Ha Long inns

Pros: The staff were the absolute best part of the trip with Indochina Sails. Incredibly friendly, attentive, helpful, and kind, especially Duc! Plus, the food, accommodations, and entire experience were wonderful! We went during very rainy bad weather and didn't even mind because we had such a nice experience seeing the views from inside the boat. We also did 3 days 2 nights, which was a great way to see much less crowded parts of the bay (2D1N cruises mostly stay in more crowded areas of the bay).

Pros: The old wood panel setting of a junk boat The staff

Pros: Staff were very helpful. Room (suite) was comfortable, had a good bathroom with plenty of hot water, very clean with large windows and balcony for the great views. Happy hour was a nice touch - buy one get one free on drinks. Though there seemed to be long gaps between meals, you were fed so much, you never really felt hungry. We did the 2N/3D trip. Most people did the 1N/2D trip. This meant on the second day, only four guests stayed on so the day boat was very relaxed/quiet and the excursions to Luon Cave, the floating village and pearl farm felt like a private tour. IndoChina Sails seemed to time the trips perfectly - though Ha Long Bay is incredibly busy, we were never surrounded by tourists from other boats when we did the excursions. There were around a dozen other similar boats surrounding us in the evening - it's a very popular area regardless of which company you use. If you like watching the world go by, beautiful scenery, a bit of reading and relaxing in comfortable surroundings with a few hours of sightseeing, do the longer trip.

Pros: Everything about this cruise was spectacular. The food was delicious and plentiful. The staff were also superb.

Pros: Great food, excellent service. Cabin was very comfortable and well appointed.

Pros: I loved how clean the boat and facilities are... and the staff are over the top caring and friendly.

Pros: We were picked up by the driver on time and the van was very luxurious and comfortable. Driver was very sensible and safe which is a blessing in Hanoi. The reception at the port was very good and we were well looked after. On to the junk boat we were very pleasantly surprised with its condition and decoration. Had a feel of the orient express with the wooden panels. Amazing views all around and an gorgeous sundeck. Unfortunately we went during end of winter/early spring so the wind was still quite cold and a bit grey. This trip must be even better during the summer when you can get clear views of the karsts and enjoy the sundeck. We did the 2 nights 3 days tour which I think was worth it otherwise you spend most of the time travelling. The cave on the first day was amazing, really spectacular and huge. Second day we were the only people doing the longer trip so we had a large day boat to ourselves where we were taken to other activities such as bamboo boat trips around lagoons with monkeys, floating villages etc all very interesting and fun. We didn't do the kayaking due to the weather but otherwise that would had been fun to do. Staff were always very friendly and helpful. Especially the young crew in the main boat serving the meals. Amazing variety of dishes, from oyster to clams, prawns, vegetarian alternatives, various salads... really good food at all meals. Would highly recommend this tour.