Food & Drink
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 96% of travelers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$51
per adult
Charming Vietnam Travel
Charming Vietnam Travel
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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About
We offer quality tours for Halong, Sapa, Ha Giang Loop, Hanoi City, Ninh Binh with Hoa Lu - Trang An - Hang Mua - Tam Coc, Foodie tours with reasonable prices. We have many packages in every parts of Vietnam: North, Centre, South of Vietnam. Contact us for best arrangement!
Tours and Tickets by Charming Vietnam Travel
Private and Luxury
6+ hours
Free cancellation
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from
$16
per adult
Rail Tours
3 days
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from
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Theme Park Tickets and Tours
50 minutes
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$8
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Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
704 reviews
Excellent
487
Very good
122
Average
51
Poor
26
Terrible
18
Max Pearson
Hanoi, Vietnam11 contributions
May 2020 • Couples
So we kinda stuck in Vietnam cuz the pandemic, and since Vietnam did so well preventing it, we thought it's maybe OK to travel somewhere when thing's back to normal. Glad we did that. Our tour with Christine was amazing. She's absolutely astonishing, passionate and her knowledge was kinda blow my mind. So excited to meet her again.
Written May 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Whitney Candy
1 contribution
May 2020
Christine give us a most wonderful food tour that i ever have. I get to try all kind of food, i counted we have at least 10 dishes during that tour and somehow, i still cant get enough. From Pho, shirmp in batter to ice cream, i just cant get enough of it. But the one i loved the most must be Bun Cha and the dessert. Lucky for me, Christine was so kind and lovely to give me the address of the place so i can eat it everyday now. greatly appreciate and surely will try it again if i have the time.
Written May 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
peterharvie
Adelaide, Australia90 contributions
Halong Bay on the right day could be magnificent I am convinced, but not the day we were there. Vietnam has a serious issue with air pollution and is not dissimilar from China in that regard.
The nearly 2000 limestone pinacle type islands scattered throughout the area are picturesque, but even the closer ones were somewhat obscured by smog on the day. You can vaguely see numerous other islands in the distance, but the likely amazing panarama is just lost in the smog.
When you travel through Vietnam you often find yourself feeling sorry for the people having to breathe this grey air, but also wishing it away so you could appreciate the views the country can offer.
The 4 hour bus trip to the Bay is broken both ways midway with a stop at an overpriced tourist trap, but the toilets we're good. Take your own snacks and take additional water as they only supply one bottle. You return late around 8pm so it pays to have something with you to sustain you until you get back to Hanoi.
The lunch provided on the boat was quite acceptable and included a number of courses. You have to buy any drinks and they were charging 30k dong for beer.
You have the choice of kayaking or a bamboo boat paddled by someone at one point. If you choose the bamboo boat, you need to pay the about 10k dong each to stop them irritating you. Ours was a kangaroo short of a paddock and we were happy to see the end of her.
You also tour through a large limestone cave that has World Heritage on it.
Everyone goes to Halong Bay if they visit Hanoi, but it is a long way to go to only see a potentially great view.
You probably have no choice but to go and see for yourself in case the day is clear or to be able to say you have seen it. We were just disappointed for the reasons given above.
If you go I have no hesitation recommending this company.
The nearly 2000 limestone pinacle type islands scattered throughout the area are picturesque, but even the closer ones were somewhat obscured by smog on the day. You can vaguely see numerous other islands in the distance, but the likely amazing panarama is just lost in the smog.
When you travel through Vietnam you often find yourself feeling sorry for the people having to breathe this grey air, but also wishing it away so you could appreciate the views the country can offer.
The 4 hour bus trip to the Bay is broken both ways midway with a stop at an overpriced tourist trap, but the toilets we're good. Take your own snacks and take additional water as they only supply one bottle. You return late around 8pm so it pays to have something with you to sustain you until you get back to Hanoi.
The lunch provided on the boat was quite acceptable and included a number of courses. You have to buy any drinks and they were charging 30k dong for beer.
You have the choice of kayaking or a bamboo boat paddled by someone at one point. If you choose the bamboo boat, you need to pay the about 10k dong each to stop them irritating you. Ours was a kangaroo short of a paddock and we were happy to see the end of her.
