1-Day Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise: Pristine, Fun & Away fr the Crowds

First part of trip including transportation, guide, boat ride and food was very enjoyable The main issue was getting back to Hanoi At first it seemed no one knew who was taking us back to Hanoi After I guide realized we needed a ride it was arranged but after sitting in the hot sun for more than 60min we got in a air conditioned bus. However we then kept sitting there and the bus driver would not communicate what was going on Over the next 1 and 1/2 hours some travelers got on and then bus moved to several other locations to pick more people. Again driver not telling us what was going on . Finally got on road to hanoi and arrived a hour later at a rest stop. We got off to use dacility and bus drive off with no explanation. After 50 min bus returned and took us to Hanoi. He dropped us off in old quarter in the rain several blocks from our hotel and we had to find our way back. Evidently the driver didnt speak english and there was no effort to explain to us what was going on Very unfortunate that the return trip kind of ruined the experience

So the boat and the bay are lovely! Our tour guide Smiley was wonderful. I enjoyed that they had a nice waiting area with couches and drinks for purchase and areas to shop in before you get on the boat. But, go with another company... However, I was not well prepared for this trip. They send you a message the day before that has a blank "what should I bring" section, and made us throw out any plastic water bottles. Then, there are NO beverages available on the boat for free. You have to re-buy the water they made you throw out. I've never seen a meal served without anything to drink before. We did not get to see the fishing village as promised, which was the entire reason I chose this particular trip. Then, after the trip, they put me on a taxi bus where I waited for 50 minutes before it left. When he did leave, the last two passengers were getting in the van and he slammed on the gas, throwing the man getting in into my lap. Then, the driver had SUCH bad road rage I legitimately thought we were going to die. At one point he swerved around a large bud, then slammed on his brakes in front of the bus. Bus plate: 14B-042.94 Driver: 0397267788 Phương Do not get in the van with this man!! Also, no seatbelts. At one point the women sitting next to me got bounced out of her seat and screamed. This was not Vietnam driving dangerous, this was road rage and a pissed off driver. We stopped for fuel, he yelled something at us in Vietnamese and left. No idea what that was about, so we just sat and waited. I travel a LOT, and this was the first time I have been scared for my life. I do not recommend

Entire beautiful, luxurious ship for only 4 passengers at our trip. Very tasty 6 course menu, specifically adapted to be vegetarian just for us. Huang, the tourguide, was knowledgeable, friendly and open to all our questions! Bai Tu Long Bay was beautiful, with very few other tourists! Overall, just great, exceeding our expectations by far!

Great trip! What I thought was going to be a crowded and touristy day turned out to be nothing like that. We had it all to ourselves and we experienced the serenity that location deserved. Everyone involved is professional and friendly. They just want to see you have a good day...... And the food was great!

We enjoyed this tour visiting Bai Tu Long was awesome there is a walk up 100 steps so be aware of that. No swimming allowed but the kayaking was great. Our guide was lovely and took good care of us. The caves were impressive so definitely worth the climb up the steps. Insect repellent is a must. The lunch was nice a lot of seafood. Our return to Hanoi was not as expected as our bus left without us but to his credit our guide sorted us another ride with no hassle at all - Big ups to Quan - Tony.