Amazing-must see tour!
This company is so well organised.
I wish I could give more 🌟
Our guide Hoang was a gem.
Polite, respectful and very observant of time.
The tour runs like clockwork.
From the rowers-photography-hikes-dragon tails-ducking your head in the caves...
This tour has it all.
You will spend the time photographing everything.
Cam on Mr Hoang (the King).
Ninh Binh
It was a lovely experience, Leo the guide was very knowledgeable on the culture and practices which made it easy to understand what was going on. The bicycle riding and Trang An boatride were the highlight of the daytrip. Definitely value for money
Great disappointment: Bad guide and lousy organization
We booked this tour through TripAdvisor – specifically the more expensive "limousine option." The disappointment started right in the morning: The pickup did not take place as agreed at the hotel, but 20 minutes earlier at a meeting point. There was no limousine shuttle waiting for us there, but a completely normal tour bus (which was fine, but just not what we had booked). That threw our entire schedule into disarray, which is why our group of five could no longer have a proper breakfast. It was not possible to make up for it on the way, as the bus's only stop took place at a rest area that turned out to be a completely overpriced tourist trap. To top it all off, the actual travel time was a good 30 minutes longer in the end than stated in the description.
First stop: Hoa Lu
I have rarely seen such a boring attraction. There were only two small temples and an empty square to see – it was hardly worth getting off for that. The guide was unmotivated and spoke only broken English.
Second stop: Restaurant & bike tour
The bike tour was fine for those in our group who participated, but it was not a highlight either. The bikes themselves were also quite rickety, single-speed bikes. The guide again provided hardly any explanations, and when he did speak, it was only in fragments and constant repetitions. The food at the restaurant was edible, but nothing more. To top it all off, we were the last group allowed to the buffet, which is why some things – especially the sauces – were already completely used up and were not refilled. Furthermore, the description stated that drinks were included, which was definitely not the case here.
Third stop: Trang An
The absolute low point of the day. It was extremely hot and the rowboat ride was way too long. The guide did not give us any water beforehand, but only afterwards upon explicit request. Two people from our group of five almost suffered heatstroke. In the middle of the tour, there would have been the opportunity to dock briefly and buy water, but our rower simply refused.
When we finally arrived back at the bus afterwards, it just drove off WITHOUT us! Luckily, the driver stopped when we ran after it screaming. The guide was obviously not even able to count to see if everyone was there before departure.
Last stop: Mua Cave
Visually, this was definitely the most beautiful stop of the trip. However, the morale in our group was already completely at rock bottom by then. The guide did not accompany us to the top here either.
Conclusion:
By and large, the excursion was a huge disappointment. I would not recommend this tour operator. Even if the price itself was okay – you pay extra for a limousine option on TripAdvisor and instead get a normal bus and a poorly organized cattle drive.
With this version, all points of criticism are clearly and structurally named, which will be very helpful for other users on TripAdvisor!
事業者からの返答
Wir haben diese 1-Sterne-Bewertung nicht verdient.
Wir haben für die Fahrt eine neue Limousine bereitgestellt; sollten Sie – oder andere Kunden – einen Nachweis wünschen, können wir Ihnen die Aufnahmen der Bordkameras unseres Fahrzeugs zur Verfügung stellen.
Alle anderen Fahrgäste Ihrer Tour waren zufrieden und haben uns positives Feedback zu unserem Service gegeben; gerne teilen wir diese Bewertungen mit Ihnen.
Was den Abholort betrifft: Bestimmte Bereiche der Altstadt von Hanoi sind für den Verkehr gesperrt, und aufgrund behördlicher Vorschriften konnte unser Fahrzeug nicht direkt vor Ihr Hotel fahren.
Wir haben uns sehr bemüht, Sie so nah wie möglich an Ihrem Hotel abzuholen.
Zudem haben wir Sie am Vorabend der Abfahrt per WhatsApp kontaktiert, um die Abholung abzustimmen.
Wir haben diese negative Bewertung nicht verdient und sind enttäuscht über Ihre Sichtweise auf die Angelegenheit.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Jackie Tan,
Manager, Halong Dolphin Travel.
We do not deserve this 1-star review.
We arranged a new limousine for the trip; if you—or any other customers—wish to see proof, we can provide the footage from our vehicle's onboard cameras.
All other passengers on your tour were satisfied and gave us positive feedback regarding our service; we are happy to share those reviews with you.
Regarding the pickup location: Certain areas of Hanoi's Old Quarter are restricted to traffic, and government regulations prevented our vehicle from accessing your hotel directly.
We made every effort to pick you up as close to your hotel as possible.
We also contacted you via WhatsApp the evening before departure to coordinate the pickup.
We do not deserve this negative review, and we are disappointed by your perspective on the matter.
Sincerely,
Jackie Tan,
Manager, Halong Dolphin Travel.
Don't skip the cycling and climbing
A very informative tour guide and the transport was excellent - comfortable and modern. In my opinion, the cycling through the village and climbing the Mua Cave were the highlights. The boat ride on the other hand was long and tiresome in the heat of the day. This tour is great if you're looking to see the sights in one day.
Really enjoyed the tour...
Really enjoyed the tour with our tour guide Son. He’s an amazing tour guide a great sense of humour and personality. The fun and activity I had in this tour will be memorable part of life and I enjoyed every minute of it. I highly recommend him to the enthusiast tourists if you want to explore Nihn Bihn.
Amazing trip to Ning Binh with Viator.
The guide Leo was very informative. Took care of the guest. Caring. Very accommodating and patient Ensured all our requirements were taken care off.Due to the heat,,even when sat in the luxury bus he switched on AC for the guest.