The Red river winds for more than 500 km through northern VietNam, flooding the surrounding plains and enriching the soil providing the farmers with the nutrients they need for their crops. The villages and rural communities that line the river’s banks date back more than a thounsand years. On this full day cruise we have the opportunity to explore the Red River from our private boat, the Jewel of the Delta. We stop along the way and cycle to some of the most impressive pagodas in northern Vietnam as well as visiting some traditional handicraft villages.

Leave Hanoi at approximately 8.30 am. Drive out to our boat the Jewel of the Delta. On the banks of the red River, we begin our cruise through the countryside and have plenty of time to relax before making our first stop at Ho Harbour. From here we transfer to our modern wetern-made bicycles as we embark on a ride along the winding country roads in the lush Red River Delta.

En route we will visit some of the best temples in northern Vietnam as well as stopping at one or two of the area’s best-known handicraft villages. Cycling along the dikes and country raods is a great way to discover the region’s cultural heritage and meet the local opoulation at the same time!

We return to our boat where a delicious five course Vietnamese lunch will be served on board as we cruise upstream. In the afternoon we dock near anoter handicraft village and upon our return to the boat we will have some champagne as we make our way back to our docking point.

(please note that the cycling is optional and that there is a suppot vehicle on hand for those that no not wish to cycle).

Information about the “ Jewel of the Delta”

The Jewel of the Delta is the only cruise boat on the Red river. She was built in 1996 by a group of American businessmen working in Vietnam for the purpose of corporate hospitality and entertainment. At the time she was the most powerful passenger boat in nortern Vietnam. A brand new 180 hp marine engine was impoted from the US and one of Vietnam’s best shipbuilder was commissioned mto build this amazing boat. Prominent American governors, senators, ambassadors, leading businessmen, writers and celebrities have been guests aboard this boat.

The newly refurbished Jewel of the Delta has the following facilities

·  Sun deck with reclining loungers

·  Dining area with a capacity for 12 people

·  One air-conditioned en-suite room for a maximum of 4 passengers

·  Leisure shaded loungers

·  A fully licensed bar

·  Kitchen serving Vietnamese and International cuisine

·  2 on board tendon river kayaks

·  7 on board mountain bikes

·  In addition there is an attentive five-man crew including a chef and a Customer Services Manager dedicated to taking care of all our clients needs and requests.

·  Clients will be informed of the pick-up location and time at the time of booking.

Before you leave home complete the following checklist

·  Clothing and equipment: We suggest a small, lightweight daypack for cameras, spare film. Please dress appropriately for the Temple visits. No revealing clothing of any kind. We suggest carrying a sarong or slip-on baggy trousers in your daypack during hot weather.

·  Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat.

·  Comfortable walking shoes

·  Money.

Tour price includes:
- Transfer in air-conditioned vehicle
- Fully escorted by English speaking guide
- Entrance fees
- Lunch as indicated in itinerary
- Tea and coffee on board

Tour price excludes:
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses, Bar
- Tips and Gratuities
- Pre-post accommodation in Hanoi