Testimonials
Still deciding if a cruise is for you? Many of our travellers have experienced the unique cruise of a lifetime and are now more than happy to share their stories with you. Check out the most recent reviews from our previous customers as below:
With so many options to choose from (over 500 cruise companies operate in Ha Long Bay) making the right decision can be overwhelming. We were looking for the right balance of luxury, activities and afordability. Having searched online on Trip Advisor I was still unsure how to proceed, but the guys at Hainam Travel came highly recommended so I contacted them with my request. They couldn't have been more helpful in recommending a range of options within my price range that they felt best matched my requirements. There was no pressure to book with a specific company and no hustle, just honest advice that comes from Andy's fantastic knowledge of the cruise companies.
When booking with Hainam Travel I was careful to check that their prices were competitive and can confirm that they typically come in a bit cheaper than booking directly with the cruise companies, so you can rest assured that you are getting the right price. To cap it off the booking system couldn't be simpler with Hainam travel, they use Onepay which is Vietnam's version of Paypal, it is secure and provides you with the double safety net of being integrated with Verified by Visa and Mastercard Secure Pay, so you can feel confident that you money is going to the right place and you don't have to carry hundreds of dollars cash around with you.
In the end we chose Paloma Cruises and opted for the 3 day and 2 night tour which had a range of activities such as visiting caves, kayaking and a cookery demonstratrion as well as plenty of time set aside for eating, drinking and lying in the sun. We had a fantastic time and I would highly recommend Paloma to anybody considering a cruise around Ha Long. I would definitely advise opting for a 3 day cruise, since you take a long bus ride from Hanoi it gives you a complete day to enjoy the bay, sunbathe, swim in the sea and enjoy the beautiful boat, when we awoke to our first morning on the boat after a peaceful nights sleep we were very happy that we got to stay for another night. The food was fantastic and seemingly never ending, the drinks reasonably priced (for a cruise) and the scenery spectacular.
One final word of advice, having seen some of the other boats on the bay this is definitely one place in Vietnam where you get what you pay for, the Paloma boat was magnificent, well appointed and with 25 permanent staff on board you are very well looked after. I have seen and heard bad reviews from some of the 'budget' and 'party' boats and would recommend not to be seduced by some of the cheaper deals and to spend as much as you can afford to make it a truly memorable experience.
Mr. Tom French - United Kingdom
Travel Dates: July 2013
Tour Name: Paloma Cruise 3 days
Video reviewed by the Boucher family
Jill Boucher - Australia
Travel date: May 2013
Boat name: Dragon Pearl Cruises 3 days
Our time in Vietnam was excellent and our Halong Bay Cruise was the perfect ending! Well organised, excellent food, cocktails, service and a very relaxing itinerary. We would love to come back.
Helen Primrose - UK
Travel date: July 2012
Boat name: Dragon Pearl Cruises 3 days
The transport arrived on time at our hotel & the driver was very professional. The tour guide was very knowledgeable & nothing was too much trouble for her. The lunch on board could perhaps be a little more substantial, but was very tasty, all the same. Time permitting, the return cruise from the cave could be better, if it went nearer to some of the islands, rather than directly back to the harbour.
Although it was a long day, we thoroughly enjoyed the cruise.
Nigel Prestidge - UK
Travel date: Aug 2012
Boat name: Oriental Sails 1 day
I booked my tour with Andy who I found to be fantastic to deal with.
The staff and food were particularly wonderful on this tour, we really enjoyed the cave dinner, the fishing trip with local fishermen and lunch on the beach. I can only suggest that because there is a lot of free time you could have some board games, or more things to do for the guests in the spare time.
Kay Blakeman - Australia
Travel date: Sept 2012
Boat name: Princess Cruise 3 days
Thanks for arranging a great Halong bay cruise for us. It was so nice to meet you and Tony. We had a FULL day in your city....getting lost in the Old Quarter...taking taxi to Hanoi Hilton Prison (mosst interesting to us) Temple of Literature Ho Chi Mingh Mauseleum and dinner at the Press Club across street. Keep in touch!
Michele & Madora - USA
Travel date: Dec 2012
Boat name: Red Dragon Cruise 2 days
Everything was excellent and will be recommending to all my friends
Peter Hathway - Australia
Travel date: Feb 2013
Boat name: Dragon Pearl Cruise 2 days
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I would like to say what a fantastic day we had on board Life Heritage I am so glad we took your advice and went with them ..
The services on board were excellent could not have had ask for anything more ..
The Itinerary was great and we were very happy to have the 6 hour cruise as I felt we were not rushed and had plenty of time and loved the cave and pearl farm ...
I would defiantly recommend this cruise to our family and friends (I have already ) it was so easy when we got off the ship we just got a taxi from the port to take us to Life Heritage resort it only took about 10 min then we were greeted with the staff from Life Heritage and our Junk Boat was waiting for us when the cruise was finished they arranged us a taxi to go back to our ship ..
So thank you for arranging this for us It was the highlight of our 3 week trip in Vietnam ..
Regards
Mrs. Lindy Spencer - Australia
Travel date: March 20, 2013
Boat name: Life Heritage Halong Cruise (06 hrs day cruise)
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The only problem with the cruise were some of the guests who, I think, were rude and disrespectful to the crew, but that is, of course, out of your control.
I would maybe suggest different options for activities and destinations on the route for each cruise so visitors can choose what they want to see and do. I understand that it's restricted by time as the bay is a big place.
As for your own service, as I said before it was exceptional. You were informative, comprehensive and prompt and also patient to deal with my many questions to finally come to a final choice.My only regret is that I didn't get to meet you in person. And I didn't realise the day before was a holiday.
Travel date: May 2-3, 2013
Boat name: Phoenix Cruiser 2 Days - 1 Night on May 2-3, 2013.
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