You also tour through a large limestone cave that has World Heritage on it.
Everyone goes to Halong Bay if they visit Hanoi, but it is a long way to go to only see a potentially great view.
You probably have no choice but to go and see for yourself in case the day is clear or to be able to say you have seen it. We were just disappointed for the reasons given above.
If you go I have no hesitation recommending this company.
Written February 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pablo
Krakow, Poland110 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Well, tour to Halong Bay is nice, because of the views, but there is one small details which makes you angry. That’s the stops! The reason of these stops is quite simple. They drop You off at one side of the big shop and You have to pass the bulding, to get into the bus which parka on the other side. That’s very annoying after 10h-tour. Don’t even think to stay in the vehicle. They don’t let You do it. And finally they drive You back to Hanoi avoiding motorway. So, You have to spend 4h in the bus.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Qbsonik,
Thank you for your perfect review about the quality of the services of the tour of Halong bay Full day from Hanoi with Dragonfly Cruise - A brand of Charming Vietnam Travel.
For this Halong bay tour. We understand that the long transfers could make your tour too long with 3,5 hours driving. Then we did arrange a stopover along the way with a nice collection of handicraft products in the north of Vietnam, a nice cafe if you just want to take a rest to enjoy a cup of coffee or a clean restroom can be needed for long time seating on the bus.
For the cruise, we know that you need a good itinerary that could bring you to the best as we can. Such as deep inside the bay help you have more discovery of the Halong bay. With 2 interesting activities: Heavenly Palace Cave and Kayak/Bamboo Boat can bring you a good touch with the beautiful landscapes of Halong bay.
With the food, we offer the local seafood for lunch with the hope that you can have a good touch with the local cuisine.
The important thing, that is our tour guide is well-trained, could help you have better things about cultures, discovery about Halong bay, Vietnam.
I will surely forward your beautiful feedback to my team in order to maintain our high quality customer service.
We are looking forward to welcoming you back here at the earliest..
Best regards,
Linda
Customer Care Team of Dragonfly Cruise
A member of Charming Vietnam Travel
Written February 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
judyjlee99
Highland Beach, FL30 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
The cost of the tickets are less than half of what is charged by this company. If you simply go to the theatre, even right before the show, you will be able to get tickets for less than half of this cost. It is not worth getting the tickets here.
The water puppet show was entertaining and you should go see it. Just get the ticket at the theatre - you can go anytime during the day or before the show to get the tickets.
The water puppet show was entertaining and you should go see it. Just get the ticket at the theatre - you can go anytime during the day or before the show to get the tickets.
Written April 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben P
La Crosse, WI4 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
We just got back to our hotel in Hanoi after taking this trip. Overall, we had a great time and thought it was very worthwhile.
What the trip looks like: It started with bus pick-up at our hotel in Hanoi. We bounced around to a few other hotels to pick up other guests and then we were on our way. The bus ride is about 4 hours long. Halfway through the trip they stop at a large tourist travel stop for 1/2 hour. Most things were overpriced compared to prices you'd pay if you were shopping in the city. Once we arrived at the bay, we took a boat shuttle from the dock to our larger boat. Started off with a very filling lunch, and then cruising. We stopped at a beach where we climbed 400+ steps to a lookout with fantastic views, then had time for a quick swim. Back on the boat to cruise and then to an oyster farm where we learned about oysters and had the opportunity to kayak around the area. Back to the boat to find our spot for the night. In the morning we cruised a bit and then went to a very neat cave where we spent about an hour walking through and taking in the sites. Again back to the boat to cruise back to the main dock. We transferred to our bus and were back on the road. Another stop at a tourist travel stop and then back to Hanoi.
There are occasional times where you're waiting outside in the heat (at the travel stop, after hiking/kayaking before you board the bus, after you get off the boat and are waiting for your bus) so be prepared for that. We don't feel this is specific to the boat/company we used, but rather like this across the board.
Prices for water/soda/beer on the boat are expensive compared to the city (60k lowest price for beer on board). Bring a large jug of water if you are able, otherwise expect to pay more than normal. Again, we don't feel this was specific to our boat/company.
