Pandaw Cruises has begun construction of a new ship, the RV Hanoi Pandaw, for its ten-day river expedition route through North Vietnam's Red River and Halong Bay region. The vessel will feature sixteen staterooms and serve as a sister ship to the Angkor Pandaw, which has operated this itinerary for more than a decade.
The Red River and Halong Bay expedition travels beyond typical tourist routes, taking travelers from Halong Bay's limestone karst peaks via canals and rivers across the Red River delta, into Hanoi and to the hill country near Viet Tri. The journey includes visits to rural villages, artisan workshops, farms and Hanoi cultural landmarks, including museums, temples and French colonial architecture.
Construction of the new vessel is underway at a shipyard in Haiphong. Designed in Pandaw's colonial style, the ship will feature brass and teak finishes.
The building this additional ship was a response to increasing demand for this northern Vietnam itinerary.
"North Vietnam is one of the last frontiers for river exploration in Asia," said Paul Strachan, founder of Pandaw. "Much of this region remains untouched by mainstream tourism, and it's been incredibly rewarding to offer travelers a more intimate and immersive journey through its rivers and rural communities. The RV Hanoi Pandaw will allow us to deepen that experience, bringing our guests even closer to the cultural and natural richness of this extraordinary region."
The RV Hanoi Pandaw is scheduled for its inaugural sailing on November 1, 2026.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Pandaw Cruises. It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
