We booked the tour at hanoi airport and promised that it was cheaper then booking at our hotel as they said it was free of tax & commission. A check with our fellow travellers on the curise proved it wrong – same price! We paid US$125/- per person for Halong Bay 2D1N.

A day earleir, we did a day trip to TAM COC at $US35/- at the same agency in airport and my fellow travellers got theirs at $US27/- booking at their hotel. So you see the differences here! I think it is wiser to book your tour at the hotel or scout around at the various tour agencies near your hotels. There are plenty – so no hurry!

My first day experience gave me some reservation about the condition of the 2D1N Halong Bay Tour. So when our tour guide LUCKY turned up at our hotel to pick us up, we were looking to a so-so type of expectation.

When all the fellow travellers were picked up and made our way to Halong Bay, we found the bus to be comfortable with cool air conditioning and everybody had a seat without squeezing.

Lucky did a excellent introduction and get all of us to introduce ourself to get to know each other. He has the right attributes to be in this tour guide career – outspoken, friendly, jovial, attentive, and look after us well.

I was very delighted when I stepped from the small boat onto the Alova. The deck was neat and clean and in my mind, I thought it was value for money. We got our accomodation assigned shortly and were impressed with the room interior and facility. It was small, no doubt, but the essential things were there and functioning.

The only catch was that the room air-con would only be turned on in the evening. So the room is good for suana in the afternoon – it is hot! but it was’nt a concern for me as our intention was to stay in the common area to mingle.

The food was good and the portion & variety more than enough for us. After lunch, we had a rest/chat session among the travellers before we went for kayaking to see the monkeys and later to a panoramic view of Halong on top of a hill-island & a swim. The beach was ok but the sea water was a little murky with a slight mud smell. 

In the evening, I found that our boat was moored together with another boat. Lucky told me that boat was also from the same company. A stand-alone boat would give better privacy and a feel of exclusivity to enjoy the night. We had to draw the curtain on during bed time. This is something that the management need to consider.

Generally, only the bartender was on deck serving the guests. The rest of the crews were below deck working. It was fine with us.

LuckY showed us all the places as in the itinery and also returned us to all the hotels to close the tour. All tickets to attractions were included in the price.

Only drinks(including water) & beverages need to be paid. 
Coffee/Tea for breakfast was complimentary.

For those who are looking for value for money, you can consider Alova Gold Cruise and ask for LuckY. 

Bon Voyage