I visited Hanoi last year in July with my wife and we knew we had to visit Ha Long Bay. We took the 2 day cruise with Alova, because we read good things about it on trip advisor and it was without a doubt the highlight of our vacation. From the moment they picked us up from our hotel, to the moment they brought us back it was very well organized. The guide was very knowledgeable and cruise manager Mr Sydney was a great host! We had a nice diverse group of fellow travelers and Sydney made sure everybody had a good time.

When we checked in on the boat they showed us the room, which was pretty spacious for a boat and also the bathroom was nice and clean. On the first day you sail into Ha Long Bay where we went on a kayak trip, after that we visited Ti Top Island where you have a lookout point from where you can make some amazing shots of the whole bay. After that you go back to the boat to have dinner. The food was great, they offer typical Vietnamese dishes. You learn how to make Vietnamese spring rolls and then you can enjoy them during dinner. I do not like seafood, but that was not a problem, they made me some special non seafood dishes.

Because of the good atmosphere that was created between all the passengers we had a great evening at the bar and on the sundeck of the boat. The next morning after breakfast you visit the Sung Sot cave, which is a spectacular large cave and from where you again have some spectacular views of Ha Long Bay. For us the tour with Alova to Ha Long Bay was the highlight of our Hanoi trip. It is a great way to see the beautiful scenery, but also to make friends!

Visited July 2012

Reviewed by JeroenM4