We booked this through our hotel and were a little nervous as many reviews on line saying beware of scams and this had mixed reviews. However we needn't have worried our trip was probably the highlight of our tour around Vietnam. We got picked up from our hotel - bus journey is long and not great but I think this is the same for everyone going to halong bay! On arrival at the bay it wasn't the best organized, but we ended up on the correct boat! Our boat was lovely, couldn't fault it. Clean tidy rooms with a new bathroom. Not sure luxury is the best description but it was good - if you are expecting full blown luxury don't book this you will be after a far more expensive tour but the rooms and the boat for us were great for the money we paid. They do a slightly cheaper boat also and from we heard this was good also. The food on board was brilliant, all free and plenty of it! Drinks not included. 
Activities included a trip to surprising cave (and our tour guide was very knowledgeable) then some kayaking before returning to the boat for some dinner and some night squid fishing. On day 2 we visited a pearl farm and were then picked up by another boat for a trip to monkey island and then on to our beach bungalow for night 2. This was superb, would definitely recommend this! The bungalows are fine with a bed and a bathroom, clean and tidy for the the little time you will spend in them, but in a cracking location. We chose to do the cycle option in the afternoon which was excellent, we were both so glad we did this, although safety helmets were not provided. 
That night there was a barbecue and a beach party. Had a great time. Not great that we had to be up at 7 am for breakfast though! 
Guides were great, the head if the company even came on our tour to see how it was working and was always asking for feedback and ideas. 
Overall we had a great time and felt it was great value for money. But just as a warning, it is busy, there are loads of boats all doing the same tour as you so don't expect to be taken off the beaten track on day one, so we would recommend the 2 night option as this is a little more different and less busy. My only criticism is maybe the itinerary is a little too full and you do get on and off boats a lot!
Laura R
Visited May 2013

Wow ..wow ...wow..Halong Bay Castaway tour..do it..best tour I have ever been on ..simple!! I booked it at Vietnam backpacker tour office in Hanoi.. With Charlie and Ken..they gave me free beer for all the time I was in Hanoi..the tour is 3 days 2 nights..first day on a boat..the next day on the private beach resort Bora bora style...great staff..great food..brilliant tour..  Thanks to all involved going to Thailand now to dry out..lol

By Ian,

Stayed on the boat for 1 night and i must say it was fantastic! The first lunch was cold, but dinner was fantastic. Each meal had around 8 courses and the portions are large. 

Try to stay in the rooms on the second floor as they have private in-room balconies. The toilets in the room are clean but the hot water is really a hit and miss. Cleanliness of the entire room is good, though there was a small baby cockroach on the floor when i stepped in, not a really big issue for me. Two bottles of drinking water is also provided for free. 

Facilities on the boat are limited but the boat is very well maintained. The viewing deck is awesome and deck chairs are very clean. Karaoke and fishing was offered at night while swimming and kayaking was offered in the afternoon.

Staff are friendly and approachable but their command of English is weak as like most Vietnamese so its not really a big issue.

By metherat

Weeks the two nights three days trip (one night imperial cruise, and one night Castaway Island  is.) and it was such a lovely, unique, beautiful experience! Such lovely staff, great banquets for lunch and dinner which were great for Vietnamese cuisine experience, and nice scenery tour itinary. We booked on the Internet directly to staff Ruby- she was so helpful and amazing, so definitely recommend this and her lovely service! Best money value for a cultural experience, very organized. Highly recommend it!

I buy this cruise in Hanoi Vietnam Backpacker Tour, Next day bus pick up me directly from my hotl in Hanoi (just in time) We spend to 3 hours 30 mins to go in Halong City . bus is clean. I book for 3D2N "Luxury Imperial Cruise". Boat no so new but in good sate and internal view fantastic. Modern bath room mix with traditional bedroom. air-cond only available after 7pm. First night we stay in a boat, next night we stay in small island in fantastic bougalow. All activity was very well organized, we arrived in time for kayaking, for monkey issland. 
Staff on board is very good. 
I very imprssyad by boungalow and I ask to stay one night more in island, we change my program without any problem.

We booked this cruise through Hanoi Old Town hotel. This boat is a newer and bigger boat than the one I went to few years ago.
The drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay was very slow due to poor road condition. How ever we had a nice room with a balcony. The room was clean but the shower in the bathroom just trickled due to low water pressure. We had 4 meals on board. Food was average but in sufficient amount. 
The scenery around Halong Bay gave you the impression that you are in Quilin, China due to the similar mountain landscape. Kayaking in the bay was fun as the water was calm and we could touch the mountain and went into some caves too.
At night there was karaoke but this was too loud and the noise could be heard in the rooms.


Visited June 2013

The boat is perfect for touring the bay. It is spotlessly clean with large aircon rooms. The staff are fabulous. They are so kind, fun and helpful. Now the food is amazing. Plenty of VERY fresh delicious food. The caves and kayaking were excellent. This is a 5 star cruise in every respect. We loved every minute!

By Pam F, June 2013

Journey from Hanoi to Halong City took 3 hours 30 mins (30 mins stopover). 1 bottle mineral provided inside the bus. We book for 2D1N "Imperial Cruise" package with 3 adults (1 queen size bed + 1 single bed). Boat exterior view look a bit old but internal view fantastic. All safety items such as Fire Extinguisher and Life Jacket available in every rooms. Room windows can be fully open in-case of any emergency. Modern bath room mix with traditional bedroom. Heater available in the evening. However, air-cond only available after 7-8pm. Great Vietnamese foods on-board. Soft drinks and alcohols are paid separately. Entertainment such as Karaoke, guitar, cards, fishing available. A small boat are tow by the mother ship for easier sail into small ports like floating village, pearl farm, caving visit etc. Knowing from the tour guide that brown colour cruise ship has painted into white colour as recommended by authority.


By Simonlwc