The food was well beyond what we expected. Lunch and dinner had multiple courses so be prepared to eat. The quality was higher than what we thought we would get on a trip like this. A+ for that. They also catered to some vegetarians/vegans that were on the boat as well.
Our tour guide Lee was an awesome guide! He had a good grasp of English, was very knowledgeable, and was quite humorous! Thanks, Lee!!
Overall we feel like the trip we took was a great experience. Nothing that we experienced was anything we feel like the boat/company could really do anything about (heat, tourist stops, cost). Rather, we believe those things will be similar throughout the industry for this trip. Tipping of the boat staff was available (via envelope on your table for your last meal) but not required. There was no request to tip the guide specifically but we did so when we were dropped at our hotel.
What the trip looks like: It started with bus pick-up at our hotel in Hanoi. We bounced around to a few other hotels to pick up other guests and then we were on our way. The bus ride is about 4 hours long. Halfway through the trip they stop at a large tourist travel stop for 1/2 hour. Most things were overpriced compared to prices you'd pay if you were shopping in the city. Once we arrived at the bay, we took a boat shuttle from the dock to our larger boat. Started off with a very filling lunch, and then cruising. We stopped at a beach where we climbed 400+ steps to a lookout with fantastic views, then had time for a quick swim. Back on the boat to cruise and then to an oyster farm where we learned about oysters and had the opportunity to kayak around the area. Back to the boat to find our spot for the night. In the morning we cruised a bit and then went to a very neat cave where we spent about an hour walking through and taking in the sites. Again back to the boat to cruise back to the main dock. We transferred to our bus and were back on the road. Another stop at a tourist travel stop and then back to Hanoi.
There are occasional times where you're waiting outside in the heat (at the travel stop, after hiking/kayaking before you board the bus, after you get off the boat and are waiting for your bus) so be prepared for that. We don't feel this is specific to the boat/company we used, but rather like this across the board.
Prices for water/soda/beer on the boat are expensive compared to the city (60k lowest price for beer on board). Bring a large jug of water if you are able, otherwise expect to pay more than normal. Again, we don't feel this was specific to our boat/company.
The food was well beyond what we expected. Lunch and dinner had multiple courses so be prepared to eat. The quality was higher than what we thought we would get on a trip like this. A+ for that. They also catered to some vegetarians/vegans that were on the boat as well.
Our tour guide Lee was an awesome guide! He had a good grasp of English, was very knowledgeable, and was quite humorous! Thanks, Lee!!
Overall we feel like the trip we took was a great experience. Nothing that we experienced was anything we feel like the boat/company could really do anything about (heat, tourist stops, cost). Rather, we believe those things will be similar throughout the industry for this trip. Tipping of the boat staff was available (via envelope on your table for your last meal) but not required. There was no request to tip the guide specifically but we did so when we were dropped at our hotel.
Written June 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Bpfif3,
Thank you for 2-Day Halong Overnight Cruise from Hanoi with CharmingVietnamTravel.com
and sharing your experience to us and other travelers. I and my team very appreciate your time.
From your beautiful feedback, I am very glad to hear that you enjoyed our big modern bus, classical cruise, enthusiasm tour guide, tasty food and our activities.
We believe that your words really inspire us a lot to work harder to bring travellers the wonderful journey to Halong bay.
We do wish that our company will have another chance to accompany as well as assist you with your next trip to Vietnam.
Warmest regards,
Anna Hoang
Customer Care Team
Written June 22, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Max
1 contribution
Apr 2019 • Solo
Pros:
- Very convenient bus pick-up/drop off at hostels in the old quarter.
- Good money value, in comparison if I would’ve booked THE SAME TRIP at my hostel (~70 dollars, as the advertising booklet described).
- Lot of sightseeing. I’ve seen everything of Ha Long Bay this day, and I am glad I did not do a 2-day or cruise.
- Free water bottle provided in the bus.
- Very luxurious touring bus, with air conditioning!
- Choice of using a taxi boat (with sailor) or kayak (yourself, 2 person boat) to discover the mountains.
- No hidden payment fees.
