Need advice on choosing a Halong Bay tour

FiiFii

Just arrived in Hanoi and want to do a Halong Bay tour. Been looking online but problem is tons of choice, lots of horror stories and review sites just seem full of touts recommending themselves whilst masquerading as tourists.

Any boardies got a genuine recommendation of boat / operator / agency? We're a couple in our early 30's - don't want a booze cruise just appreciate the scenary, do some activities and have a few chilled drinks in the evening.

Sugar Free

FiiFii wrote: »

Just arrived in Hanoi and want to do a Halong Bay tour. Been looking online but problem is tons of choice, lots of horror stories and review sites just seem full of touts recommending themselves whilst masquerading as tourists.

Any boardies got a genuine recommendation of boat / operator / agency? We're a couple in our early 30's - don't want a booze cruise just appreciate the scenary, do some activities and have a few chilled drinks in the evening.

http://www.hanoicalypsohotel.com/en-US/vietnam-tours-details/2/hld01-calypso-luxury-cruise-2-days-1-night.aspx

I did the above tour as a couple a couple of years ago. Perhaps more expensive than other operators but it was excellent from start to finish.
It's purely about the scenery and activities (the cost is a bit prohibitive for the booze cruise type I find).

The food in particular was great and the only extra cost was for purchasing drinks on board. Rooms on the boat were spotless and they all come with their own en-suite.

Overall I'd highly recommend it, as well as the hotel itself!

Theresalwaysone

If you dont want a booze cruise dont do the Hanoi Backpackers Hostel Tour. This tour isnt as much a booze cruise as it was but its still 18-25 mostly. It defo offers the best activities and prob the best 'experience' as in you stay on a private island in ha long but its def a booze cruise.

Christina Tour is decent and any tour by South Pacific Travel will have very good viet guides who have perfect english.

I lived in Hanoi and worked as a tour guide in Ha Long Bay.

tbabit

I have used http://www.handspan.com/ , it was a few years ago but I also did a trip to Sapa with them and would recommend them. They were not the cheapest operator but was glad I used them when I heard tales from others

Kittywake

Myself and Boyf were in the same situation last year trying to decide on a tour while we were in Hanoi. We went with Alova Gold and found them great. The boat was new and comfy and there was a really nice bar on board. The top deck was also really nice for chilling out on- they def put alot of effort into keeping the boat in good shape. It was a Dutch guy who was running the company.
I did the Hanoi backpackers Halong bay tour in 2007 and it was good craic but defo more of a booze cruise with a young crowd.

Gatica

We did a 2 night 3 day cruise last October through Indochina Junk. http://www.indochina-junk.com/
You can also read reviews in Tripadvisor.

The great thing about this company is that they're the only ones that do the tour of Bai Tu Long Bay rather than the typical tour of Halong Bay. It's considered cleaner and is less touristy as their boats are the only ones doing that route.
Staff was very professional and while the drink isn't cheap, it's not more expensive than Ireland LOL Beer is still cheaper. The girls drank cocktails.
The food is fantastic and the kayaking around the islands was included in the tour cost. Fab...

Tipperary animal lover

Gatica wrote: »

We did a 2 night 3 day cruise last October through Indochina Junk. http://www.indochina-junk.com/
You can also read reviews in Tripadvisor.

The great thing about this company is that they're the only ones that do the tour of Bai Tu Long Bay rather than the typical tour of Halong Bay. It's considered cleaner and is less touristy as their boats are the only ones doing that route.
Staff was very professional and while the drink isn't cheap, it's not more expensive than Ireland LOL Beer is still cheaper. The girls drank cocktails.
The food is fantastic and the kayaking around the islands was included in the tour cost. Fab...

+1

mickyellow

FiiFii wrote: »

Just arrived in Hanoi and want to do a Halong Bay tour. Been looking online but problem is tons of choice, lots of horror stories and review sites just seem full of touts recommending themselves whilst masquerading as tourists.

Any boardies got a genuine recommendation of boat / operator / agency? We're a couple in our early 30's - don't want a booze cruise just appreciate the scenary, do some activities and have a few chilled drinks in the evening.

http://www.emeraude-cruises.com/

One of the more expensive options but worth every penny. Used them about 3 years ago and there was only another 4 couples on board. Excellent food & drink and they even had a midnight cinema on the top deck. Something I'll never forget

FiiFii

Thanks for the feedback. Had a look at all the suggestions - did really like the Indochina-Junk tour bringing to different part of the bay & seemed like lots of good feedback. Unfortunately they dont have availability for date we want and not liking Hanoi enough to stick around for another few days waiting!

Theresalwaysone wrote: »

Christina Tour is decent and any tour by South Pacific Travel will have very good viet guides who have perfect english.

I lived in Hanoi and worked as a tour guide in Ha Long Bay.

Perfect person for advice if you have that kind of experience South Pacific Travel had a perfect but was stretching the budget too far.


Few people in hotel booked onto the V'Spirit 3D2N which looks reasonable from reviews (im sure some fake!) and in our price range - unless anyone got any horror stories:eek::eek::eek:. Hoping to nab some people from the hotel tonight who just came back and ask their feedback

solerina

we did a 2 night tour with indochina junk...the particular boat was the 'Dragons Pearl 2' although there are 4 dragons pearls I think...we booked in advance and paid the rest of the money to their office in Hanoi...I cant recommend this company enough, everything was fantastic from organisation, to guides, to food etc !!!
http://www.indochina-junk.com/

I see others have already recommended this company !!! They really are excellent