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 thousand 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.
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 northern Vietnam - a brand new 180 hp marine engine was imported from the US and one of Vietnam's best shipbuilders was commissioned to build this amazing boat. In July of 2004, Buffalo Tours acquired the boat and converted her into a cruise boat.
Hanoi
Leaving Hanoi at approximately 8.30am, we 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 western-made bicycles and 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 roads is a great way to discover the region's cultural heritage and meet the local population 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 another handicraft village, and upon our return to the boat, we will have some champagne as we make our way back to our docking point.