Three River Cruise – of Indochina

Home › Tours › Three River Cruise – of Indochina
Price
£££ FROM £8449.00 /PP
Highlights
  • Lao language presentation
  • Ban Na San village
  • Kaung Si waterfall
  • Traditional Laos Bacci ceremony
  • Pottery demonstration
  • Observe the alms offerings to the hundreds of monks
  • Pak Ou Caves,
  • local Laos whisky at the Whisky village
  • Riverside barbecue and cocktail party.
  • Laos is known as ‘The land of a million elephants’ and we will visit a rescue sanctuary
  • Explore the Golden Triangle
  • Halong Bay
  • Viet Hai Village
  • Lan Ha Bay for a visit to a floating fishing house
  • Explore Dark and Bright Cave by kayak or a local basket boat
  • Thanh Ha Commune, considered the origin of water puppetry in Vietnam
  • Private water puppet
  • Bat Trang ceramic village
  • learn about Vietnam’s famous coffee, and try an authentic egg coffee
  • UNESCO praised village of Duang Lam
  • This tour is part of the ARCA Origins Travel collection to reduce overtourism with specific dates.
SHARE IN:
  • Details
  • Itinerary
  • INCLUDES & EXCLUDES
  • Photos

Overview

This is the upstream itinerary.

Please contact us for the downstream itinerary.

Three Rivers. Two Countries. One Unforgettable Journey.

Set sail on a 21-night eco-boat cruise that follows the course of three of Southeast Asia’s most captivating rivers – the mystical waters of Halong Bay, the winding beauty of the Red River, and the life-giving flow of the Laos Mekong. Designed for the curious and the conscious traveller, this slow-paced voyage offers a deep dive into the landscapes, cultures, and timeless traditions of Vietnam and Laos.

Your journey begins in the world-renowned Halong Bay, where jade-green waters swirl between dramatic limestone karsts. Here, we explore the quieter Lan Ha Bay, visit traditional floating fishing homes, and witness daily life that drifts peacefully on the tides.

As we leave the coast behind, the cruise takes us inland along the Red River, where the scenery shifts to rice paddies, quiet riverside villages, and ancient temples tucked into the hills. This stretch offers a gentle rhythm of rural life, far from the fast pace of modernity.

Crossing into Laos, the river becomes the mighty Mekong, a source of life and legend. We visit the charming village of Ban Na San, where we’re welcomed with a traditional Baci ceremony – a spiritual blessing filled with warmth and symbolism. We stop at a local whisky village to sample the bold flavours of Laos whisky, distilled with age-old knowledge and care.

Among the most moving moments of the journey is our visit to a rescue sanctuary in the land once known as 'The Land of a Million Elephants'. Here, we learn about vital conservation work and spend time observing these gentle giants up close. At dawn, we join the serene ritual of alms-giving to hundreds of monks, a humbling experience that captures the spiritual soul of Laos.

Each day brings new discoveries and flavours – from the fresh seafood of Halong Bay to the aromatic dishes of Laos, every meal celebrates local traditions and seasonal ingredients.

This three-river journey is not just a cruise – it’s a passage through culture, nature, and connection. With every bend of the river, you’ll uncover something new, unexpected, and deeply human.

 