Cons:
- You have to stop at a disabled/handicapped people’s workshop (souvenir market), which is the case with every tour around Hanoi I believe. I understand they want to make money, but I disappoint the fact that I was not allowed to stay in the bus during the break. You are required to get out, go through the market and wait for/find the bus on the other side. This is the same on the way back, even though you are tired and want to get back as soon as possible. A 10 min restroom break would be better than a 30 min break, especially on a bustrip of only ~3 hours. This 2x 30 min was a waste of my time.
- The lunch was mostly seafood; 1 chicken and some vegetarian dishes were provided, but not something you can really get full of. Also keep in mind that drinks are excluded and need to be payed for extra.
- No freedom; need to strictly follow the travel plan.
General notes:
We got a friendly guide with a lot of cheesy jokes. You can either like or dislike that. I liked the history/general information he provided. Just have a good rest before you go on this trip, because sleeping can be difficult when the guide keeps on talking in his microphone at 8 in the morning/evening. Also I think all the Ha Long Bay tours are set up the same, so there is not much difference if you would book with another agency. Either popular on Tripadvisor or not, new or old agency, they all provide the same tour for a little more than ~30 dollars.
Abstract:
I would recommend people to do this trip. :)
Fully guided tour, good value, no thinking but also less freedom.
- Very convenient bus pick-up/drop off at hostels in the old quarter.
- Good money value, in comparison if I would’ve booked THE SAME TRIP at my hostel (~70 dollars, as the advertising booklet described).
- Lot of sightseeing. I’ve seen everything of Ha Long Bay this day, and I am glad I did not do a 2-day or cruise.
- Free water bottle provided in the bus.
- Very luxurious touring bus, with air conditioning!
- Choice of using a taxi boat (with sailor) or kayak (yourself, 2 person boat) to discover the mountains.
- No hidden payment fees.
Cons:
- You have to stop at a disabled/handicapped people’s workshop (souvenir market), which is the case with every tour around Hanoi I believe. I understand they want to make money, but I disappoint the fact that I was not allowed to stay in the bus during the break. You are required to get out, go through the market and wait for/find the bus on the other side. This is the same on the way back, even though you are tired and want to get back as soon as possible. A 10 min restroom break would be better than a 30 min break, especially on a bustrip of only ~3 hours. This 2x 30 min was a waste of my time.
- The lunch was mostly seafood; 1 chicken and some vegetarian dishes were provided, but not something you can really get full of. Also keep in mind that drinks are excluded and need to be payed for extra.
- No freedom; need to strictly follow the travel plan.
General notes:
We got a friendly guide with a lot of cheesy jokes. You can either like or dislike that. I liked the history/general information he provided. Just have a good rest before you go on this trip, because sleeping can be difficult when the guide keeps on talking in his microphone at 8 in the morning/evening. Also I think all the Ha Long Bay tours are set up the same, so there is not much difference if you would book with another agency. Either popular on Tripadvisor or not, new or old agency, they all provide the same tour for a little more than ~30 dollars.
Abstract:
I would recommend people to do this trip. :)
Fully guided tour, good value, no thinking but also less freedom.
Written April 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SimonChen199
Coventry, UK1 contribution
Mar 2018 • Couples
8.30 - depart hanoi
10:30 - bath room break, while you walk through a tourist trap shop (really aren't forced to buy anything)
12:30 - arrive at Ha Long bay, board ship (every ship was the same, we only had 15 people)
13:30 - Thien Cung cave, went inside, very big, nice pictures
15:30 - Kayak around some off the islands for 30 mins
16:30 - arrive back at Ha Long bay, board bus back to Hanoi
18:30 - Bath room break
20:30 - arrive Hanoi old quarter
all in all a great day, didn't have to spend anymore money then we originally paid
tour guide (Ha) was great, England was perfect but he made a great effort to etertain us and we understood it all,
food on the boat was better than i expected
fries, fish balls, spring rolls, whole fish, vegetables, rice
boat is very steady not choppy at all, kayaking was easy
very senic
10:30 - bath room break, while you walk through a tourist trap shop (really aren't forced to buy anything)
12:30 - arrive at Ha Long bay, board ship (every ship was the same, we only had 15 people)
13:30 - Thien Cung cave, went inside, very big, nice pictures
15:30 - Kayak around some off the islands for 30 mins
16:30 - arrive back at Ha Long bay, board bus back to Hanoi
18:30 - Bath room break
20:30 - arrive Hanoi old quarter
all in all a great day, didn't have to spend anymore money then we originally paid
tour guide (Ha) was great, England was perfect but he made a great effort to etertain us and we understood it all,
food on the boat was better than i expected
fries, fish balls, spring rolls, whole fish, vegetables, rice
boat is very steady not choppy at all, kayaking was easy
very senic
Written March 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brendan C
10 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
The bus, boat, activities, and lunch were all great, but on the way back to Hanoi we stopped at the same tourist trap for 30 minutes which was a waste of time.
