Hanoi: Cat Ba Island, Viet Hai Village, Lan Ba Bay 2 Days 1 Night

All of the tour guides and home stay staff were really amazing. Loved the boat cruise and kayaking. Getting there was very confusing and took way longer than expected (5 hr). We didn’t end up doing the hike but another couple that did said it was extremely difficult and they were very active. Food was very good and had lots of options.

Unfortunately this was not a great experience. The hike was great, very difficult, but worth it for the views. There is storm damage to the trail so wear sturdy shoes. Communication was extremely poor and I’m not talking about the language but the way you are constantly handed off to a new guide throughout the tour. Nothing was said that this would be the procedure. I have traveled and realize changes occur and things need to be adjusted so you need to pivot but this was constant and not well communicated. The day on the boat was beautiful and the weather was ideal. Great day for pictures. The return to Hanoi for this trip and another trip was not communicated that the drop off would not be to our hotels. I paid for a pick up and drop off from my hotel and I understand there was a holiday situation, but communicate beforehand that the drop off will not be available so the guest can organize alternative transport. As a female solo traveler arriving back at 11pm with a 20 minute walk to my hotel is troublesome since the bus can’t go to the area, neither can a taxi, supposedly. I did see busses dropping people on my walk back which was disappointing. I also found that you are picked up in a very nice vehicle, however, on multi day trips, your return transportation is of much less quality. Beware and prepared. This is the first time I have written a negative review.