30

His sister's not going on the boat, is she?

31

No no...she is sick!!!

32

Just got back from a Halong Bay / Cat Ba (3D2N - 28/7 to 30/7) trip from Opentour booked through my hotel (Rising Dragon) and thoroughly enjoyed myself, and returning for an extended stay in the same hotel.

The tour operator said that he has to satisfy the requirements of the tourist to prevent complaints as the industry is very competitive and he depends on repeat business from the hotels booking tours with them.

It is my opinion, therefore, that it is better to book through a hotel rather than walking into an agency yourself yourself, as apart from the convenience, the agency is also accountable to the hotel in a little way,,,,,,

33

How much did you pay, SamPan? And what did you get?

34

I paid USD180for single rooming - it is much cheaper for twin-sharing) for the transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, a cruise on Imperial Cruise, satisfactory lunch and dinner provided. Climbing one of the islands, visiting a cave.

Had karaoke and fishing with fellow travellers after dinner before callig it a nigth on the boat.

(Fellow travellers do kayaking and swimming around the boat as well, while I did not).
,
Visited a pearl farm in the morning, before visiting Cat Ba National Park for biking and trekking.

Suppose to visit Monkey Island, but with the rain getting heavier, everyone opted to remain on the boat.

We went to a resort on Cat Ba for lunch, and travellers who had opted for bungalows-stay remained while those who opted for hotel stay were taken to the main town for their hotel accomodation.

Dinner at the hotel, and I roamed the town on my own. After breakfast, packed and take boat to resort to pick up other travellers to return to Ha.Long town for transfer to Hanoi.

Like I said, I thoroughly enjoyed my trip..

35

Thanks SamPan.
Will use your description as a standard for what is available for Halong Bay tours ...

36

Now read this

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