Written February 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Mr Brendan,
Thank you very much for taking your time to share your great experience with us about Halong bay Full day from Hanoi.
It is our greatest pleasure to hear that you had a very memorable tour.
However, we have a feedback about the stopover that you called: tourist traps. We would like to have a explanation about this stopover:
- For driver, the person was with you for a long day. He works 30 days per month and each day 14 hours. he start working in 07.00 from parking. Then he would pick up travelers till the last customers about 08.40 am. Keep driving for 2 hours. Totally time in the early morning would be 3 hours. If he has no time for a restroom. It would be hard for his kidney. If he has no time for breakfast. It would be very and very hungry. We think to keep him work well. Should have a stop for a breakfast.
You see that the tourist groups to Halong city with 7 millions people per year. All can not find a Restroom at the local people houses. That is why you can stop at a Handicraft shop for a very clean restroom with Free of charge. Do you think this would be a good thing? That someone build and clean a very good restroom for everyone everyday?
For handicrafts, no one force you to buy anythings. That is the truth. All the things are the local made that if you want you can buy if not you can take a leg stretchs or anothers get up early can have a coffee. That would be the way to enjoy life!
- For the tour guide, he would be with driver prepare the pick up in early morning. When you are on the bus we think you can see and understand that he is a hard working person. From pick up, taking care the details of meals, information of the tour, history and real life of Vietnamese people.....
He get up at 06.30 then he should have a good breakfast about 09:30 - 10:00. Then we think he can work well. Of course, he can not ask all group wait for his breakfast.
- Many other travelers, used to get up late and having a late breakfast we think a good and clean stop would be a nice arrangement for them to have a breakfast. Or if they do not want, a rest with a walk around for the local high quality handicrafts would be recommended. If you do not want. No one force you to buy.
On the return way back Hanoi. Should we stop somewhere or not?
- You have lunch at 12.15. Then till 18:30 would be 6 hours after lunch. Many people get hungry. Especially, someone get the vegetable meal or halah, muslim meals. Stop at stopover about 15-20 minutes, we think it should be!
We do not think everyone forced to buy anythings. If you like some good things with high quality then you decide to buy. We are more than happy to help you to find a good quality things that you are happy with. If you do not like. Of course, you do not need to buy in deed.
- After the big lunch with seafood. Many travelers take one or more cans of beers or soft drinks. Should we arrange a restroom for them on the way back to Hanoi? If not can you seat on the bus for 4 hours after 2 -3 cans of beer in the lunch?
And yes, we do invest a lot of time in effort to well train our team in order to provide the best personalized service.
But we also try our best to design a perfect tour program that make you really enjoy the trip. It can be that the misunderstanding about the arrangements or somethings that you do not need but we di arrange in the tour. But this is the Join in group tour, the best saving for a comfortable for everyone join the trip with. We do hope that you can share and understanding that this is for the join in group tour.
If you prefer a private options with tour guide and car who can skip all the stopovers. We do have in the tour options. You can choose and enjoy the tour with us!
Once again, we would like to thank you for choosing the services with us. And our team will keep up working to welcome you back here with us if the chance given.
Best regards,
Bui Nam(Mr.)
General Manager
Written February 12, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Glen M
Perth, UK143 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
Firstly i will give the positives which out way the negatives from our day tour.
Long (3 plus hours) but comfortable bus journey to Kawlong bay, the bus collected us from our hotel in Hanoi and wound its way through various collection points which lead to a delay.
Quick stop at a marble workshop set the tone for the first rapid stop.
The boat ride through the bay is very good with lots of photo opportunities, lunch was reasonable but not Western kid friendly.
