cheapswill
longtail driver
Posts: 10

#1 Posted: 6/7/2006 - 22:30


Hey Everyone,
I've been trying to find out some info about touring Halong Bay when I visit Vietnam in October. I thought staying on one of those junks would be cool but the prices I found on line ranged from "too good to be true" to "too much to handle". I don't need to stay in luxury but I don't want to sleep in a leaky barge either.

What is a standard price for a comfortable and fun 2 day tour to Halong Bay? Can anyone reccomend a good tour company or agent in Hanoi for this?
Is it going to be bloody cold in early October?

somtam2000
admin
mahout
Posts: 2418
Located in:
Indonesia

#2 Posted: 7/7/2006 - 07:47


Hi cheapswill,

The Ha Long bay tour thing is a real minefield and difficult to give a recommendation on as we've not done one ourselves in yonks.

There are two main problems which weave in nicely to create a nightmare scenario for shoppers -- the two problems are dodgy operators and unrealistic expectations from tourists.

Consider the following when you're pricing the tours;
It takes three to four hours to drive from Hanoi to the piers at Ha Long city.
There's junks and there's junks and there's junks -- no two junks are alike.
To sleep on the boat will cost more
To have a "deluxe room" will cost more
To kayak will cost more

Now there are operators in Hanoi offering one day Ha Long Bay trips for as little as US$15 per person, who promise "small groups" seafood banquets, luxury junks etc but it's rare that all (if any) of these benefits arise.

It used to be the case that the pricey operators were a safe bet, but now dodgy operators offer more expensive "deluxe" options but then deliver rubbish.

Most complaints come from people who have used operators that charge around $40 or less per person per day.

Operators we've heard good reports from include:
Handspan
Wideeyed Tours
though bear in mind we have not used either of the above -- for a two night, three day tour, expect to be paying around US$100-150 per person.

Also, be wary of going into one of the above and being told they also have "cheaper" options -- these will generaly result in you being shifted off to another operator and you end up with the same crappy services.

Watch out for imitators -- handspun, handspans and handspanned were all agents I saw in Hanoi that were trying to rip off Handspan tours.

Lastly, if you don't book in advance, ask travellers on the ground fora recommendation.

Sorry can't be of more help -- its unfortunate that one of the highlights of a trip to Vietnam has been so comprehensively screwed up by corrupt officials and dodgy operators.

Also, please report back with your experience-- will be helpful for others.

ReneHanoi
tourist
Posts: 54

#3 Posted: 7/7/2006 - 09:19


Hi there. I couldn't agree more with Somtam's comments. There are zillions of agents promising you the sky, but quality is often poor (even on the most expensive tours) and unreliable (today it's good, tomorrow crap). Handspan Travel or ODC Travel are usually ok. Handspan is not really cheap anymore, but one of the most professional and successful operators. ODC is one of the better cheaper options. But again, no promises ! Another option is to take a public bus out of Gia Lam busstation for 2 USD to Halong (4 hours) and shop around there. Usually Mr Zdung in Halong (0084 91 3370712) is quite reliable. Another problem however is the honesty of the boat crew. They spend 30 days a month on the boat for small wages (31 USD a month) and don't get their share of the food you eat on board. So drinks are often overprized, they try to sell lots of souvenirs at crazy prices, slow down and cut angles to save petrol and another reoccurring problem is theft. Quite a few passengers have seen money disappear from their wallets when sleaping, sunbathing or swimming. Alternatively head for the non-touristy but equally impressive Bai Tu Long Bay, sleep on Van Don Island and take daytrips from there. You might spend a couple of nights on the beautiful beach at Quan Lan island. I'm personally not a big fan of Cat Ba Island.

kittywoo
newbie
Posts: 4

#4 Posted: 7/7/2006 - 15:26


Staying in Hanoi for six months has given me the opportunity to go to Ha Long Bay more than once - and to talk to others who've been there too. While Handspan certainly have a good reputation, they are also not the cheapest.
A cheaper alternative that I and my friends have used on more than one occasion is ODC Travel (mind you - the real one) whose tours can be booked through the Camelia Hotel(s). They charge around 60USD for a 3 days/2 nights trip with one night on their boat and one in Cat Ba Town, more for single accommodation.
The boat seemed fine, food onboard OK and plentiful (though a lot of fried stuff). The guide was good (but that may be a matter of luck).
Cat Ba Town is not a very appealing place but is none the less included in most tours. Luckily, as soon as you get outside the town, Cat Ba Island can be really nice, and it's just the one night you spend in town.
I think their maximum group sixe is 16 - travelling outside the peak season we were only 8, which was fine, while I imagine 16 may be too many.
The minibus to and from Halong City was rather small for people with long legs.

