Hanoi Travel Forum

The general consensus seems to be that Handspan is the company to use for a Halong Bay tour. If anyone has anything to add to that would be great. My question relates to price. The prices I see people saying on sites like this that they paid is alot cheaper than the prices quoted on Handspans website. So where did you book for these prices? Also whats the weather like in May. Any info appreciated. Thanks

Hi, we went on a Halong Bay cruise about 2 years ago. We booked the tour with Sin Cafe upon arrival in Hanoi and cost about USD 23-28 including pick-up, transporation, lunch and accomodation. We stayed at a hotel in Cat Ba because we thought there might be some interesting things to see, but really there was absolutely nothing to do or see. I recommend to overnight on the boat or do a one day trip only. There is really no risk to waiting until you get to Vietnam to book, as there are legit travel agencies all over the place, and you can bargain there. There are quit a lot of agencies in the Old Quarter.

yeah, handspan is the company to use for a Halong Bay tour, please notice that price that you paid. if you come to Hanoi you can book with price is cheaper but please notice that the price what included? and what excluded? I am working in travel agent in Vietnam so I think that if you want to be sure your tour please make sure everything from your country. I think handspan is good company for you.

hi there,

Now Halong bay with nearly 500 cruises for boating around the bay and for overnight there. the cost from 80us$ to 500us$/night you need to plus the transportation about 20$ extra or take a private transport.
you can pay cheaper if you go to the old quarter, you can not know who is good travel agent. and bargain is the game.
Happy traveling
Andrew

Does anyone know Indochina Sails?
I did a trip with kangaroo 3 years ago, this time I am going back with my girlfriend and here they have offered us a trip with indochina sails...

We booked w/Tropical Sails, same boats as Handspan (we wer on the Dragons Pearl, most on our outing had booked with Handspan though). We just walked in off the street and negotiated a price of $90/person the day before.

Hi I went with my family on the 2D/1N Halong Bay trip with Columbus travel company (www.columbustravelsvietnam.com) just 2months ago in Jan08.The trip cost $75/person with pickup from our hotel in the Old Qter. The trip was excellent and so was the food.The boat that we used was the Santa Maria with hot water shower and nice size bed.The tour guide was also good.You get to visit the amazing limestone cave system and kayaking. I took the advise of another traveller who provided info that the Columbus owns their own boats, unlike many others who are just agents and thus not too concerned about the quality and standard as long as they sell the trips.I'm sure there might be cheaper tours to Halong Bay but you might get what you pay for so this is really an experience you'll enjoy and bring home good memories of!!

Address for columbus is:36 Hang Bac street Hanoi(old qtr)
Good luck!