First stop was the caves, well worth the climb up the hillside, this is not for old or infirm. The inside is stunning but again we were wisked through without much time to enjoy.
Bamboo raft was relaxing and we saw the monkeys sitting on the cliff face.
The island visit to see the beach/ or temple was again hurried, however if unlike me you managed to climb the steps again the view was worth the climb. The beach was heaving and the sea does not look clean.
Back on the boat and a cruise into port to complete the bus journey home.
Now i will come to the disappointment and negatives.
As the bus was so late in arriving at the boat every item on the agenda was rushed.
During the first long bus journey our guide hinted that the trip back could be 4 hours unless we take the toll roads which reduce to 3 hours. When we purchased our tickets the timescales clearly indicated it was the short route returned. When we returned to the bus we were asked if we wanted to donate 100k per passenger (over 20 passengers on the bus) to pay the tolls. When asked how much the toll was the answer was 440k. We the declined the offer, however in some anger it was decided we would just take the toll road. My point is not the value of the money which is tiny when converted to USD, it was the ransom that peeved me.
Long (3 plus hours) but comfortable bus journey to Kawlong bay, the bus collected us from our hotel in Hanoi and wound its way through various collection points which lead to a delay.
Quick stop at a marble workshop set the tone for the first rapid stop.
The boat ride through the bay is very good with lots of photo opportunities, lunch was reasonable but not Western kid friendly.
First stop was the caves, well worth the climb up the hillside, this is not for old or infirm. The inside is stunning but again we were wisked through without much time to enjoy.
Bamboo raft was relaxing and we saw the monkeys sitting on the cliff face.
The island visit to see the beach/ or temple was again hurried, however if unlike me you managed to climb the steps again the view was worth the climb. The beach was heaving and the sea does not look clean.
Back on the boat and a cruise into port to complete the bus journey home.
Now i will come to the disappointment and negatives.
As the bus was so late in arriving at the boat every item on the agenda was rushed.
During the first long bus journey our guide hinted that the trip back could be 4 hours unless we take the toll roads which reduce to 3 hours. When we purchased our tickets the timescales clearly indicated it was the short route returned. When we returned to the bus we were asked if we wanted to donate 100k per passenger (over 20 passengers on the bus) to pay the tolls. When asked how much the toll was the answer was 440k. We the declined the offer, however in some anger it was decided we would just take the toll road. My point is not the value of the money which is tiny when converted to USD, it was the ransom that peeved me.
Written July 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Glen M,
Thank you so much for your comment. We do apologize for some inconvenience that you met. We are trying our best to improve!
We really hope to see you again for the Halong Bay tour or everywhere in Vietnam. Once again, the Charming team sent many thanks and best wishes to all of you!
Linda
Customer Care Team of Charming Vietnam Travel
Written February 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I am looking into going on a halong bay trip. What is the difference of the "halong bay join in group" and the "small-group halong bay full day"? There is a small price difference, but after reading the descriptions, I can't tell what is different about the two.
Written November 6, 2019
Lisa
Hanoi, Vietnam
Dear Susanna,
Thank you for your questions.
There are all the same itineraries
The differences between Join the group and Small group
Number of Customers on the cruise:
- Join group: maximum 44 paxs
- Small group: maximum 24 paxs
2. Lunch in the cruise:
- Join group: Seafood lunch
- Small group: Special seafood lunch
3. Table in the cruise
- Join group: maximum 6 paxs
- Small group: maximum 4 paxs
4. Transportation
- Join group: full seats on modern bus with air conditioner and wifi during the trip
- Small group: maximum 24 paxs on the modern bus with air conditioner and wifi during the trip, seat is bigger and more comfortable
I do hope you can identify the differences between each option.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me again in case you have any questions or requests.
Kind regards,
Lisa
Written November 7, 2019
I am looking into going on a halong bay trip. What is the difference of the "halong bay join in group" and the "small-group halong bay full day"? There is a small price difference, but after reading the descriptions, I can't tell what is different about the two.
Written November 6, 2019
Lisa
Hanoi, Vietnam
Dear Susanna,
Thank you for your questions.