wolfman
hippy
Posts: 79

#5 Posted: 7/7/2006 - 15:49


is halong really a must?as rene hanoi metioned, opt for bai to long-fewer tourists means almost no hassle. if it has to be halong shop around there, avoid hanoi. ask fellow-travellers-they always know best!

cheapswill
longtail driver
Posts: 10

#6 Posted: 8/7/2006 - 11:36


Thanks Everyone,

This is exactly why I love Travelfish! Ask a question and in a few days get some informative and intelligent answers.

I think I will play it by ear when I actually get to Vietnam. I intend to hang around Hanoi for a few days first so I will ask some of my fellow travellers. If all else fails I will try ODC.

Laura_B
tourist
Posts: 54

#7 Posted: 14/7/2006 - 18:10


Quality is often poor, & the organisation is probably the worst I've ever seen! These people couldn't organise a pi** up in a brewery. Generally whoever you book the trip with only acts as an agent. You'll probably get picked up by another company, who then hands you over to somebody else in Halong Bay.

I thought Halong Bay was stunning, but the trip turned into a scary nightmare. We were supposed to dock at Cat Bar island for the night, but got stranded in the middle of bay, as thick fog emerged at sun down. The boat couldn't see where it was going, so the crew decided to anchor in the middle of the bay for the night. There was no raidar or radio to let anyone know where we were. There were people on the boat who were supposed to stay at Cat Bar Island, but ended up sleeping on benches on the boat. There was only enough food for those who were staying the night on the boat. The next day we were supposed to go swimming, visit some islands etc. Nothing happened, I think to be honest people just wanted to get off the boat ASAP due to this fiasco, some people got pretty scared! There were no apologies made or any form of compensation (not that I expected any)

Just bare in mind that Halong Bay is very touristy, but still very beautiful! Don't expect much if you're pay $40 or under for a 2 day trip. I think it's luck of the draw whether you'll get a nice boat, good food, small groups etc.

saitamaints
newbie
Posts: 1

#8 Posted: 15/7/2006 - 12:04


HANDSPAN TOURS!!!! are grande excelleeent!

travelsalone
motodop
Posts: 24

#9 Posted: 4/8/2006 - 12:42


Listen carefully to all that has been said! I was there in June and paid around $40 for a three day trip. It was booked through a fake Sinh Travel and operated by AST Travel. The 3-4 hour ride was in a van crammed with people, the boat seemed decent enough but at night they docked next to a sister boat that partied all night, and there were rats squealing and fighting above our heads. A guy from the sister boat had a flood in his room so slept on our deck. The first day was ok with some swimming and kayaking and the caves, and the hike on Cat Ba the second day was great, but that was the end of anything else expected on the tour. The hotel on Cat Ba was not the decent one shown, but a crummy one across the street, and the last day we did not stop at a village as expected, only got to go swimming for about 20 minutes (after begging), and were back in Halong City for lunch at 10:15am! It is possible that someone's money and plane tickets were stolen on the boat. Although the tour itself was poor, I did meet some nice travelers on the trip and Halong Bay itself is beautiful...just be careful of how you pursue experiencing it! Oh! The day after I returned to Hanoi I heard that a junk had sunk and someone had died :(

pauljaymes
hippy
Posts: 74

#10 Posted: 20/8/2006 - 22:20


I did the 'Ocean Tours' 2 day package when I was in Hanoi 2 weeks ago. It is the package sold by the Hanoi Backpackers' Hostel.

At $50 for 2 days or $75 for 3 days it probably isn't the cheapest package but it does come with -
- Really really nice staff with an adequate command of English
- Comfortable bus transfers from Hanoi
- Amazing meals on the boat
- Guided cave visit
- Swimming in a relatively clean patch of water (it never gets THAT clean in Halong bay)
- Air conditioned cabin on the boat
- 2 hour guided Kayak
- Customer comments form to fill out on the way home (really!)

My only complaints on the form were that:-
(1) drinks on the boat were expensive, like a small can of beer was 20,000 dong (ie $1.30) and a bottle of water 15,000.
(2) Life jackets weren't handed out for the kayaking, although the guide decided to wear one himself. Ask for a life jacket if you want one and aren't offered one.