Itinerary

Pickup from your hotel in Vientiane is at 8:00, followed by a local long-tail boat expedition to your Pandaw vessel upstream. Lunch and drinks will be provided on the local boat by your chef and bar staff. Embark on your voyage in the afternoon for a welcome briefing and welcome drinks. We moor overnight at Pak Lay.
Cruise upstream on the Mekong, passing lush jungle scenery and tiny riverside villages. Morning presentation on the Lao language after a short walk at Pha Laeb village. If time permits, we will also enjoy an afternoon walk at Ban Khok Fark.
Morning walk at Ban Pak Bor Khummu village before passing through Xayabouri Hydroelectric Dam, taking an inside look at the workings of this somewhat controversial attraction as we navigate the locks. Afternoon visit to Ban Na San village, a Hmong minority village.
In the morning, we moor at the village of Ban Mouang Khai and visit the dramatic Kaung Si waterfall. On the way back to the ship, we stop at the Laos Buffalo Farm, a social enterprise utilising the abundant buffalo in Laos. Arrive in the heart of the temple city of Luang Prabang mid-afternoon, where there is a buzzing night market and many great cafes and local restaurants. Traditional Laos Bacci ceremony and dancing on the upper deck during happy hour. Moor overnight in central Luang Prabang.
Today we explore the various handicrafts of Laos in more detail. We start with Ock Pop Tok, a social enterprise providing sustainable employment and training for the women of local weaving villages. We then head to TAEC (Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre) to understand more about Laos musical instruments. After lunch aboard the ship, we sail towards Ban Chan and take part in a pottery demonstration at the local pottery workshop. We finish the day with a sunset cruise on the Mekong alongside Luang Prabang, returning to moor overnight in the centre of town.
Early morning walking tour to observe the alms offerings to the hundreds of monks who walk around the city every morning. We continue after breakfast to the morning market before taking tuktuks for a city tour of this well-preserved and unique world heritage site with its many Buddhist temples, libraries, and royal palace. The afternoon is free to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Luang Prabang.
Morning at leisure in Luang Prabang before setting sail at midday upstream. Afternoon sightseeing by local boat exploring the unique Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist sanctuary with spectacular limestone cliff faces. See the production of local Laos whisky at the Whisky Village and shop for locally produced handicrafts.
Day of sailing upstream along the Mekong with a morning walk through Ban Tonne village. In the evening, we moor alongside a sandbank for a special riverside barbecue and cocktail party. Light paper lanterns with the crew and enjoy a dance in remote Laos.
Laos is known as ‘the land of a million elephants’ and today we will visit a rescue sanctuary that is helping to preserve the elephants of Laos and provide sustainable alternative employment for Mahouts, who once trained and rode these beautiful creatures. Afternoon walk at Ban Pak Sith Khummu village.
Today we sail the final leg of our journey upstream towards Huayxay. Cross over into Thailand via the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge before rejoining your ship in Chiang Khong. Enjoy a ship tour of your vessel and a fruit carving demonstration from your chef. Farewell cocktails and Thai traditional dance on board for your last evening.
Disembark by 8.30 in Chiang Khong and group transfer to hotel/airport. En route, explore the Golden Triangle including a visit to the opium museum. Continue to airports or city hotels in Chiang Rai (2 hours) and Chiang Mai (6 hours).
Transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay to embark on your Boat followed by lunch on board. Cast off in the afternoon with a welcome cocktail for an evening sail, dropping anchor in a sheltered bay amidst the beautiful island scenery.

Morning sail around Halong Bay and beyond with its 1,500 dramatic limestone islands and extraordinary rock formations, dating back 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. It is a breathtaking trip 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-dependent, we will end the day with cocktails at a beautiful beach in Halong Bay.

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 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 are enter the river where we drop anchor near Hai Phong.

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.

We sail along the Lower Red River and Day River this morning while getting more acquainted with your expedition vessel as you enjoy a ship tour. After lunch onboard, we head ashore to Co Chat village, Nam Dinh. Here we visit local craftspeople making silk by hand and the local markets filled with exotic produce.
We continue our exploration of the Red River Delta today, sailing towards Ninh Binh before mooring at Khanh Thien Village. We disembark in the morning for a journey to Phat Diem, home to Phat Diem Cathedral, a 19th-century Roman Catholic church built in an eclectic blend of Vietnamese and European architectural styles. After lunch, we explore Khanh Thien Village by local transportation or bicycle and discover a host of handicrafts, including water hyacinth weaving and a variety of rice paper and cakes. We end the evening with a performance by the locals of ‘Chau Van’ singing, an ancient art form local to this area.
Discover ‘Halong on Land’ today as we visit Ninh Binh and take small bamboo rowing boats through the magnificent limestone caves. Visitors 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.
Dropping anchor in the bustling city of Hanoi, passengers will visit some highlights of this Asian metropolis, including must-sees like the notorious Vietnam war prison known as the Hanoi Hilton and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first University that is dedicated to the Chinese Philosopher Confucius. We also stop outside The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum along the way to discuss the work required to preserve the body of ‘Uncle Ho.’ In the afternoon, we take a walking tour of Hanoi's old quarter, a bustling maze of food and shopping that is an assault on the senses. We visit a coffee shop to learn about Vietnam’s famous coffee-making industry and try an authentic egg coffee.
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.
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.
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 as well as 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 or Hanoi City.

Price Includes

  • One overnight hotel in Hanoi
  • One flight between ships
  • Entrance fees, guide services (English language)
  • Gratuities to crew, main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes.
  • Transfers between ports of embarkation and Hanoi International Airport at the start and end of the voyage.
  • 100% financial protection & Security with TTA
  • Responsible Travel
  • This tour is part of the ARCA Origins Travel collection to reduce overtourism with specific dates

Price Excludes

  • International flights
  • Lunch and dinners not mentioned
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees
  • Port dues (if levied), laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges
  • All beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes
  • Tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.

Featured journeys

30 – Days in Iceland Self drive
15 days in Iceland
The Great Nomadic Trail: 14 Days in Mongolia
6-Day South Coast Iceland
Thailand Expedition
Borneo Wildlife Adventure
The Taste and Smell of Armenia
VIEW ALL