There are all the same itineraries
The differences between Join the group and Small group
Number of Customers on the cruise:
- Join group: maximum 44 paxs
- Small group: maximum 24 paxs
2. Lunch in the cruise:
- Join group: Seafood lunch
- Small group: Special seafood lunch
3. Table in the cruise
- Join group: maximum 6 paxs
- Small group: maximum 4 paxs
4. Transportation
- Join group: full seats on modern bus with air conditioner and wifi during the trip
- Small group: maximum 24 paxs on the modern bus with air conditioner and wifi during the trip, seat is bigger and more comfortable
I do hope you can identify the differences between each option.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me again in case you have any questions or requests.
Kind regards,
Lisa
Written November 26, 2019
Please can you let me know if you do pickup from hotel de l'opera in Hanoi for the halong bay trip? Also is it part of the price? It’s for the one day coach trip.
Written June 11, 2019
Dear MargieDemi,
Thank you for your questions.
We do pick up at Hotel De L'Opera about 08:15-08:30.
The cost would be 37US$ each person with all-inclusive.
Please confirm with us soon for the best arrangment.
Written November 5, 2019
Does anyone know how much it is to rent a 4 2-person kayaks during the Halong Bay tours?
Written March 3, 2019
It would be included in the package tour 1 day.
But if you take 2 days for 4*, 5* it would cost 15US$ person for 1 hour kayaking.
Written March 4, 2019
Hi, I've been browsing the private charter on your website and am interested in the: LEGEND HALONG PRIVATE CHARTER (8 PEOPLE 4 CABINS)
(0 reviews)
Price From:$700
Can you tell me what's included/excluded from the price please and do you have a 2 days 1 night option?
Written January 30, 2019
Dear May G,
Thank you for writing to us.
We do have package tour 2 days 1 night.
This package tour includes all the fees. Only drinks on cruise as we not sure what you want to drink and how much you would drink. Then please pay by yourself.
Please advise where do you stay in Hanoi then we would arrange the pick up and drop off. When do you take the tour?
Written February 13, 2019
hi, i want to book the full day pakage in halong bay. but at the end of the day can u drop me near by the poem mountain? i would like to over nite there
Written October 28, 2018
i txt u but no reply. check inbox please
Written October 29, 2018
hi, i want to book the full day pakage in halong bay. but at the end of the day can u drop me near by the poem mountain? i would like to over nite there
Written October 28, 2018
I can't but you should be able to get a ride without much problem
Written November 6, 2018
balqiszulkiple
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hi!! May i know if we can go back to hanoi earlier than the arraged time? because we have to catch up bus to cao bang at 8.30 pm?? Is it possible? thanks!
Written July 14, 2018
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your question.
Our cruise will disembark the marine at 16:30. It takes at least 3,5 hours from Halong back to Hanoi with private car ( without stopover).
Please advise us your bus station. If it located inside the Old Quarter, it is possible to take the bus
Yours faithfully,
Lisa Hai Yen
Written July 16, 2018
Hello i really want to do the tour small group Halong Bay, but I need to be in the airport at 19 o'clock, I would like to skip the fruit and get transport by the privat driver to drop off in the airport instead of old quarter hotel so I can be in the airport at 19. o'clock (latest 19.30). Is this possible? Maybe for a bit more money? Look forward to hear from you. Best regard Pau Olesen.
Written July 10, 2018
Dear Mr/Mrs Pau Olesen,
Thank you for your question.
For the best of arrangement. Please advise us"
- Your hotel name and address for the pick up
- How many of you?
- Your flight number and time. Where do you flight to?
As with domestic flight, you should be at airport 1 hour in advance at least. International flight, 2 hours in advance.
Written July 12, 2018
Hi! May i know how much does it cost for a day trip for 7 pax to HalongBay & Hoa Lu?
Written July 4, 2018
Dear Lushta,
The Halong day trip would be 43us$*7=301us$.
Hoa Lu day trip would be 33us$*7=231us$.
Total: 532us$. Discount 5%=505us$.
Free pick up and drop off at hotels in Old Quater of Hanoi. Please inform us your hotel name, address and the date for your tours for the best arrangement.
Please email us info @ charmingvietnamtravel . com we would send you the link of payment for the booking finalization.
Written July 4, 2018
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