Other than that, its strongly recommended. Ocean Tours really run the trips themselves - the buses and the Kayaks all displayed their logo. No dodgy re-selling. Apart from the backpackers' hostel you can book at their office in the old quarter. As with all operators in Vietnam, beware of copycat soundalikes.

Jacster
backpacker
Posts: 12

#11 Posted: 21/8/2006 - 03:31


I agree with pauljaymes and recommend Ocean Tours - I went to Halong Bay with them in April this year and completely agree with all Paul's comments on the quality of the tour.

Enjoy!

nedders
newbie
Posts: 3

#12 Posted: 30/8/2006 - 17:43


Some more info to add to the list!! (was all very useful by the way!) Just returned from 3 days with Ocean Tours, all went very well so they come highly recommended by me! I did the 3 day option for $75 but there are lots of options to suit your style. I went direct to one of the Ocean Tours offices in the old quarter. The guide was great, we were well looked after, so no complaints there! The was only 11 in the group so not big at all.

One thing I noticed which seemed different from the other companies is that on the 2nd night you don't stop at the busy Cat Ba bay but Ocean Tours are actually renting a private island near by, so that was great for swimming in cleaner water, kayaking etc, very peaceful. Check out their resort if you want: www.oceanbeachresort.net it does actually look like this web site!

also the boat actually looks like the pictures they show you, rooms are en-suite, a/c with towels and even slippers included!! - better than the cheap and cheerful guest houses I'm been staying at!

have fun!

DakLak
tourist
Posts: 57

#13 Posted: 30/8/2006 - 21:20


TROPICAL SAILS < http://tropical-sails.com/lagoon.html > runs the whole show from bus to The Bay, the boat and the crew.

Their boats have all the latest equipment - even a satellite beacon - and they have an excellent reputation.

Most other Tour Ops, including Handspan, do not own their boats - even if they say they do - and hwen there are problems at sea complaints are met "it's not our boat".

Check on when the power is turned off, too, and where the lifejackets are stored. Always carry a flashlight / torch when at sea.

hiong
longtail driver
Posts: 8

#14 Posted: 16/9/2006 - 23:56


hi Dak Lak,
Do you know how much the trip on tropical sails costs?
I've checked the website (Thanks for the link!) but nowhere to be seen regarding the cost.

DakLak
tourist
Posts: 57

#15 Posted: 17/9/2006 - 18:10


Message for Hiong - Tropical Pricing

Tropical Sails Pricing (double)

2-day: Beach time and Cave exploration on Cat Ba o/night on boat
===========================================
Without kayak $97.00

With kayak $110.00


3-day: 3days - 2 nights on boat
====================
Beach time (all day) - $205

Viet Hai (all day) - $215

Kayaking (all day) - $235

These are really luxury boats - not some rat traps that aren't fit to cast off. The two day sail is comparable with Handspan - who now have two pricing options - bowels and upper deck.

Saitamaints: Good tout.

paulontheroad
newbie
Posts: 2

#16 Posted: 1/10/2006 - 17:52


Hi,

I'd just like to support the point made about Ocean Tours. I came back yesterday (30/9/06) from the 2 day tour and it was excellent. The price I paid was $49.90 but this has gone up $10 dollars from tomorrow I understand. Despite this I think that this is still a great value deal.

All the best

Paul

brinner
longtail driver
Posts: 10

#17 Posted: 6/10/2006 - 09:48


Hi,

I would recommend Ocean Tours also. I went with it because of the reviews that I read here.

I did the 3 day tour. The junk was in good condition and the food was nice. The staff were all friendly and the tour guide was good.

The best part (only applicable to the 3 day tour) is that they have their own island rather than staying at Cat Ba and the bungalows on the beach are really nice and it is really peacful as only the group you are with are on the beach.

It cost $75 but that price is going to go up to $95 as they are relatively new and this is a promotional offer.

ryanssmith
longtail driver
Posts: 5

#18 Posted: 15/10/2006 - 23:02


We did a one night tour on the Tropical Sails junk Dragon's Pearl in July - approx US$100 each via Handspan. Turned out we were on the bay during the remnants of a tropical storm, so didn't see much through the driving rain! Certainly not the operator's fault. The boat was in good condition, especially compared to some of the others on the bay (junk may not be a misnomer). We had requested vegetarian food for the trip, and were served such dishes as a bowl of mushrooms and deep fried corn kernels as the rest of our table received heaping plates of fresh seafood. The food was a disappointment. Also be aware that because the bay is a World Heritage Site, junks are not allowed to anchor willy nilly at night, and you will be squashed into a tiny bay with (from my count) at least 40 other vessels all running their generators. Not really what we expected.

