinners Daily lean & light menu options Complimentary coffee, water, tea, soft drinks, local beer, local spirits, juices Extensive wine list with premium wines Series of cultural performances, educational talks, cooking classes, and ship tour Welcome Drink on arrival Welcome cocktail Farewell Reception Theme- and gala dinners Spacious, air-conditioned saloon bar with nightly entertainment Lounge bar with complementary ice cream from sunrise to sunset 24hrs hospitality bar Onboard bakery with daily freshly baked breads and rolls PUBLIC SPACES Guest relation desk Shop, supporting fair trade Library with contemporary and classic literature Wireless internet in all public areas You can also ask for this cruise at the Prince Cruise office: Email: info@reddragoncruise.com (Prince is under management of Red Dragon) Operation: 06 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hon Gai, Halong, Quang Ninh, Vietnam Sales in Hanoi: 18/32 Chua Ha Street, Hanoi, Vietnam Telephone in Hanoi: +8437678656 (Ms. Sylvia) Hotline in Hanoi: +84 982278908 (Ms. Sylvia) Find the latest cruise deals from Halong Prince Cruises. 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