Premium Halong Bay Cruise – All Inclusive from Hanoi or Halong

Fabulous day well worth the money our guide was great and the lunch exceptional. The kayaking is a great experience

I have never left a negative review before, but... I'd asked about luggage in advance but there was no contact by the tour operation (Chat Tourist) prior to the trip. At 7:45am on the morning of the trip I received a message to say I would picked up at 8:15. Although the trip was adverised to be by "comfortable modern bus", at 8:45 a shared car arrived. It was already full and I was put in some kind of temporary seat in the trunk of the car. I am small, anyone larger could not have fitted in. My knees were against my chest and my shoulders where against the ceiling, and was my transport for the next 45 mins. We then stopped at the side of the freeway and I was transferred to a minibus. Except I was not joining my tour. The bus started making detours and drop offs, and it was soon clear I was on another shared public taxi. Then the driver started demanding money. I had to call the tour company who told me not be pay. Then it was my stop, at another roadside where I was transfered to another shared car. This one was also full people squeezed up to give me a seat. We then drove round and round while the other passengers looked for their stops. I was becoming increasing concerned that I had no idea where I was or who I was with, or when I would reach the destination. Finally, I was dropped off. In spite of messaging Chat Tourist that I had no idea where I was or what was happening, I was simply left at the gates of a port with no ticket, no tour guide, no idea where I was, and no instructions about what happened next. Again, it was left to me to call the company to find out what was happening. After sending pictures of my location, someone came to find me and rushed me to boat. I was onboard at 11:50 for the 11:30 sailing. They were just finishing the briefing about the trip, and the boat left the moment I got on. Two minutes later and I would have missed the sailing. I was told that I was the only booking for Chat Tourist for the trip. Instead of running a bus, it seems they decided to send my to Halong Bay by a relay of shared public taxis. The boat trip was by Heritage Luxury Cruise. It, and their staff, where excellent, but the day was already ruined by the chaos of the trip down. Yes, do a day trip and use Heritage Luxury Cruise, just don't book through Chat Tourist. There was a basic duty of care that simply wasn't met here.

Our guide was not just a host but an outstanding companion throughout the journey, elevating our experience to new heights! I wholeheartedly recommend their services for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure. The scenery was simply stunning, and every aspect of the trip was meticulously planned and executed. A heartfelt thank you for creating such wonderful memories!

Exploring new places was an amazing and wonderful experience! We visited a beautiful beach, fascinating caves, and numerous picturesque small islands. The scenery was breathtaking and each destination offered something unique and memorable. Both the cruise and the bus were impeccably clean and comfortable, making the journey pleasant and relaxing. The crew was extremely helpful and attentive, always ready to assist with a smile. Their proficiency in English was impressive, ensuring smooth communication throughout the trip.

The communication from booking to the end of the tour was exceptional. A special thanks to our tour guide and driver for their outstanding service. If you find yourself short on time but still want to experience the beauty of Ha Long Bay, I highly recommend booking this tour.

He proves to be an exceptional tour guide, showcasing fluency in English and an abundance of knowledge about the area. While the seafood lunch offered during the tour is delicious, it tends to be on the lighter side. To avoid hunger pangs, it's advisable to enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on the adventure.