Must say, however, that we have family in Ha Noi who have been on the Dragon's Pearl several times and had wonderful experiences, particularly compared to some other operators. They didn't mind the fried corn so much.

ryanssmith
longtail driver
Posts: 5

#19 Posted: 15/10/2006 - 23:04


Just to clarify, I absolutely support collecting the junks in one place at night to anchor - would be nice if they used battery power instead of rattling diesel generators.

janduine
longtail driver
Posts: 9

#20 Posted: 17/10/2006 - 17:20


I've booked with Et Pumpkin (two days, sleep on boat) for the first half of November. Anyone has any experience with this agency; sofar the information I received is OK.
Second question is: will the weather (generally spoken) be OK for swimming in this time of year?

Kyla
newbie
Posts: 1

#21 Posted: 26/10/2006 - 17:52


I've just finished an Ocean Tours trip to Halong Bay based on the recommendations from here, and they totally lived up to expectations. The junk that you travel on is very clean, you don't have to pay extra for a/c, which I've heard that some other tours will ask, and staying on the private island is just brilliant. I would recommend them 100%.

somtam2000
admin
mahout
Posts: 2418
Located in:
Indonesia

#22 Posted: 29/10/2006 - 17:25


Ok the Ha Long bay stories are now on the site - what began as a brief story has exploded into a five part series! There's a lot to read -- but we hope you find it of use.

The first Ha Long Bay story is here, and there's links within it to the others.

tgekchoo
newbie
Posts: 3

#23 Posted: 30/10/2006 - 10:33


i've booked the 2 days ha long bay tour through Hanoi Backpackers Hostel on mid nov,not sure which tour agency they put us in,hopefully is ocean tour.Why the ocean tour increase the fees from 49.90 to 59.90 usd?Is it the common practice during year end for all tour agencies? those who has joined ocean tour before,pls let me know which cave they go to?The 2 hours kayaking is it around the boat or going through the tunnels and cave?
Thank you

Georgie
backpacker
Posts: 14

#24 Posted: 30/10/2006 - 12:03


We booked with Ocean Tours yesterday and as far as I am aware the cave is def Surprising Cave and you kayak around a cave/tunnels. We are doing a three day but I assume two-day is the same.

Georgie
backpacker
Posts: 14

#25 Posted: 3/11/2006 - 17:53


Halong Bay 3-day trip with Ocean Tours

We have just returned from this trip and I thought I would add my opinions. The boat was good quality, the rooms fine and quiet. The food was plentiful and good quality and the guide was friendly with reasonable English. You kayak in the Hidden cave and visit the Amazing/Surprsing cave. Plus you can kayak at the island - the stay here makes the whole trip more than worth it over other tours as Cat Ba looks a bit grotty from a distance. The island is so lovely we stayed an extra day there ($42). The price in November is $95 but it will go up to $115 in the new year. But... if you want to cycle back over Cat Ba Island you must have three people at least. We paid to do this ($20 extra) and then couldn't because there weren't enough people. Also don't try and do anything off-schedule, one couple paid $100 to have a private boat and guide to take them to the pearl farms and when they got there they weren't allowed in. They got 50% back with a fight but were dissapointed understandably. Numbers vary a lot, we had 10 people of which 7 did 3 days, the day before was fully boooked and the next day there were only three people. Our group was great and everyone got on well. Drinks are more on the boat - 20,000 for a Tiger, 15,000 for Hanoi beer, 10,000 for soft drinks but if you buy them beforehand you will be charged 5,000 for every can you open in the dining area - hence we all drank in the dark on the roof! On the kayaking no lifejackets were offered and the guide didn't watch the group very well but there are lifejackets on the island. Take a kayak round the corner of the island and there is another beach that catches the sun in the afternoon.

