Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Baie d'Ha Long de 2 jours avec transfert

Arranged for pick up at hotel in Old Quarter, however, we had to walk 2 blocks, with 4 pcs luggage to bus. Bus was full after making one more stop to pick up others. "Happy" was our guide on bus. Were told it would be a 4 hour drive with a rest stop half way. This did not happen! After about 3.5 hours, the bus quickly pulled off to side of road and bus driver and "Happy" jumped off for about a minute and got back on. Well it was obvious what they did. About 20 min later a very obnoxious beeping sound was coming from the front of the bus., You could see heads turning and all were wondering what the noiase was. Finally I called out to "Happy" to ask when were we going to stop for a washroom break and what was the annoying beeping. He told us we were late because of traffic and the beeping was automatic and a warning to driver to take a break as he had been on bus for 6 hours. A little communication goes a long way and "Happy" lacked that. We finally stopped after 4 hours. Continued on finally reaching our Bungalow Hotel 2 hours late. No chance to go to town. Dinner was at 7:30. Room was 3 star at best. In morning we had breakfast then 10 us were loaded into a van. No room for all the luggage. Four bags were in the centre of van between the seats and two were thrown up over behind the rear seats. Rather unsafe. I did take pictures of the cramped van. When we stopped for abreak we had to move the bags so passengers could get out. Finally arrived at dock. The next day were were transported back to Hanoi in a van with broken cup holders and charging ports that did not work. Overall a disappointing trip.

Overall this trip was underwhelming, not super well organized, and a tourist trap basically. The feeling we got was that the problem is systemic and not specific to this company. They are doing it on auto pilot but don’t really care about the experience. It is more of a checklist that they are trying to go through, and very little focus on experience and zero culture that one would experience by doing such a tour. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who is looking to do something different and want to experience culture. We travel around the world and have been to many touristy places but this must be the most touristy thing with no dash of culture we have ever done. This is coming from a person who is born and raised in India and now lives abroad. First day we went to Bai Dh temple, followed by Trang Ahn river cruise which was beautiful. However, the food for extremely bland and flavorless. Being vegetarian, it was extremely hard to find anything good to eat. Then we were taken to Dragon rock hike where we climbed 500 odd (very high) steps to get up but it was super crowded and we didn’t see the actual structure. However, we were happy to get some exercise. Post that they took us back to the hotel. We were dreading eating the food there so we decided to go to a nearby Indian restaurant called Kadahi, which was super good. We came back and tried taking shower and hot water ran out within first ten seconds for all of us and we ended up taking cold shower. Next morning for breakfast while we had told them that we are vegetarian, they gave us breakfast with meat and when we asked them to not give meat, they just removed sausages from our plate right in front of us. It was pretty crazy to watch. Then we were taken to Halong Bay City where we were dropped off without any instructions on what to expect and where to go. Then by asking several people we found our guide who took us to the waiting area. Then he came and gave us an invoice for return transfer. Our package included return transfer so we contacted the travel company and they got it sorted. But it was annoying to have to deal with it. The cruise boat was fine, however, they put us in the lowermost floor right next to the reception. When I asked why are we in those rooms, they said that’s the option we chose. The fact is that we were not given any choice to pick a certain type of room. We reconciled to it. They took us to caves where you climb up on the mountain to see the beautiful caves. Caves were pretty cool but very crowded. Then they had build up this island where we could go swimming- when we got there, it was just a sea of people and no place to swim (maybe it was low tide). It felt super pathetic. I couldn’t wait to leave that place fast enough. We came back to the cruise and we all got massage which was nice. After the massage there was happy hour and it was relaxing and not crowded since it got dark and we couldn’t see people around us in other cruise ships. They served dinner after that and made an effort on vegetarian food but in general the food tends to be very bland and flavorless. Even pastries and desserts are flavorless. Next morning we woke up early and did Tai-Chi on the roof deck with an instructor which was nice. Then they took us to an area to do Kayaking - it was nice to be on the water but again super crowded. People were bumping their Kayaks into each other. The person who tried helping my husband get out of the Kayak made him fall in the water. There is general apathy towards tourists and hospitality is not a thing which for some reason is expected of an Asian country. On the cruise they were trying to make an effort but it is so commercially driven and they are just ticking the checklist. Halong Bay is so beautiful and I kept thinking how would it feel to come here or another part of it which is not so touristy and commercial. We really wish our experience was different and this tour was more warm and hospitable because it is so beautiful.

This tour was so so good! Starting from the beginning, the transfer to the Ha Long Bay area went as planned. Driver was on time and shuttle was in a good condition. Once we got there, we were asked for any special diets (vegan, vegetarian etc.) and along the two days I got excellent vegetarian options. The ship was in a very good condition, clean and the whole staff was so so friendly and helpful. The activities on board were also nicely planned (kayak tour, swimming, little cooking class, Thai chi unit in the morning) and it was a pleasure participating. It’s not so easy to put those two days in some simple sentences but if you have the chance I’d highly recommend to book this tour, it’s absolutely worth its money!

Had a wonderful time with Peter for Nin Binh tour and Sunny for HaLong bay tour. Both are very friendly and knowledgeable. Had a great time with these tours

Reay amazing trip, Thanks Mr Tony who strong support full of trip, after we booked this trip, Mr Tony quick contact with us by WhatSap and provided all information of trip. Our tour guide Mr Lang was so fund and helpful, Ninh Binh so beautiful view and Bungalow 1 night with a lot funny by Lady there. next day Halong Bay 2 day 5 star cruise was great, excellent cruise, but some activities to busy, all the best choice 3day tour

The crew was very friendly and helpful. The trips were great. It was all clean and the rooms comfortably furnished. They had the best food we ever ate in Vietnam. Around absolutely recommended.

A fantastic overnight trip out into ha long bay. All crew and nam were fantastic, food was good, rooms where brilliant and en suite really clean. Highlights were the kayaking tour and visit to the village, wish we’d done two days!! Do note, that on the overnight trip you cannot swim, only on the two day trip.