Vietnam. Cruising Halong Bay

PompeyPete

A bit too hot for comfort...


http://www.thanhniennews.com/society/foreigners-jump-off-ha-long-cruise-ship-during-fierce-fire-61898.html

...choose your tour operator wisely wherever you plan on going or doing.

Shimrod

I'm off there next year - we had a big look at safety before choosing the Au Co.

Interesting to note (in another article on the linked page) they are going to be banning overnight stays in the bay soon - hopefully not before next March.

Doshwaster

I went on a Halong Bay cruise 2 years ago and there were a load of different companies to choose from from 5* luxury to backpacker party boats. I can't remember the name of the one I went on but it was a mid-range operator which was recommended by my hotel.

I hadn't heard about the ban on overnight stays but it would be a shame. Halong Bay is about a 4 hour drive from Hanoi (along very bumpy roads!) so it would make it a very long day trip. However, I can certainly understand the need to crack down on the operators with bad safety and environmental damage records.

richardw

I didn't like the road journey from Hanoi. If there's an overnight stay on board ban then the price of nearby hotels will shoot up.

PompeyPete

Haven't visited the north of Vietnam yet, but have already crossed Halong Bay off the 'bucket' list.

An excellent alternative is the Ninh Binh area, see Wikitravel for details.

dickydonkin

richardw wrote: »

I didn't like the road journey from Hanoi.

Indeed.....certainly our driver caused some buttock clenching moments!

pollypenny

We stayed in an hotel overnight, which was good as the Ha Long night market was the best market I've ever visited - range of goods and delightful people.

Our cruise was far too long. A couple of hours would have been plenty.