Hope some of that is helpful if you are thinking of using them. There's always a bit of bullshit involved but all in all we had a great time and it is totally relaxing.

hero1
newbie
Posts: 2

#26 Posted: 26/2/2007 - 04:01


Has anyone had any experience with Sunshine Tours? Web site looks great & prices reasonable but after reading everyones posts, caution needs to be exercised. We are leaving for Vietnam Mar 6 & expect to be in Hanoi Mar 20. Any advice appreciated.

janduine
longtail driver
Posts: 9

#27 Posted: 27/2/2007 - 03:41


We went last November on a two days'trip, sleep one night on boat, with Et Pumpkin. Really enjoyed it. Maybe it is not the most luxury boat, but nevertheles quite good, certainly when considering the price of USD 30. We had a nice two person cabin with toilet/shower. We went swimming (day one and in the morning day two)and kayakking. Transport to and from HB was OK. On the night of our return in Hanoi we travelled by Et Pumpkin night train to Sapa for a three days' stay (one night with local people) Also very well organised. In Sapa we had our flight from Hanoi to Danang/Hoi Ann booked by Et Pumpkin as well. On his free Sunday afternoon Mr. Khuyen came to the office to ensure everything was well organised and to put us on the taxi to the airport. Altogether, we can really recommend this agency. Their address is: No 89 - Ma May Str - Hanoi. Their website http://www.et-pumpkin.com

pvhaa
longtail driver
Posts: 5

#28 Posted: 2/3/2007 - 16:32


For a unique high-end experience, book passage aboard the Emeraude -- a copy of a French steamer that once plied these waters in the early 20th century. Certainly the largest boat at 55m (180 ft.), the elegant Emeraude has 38 cabins, a fine-dining outlet, and plenty of room to stretch your legs. The luxury trip comes with a price tag, of course, but the 2-day, 1-night cruise is well worth it.

Leaving Hanoi at 8am, you'll check in at the private Emeraude pier and be shuttled to the boat. Before checking in to your cabin, you'll enjoy welcome drinks and a quick orientation. Compact, as ship cabins always are, onboard rooms are decked out in hardwood, with nice fixtures like air-conditioning, a private reading lamp, slippers for shuffling about the decks, and a tidy, compact bathroom area with toilet, shower, and a separate room for a small sink stand. Everything onboard is retro, which means pleasing hardwood, brass, and fine linens. The oversize wicker chairs on the top deck are cozy, and you'll find shaded areas as well as sun-worshipping space. A casual, friendly atmosphere pervades, especially when the corks start popping.

Dining onboard is a delicious buffet, and most guests find themselves sharing a meal with new friends. Lunch on day 1 is followed by a stop at the Surprise Cave, then an afternoon of cruising and great views of the islands. The boat docks in a quiet harbor and guests have an opportunity to, on their own or with a guide, explore nearby Trinh Nu and Hang Trong, the Virgin Cave and the Cave of the Winds, or take a dip in the bay. The back of the boat is low in the water and there is a sturdy ladder making it easy to get on and off (the adventurous will join the crew for dives off the upper decks). Dinner is a sumptuous affair of fine local cuisine (heavy on seafood) and good Western options. Enjoy drinks on the upper deck as you watch the moonlight glisten off the bay.

Day 2 starts with tai chi classes on the sun deck as a brilliant sunrise paints its colors on the arching canvas of high limestone peaks jutting from the glassy waters. Blissful. After your exercise, tuck in to a hearty Western-style breakfast. The boat returns to the dock by 9:30am, and a direct transfer finds you back in Hanoi by lunchtime. The trip is quite memorable, and a ride on this retro ship, outfitted to the nines, is unique to Halong Bay. The price for the overnight cruise is $290 for a luxury cabin for two and $490 for the one-suite room, but discounts for larger groups are available. Transfer from Hanoi costs $100 for a four-seat vehicle. Check the website at www.emeraude-cruises.com or call the offices at the Press Club in Hanoi (tel. 04/934-0888; fax 04/934-0899).

somtam2000
admin
mahout
Posts: 2418
Located in:
Indonesia

#29 Posted: 2/3/2007 - 17:41


pvhaa -- are you associated with Emeraude?

manyjays
newbie
Posts: 1

#30 Posted: 12/3/2007 - 11:49


Recommend Ocean tours; 49.00USD 2 day cruise with kayaking. Sensational on-board accommodation; life-jackets supplied for kayaking...fabulous food, wonderful caves amazing kayaking even for the relatively unfit. Bus to and from comfortable. One of the best value trips I have ever undertaken. Highly recommended!