Quang Ninh

Since our hotel was far from the old town, we met in front of the Opera House. The sign said we were supposed to meet between 7:30 and 7:40, but I was apparently the last one to be picked up (other guests were picked up at the hotel), so they picked me up around 8:10. There were many other tour groups around, so I wondered how I would meet up with them. It was already past time, and I was worried I'd been left behind. When the medium-sized bus arrived, the tour guide got off and called out my name repeatedly, searching for me, and we were finally able to meet up. On the way there, we took breaks at a silk, cotton, and bamboo souvenir shop and a pearl souvenir shop. The trip took about three hours each way. The boat seats six people, and solo travelers like me were seated in a group of five. Naturally, the group was having so much fun that it felt like we were out of place... I wish they'd seated us in smaller groups. The cruise was packed with activities, including: 1) an onboard lunch buffet, 2) a two-hour cave exploration, 3) a one-hour mountain climb to the observation deck and beach stroll, 4) a one-hour boat or canoe ride, and 5) an onboard wine and fruit party. 4) Swimming was an option, but it was cold, around 15°C on the first half, so only three people, a British father and son, swam. Incidentally, canoeing is a two-person trip, so teamwork is essential, and you'll get wet and it seems like it would be physically draining, so it was a good decision not to choose it. The tour conductor, a Vietnamese man with a quirky English, was difficult to understand, but he was very cheerful and kind. (He attached a capybara stuffed toy to the end of a stick and called us Team Capybara.) The passengers were from various countries, but the tour conductor made it clear that everyone on the boat was family! They kept the group going, and there was an atmosphere where you could make friends if you wanted to. It wasn't many, but if you were lucky, you might even meet some Japanese people or foreigners who could speak Japanese. At the end of the tour, we took a 20-minute break at a service area on the highway. There weren't many restaurants open, but I had pho. The tour conductor and driver ate at a restaurant reserved for them. On the way back, they dropped me off at the Opera House first, so we arrived before 9pm. It was good value for money, and I was very satisfied and glad I participated.

This two-day, one-night cruise on the Hermès ship, with its beautiful scenery of Ha Long Bay, delicious food, and engaging itinerary, was definitely worthwhile.

It was a shame that the weather was cloudy, but overall I was very satisfied. The room was spacious, the shower water was warm, and there was no rocking of the ship at night, so it was easy to sleep. The food was delicious and plentiful, incorporating Vietnamese cuisine. The activities were also very good. The staff were also very helpful. I'm glad I chose this overnight course instead of a day trip. If I had to say something, it would have been nice to have hangers to hang my clothes on.

Everything smooth and well organised. Our guide, Son, speaks fluent English and give clear instructions; should be awarded 5 stars. Beautiful scenery in Halong Bay. Some safety belts of our bus are not work.