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
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
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