Elena H

We just completed the 2 day/1 night cruise of Ha Long Bay with Swan Cruises. We had an excellent trip and would absolutely recommend Swan Cruises. Our guide Jenny, was always helpful and had lots of interesting information about the bay. All the staff on the boat were very enthusiastic and helpful. The food was excellent and you won't go hungry!10

Alex D

You HAVE to do this with Swan Cruises! What a fabulous night on board the junk boat. From our group collection at our Hanoi hotel, our guide 'Tommy' was funny, inspiring and very interesting with this tales of Vietnam culture, history & facts on our 4 hour journey to Halong Bay. We really felt we got into the depths of the culture, family life etc. with his knowledge.

Slick tourist machine the tour is, at times you felt you were herded on a definite timescale but this is set by the government so all cruise operators have to adhere to it. The cruise was less than 24 hours on board, so a two day cruise is not quite as it seems. We knew this though as was made clear on our itinerary from our tour operator.

Day 1 was lunch and cruise out to Bai Tu Long bay (a quieter neighbour to Halong). The food kept coming! Vietnamese hospitality is amazing. We were able to specify no seafood (as my teenager did) so he got all meat alternatives. Beautiful food, so tasty and imaginative.

We then went kayaking around the bay and into a small cave then relaxing on the beach which although small and packed with tourists on the tourist machine was a pleasant stop for a swim. Fascinating to hear about the boat people who never go onto land. The karsts are awesome. Lots of photo opportunities. Even on a cloudy day as we had.

Dinner again was fabulous, it kept coming! Beautiful seafood, meats, veg and rice. We made our own starters – spring rolls, great fun, the kids loved it!
The evening we could play Vietnamese games (puzzles) or squid fishing, watch a food demonstration or just chill on the upper deck watching the karsts rise out of the sea and other boats lit up – one of the highlights of our Vietnam trip. The captain let my son steer the boat.

Cabins are cosy and basic but perfectly acceptable. We slept really well, despite heavy rain all night (didn't rock the boat at all). I often feel motion sickness - but not a single bit felt on this cruise even with heavy rain.

I was really excited about the 7am Tai Chi on deck but rain stopped play (sadly), lovely breakfast, followed by a tour to the caves. Again a tourist machine in flow, but still a great experience. The rain POURED , a fabulous tropical downpour, the boat provided ‘Teletubby’ rain macs (a family of four in different colours!) which kept our clothes dry but gave us a fab experience in the rain. Again the tender back to the junk was smooth even in heavy rain.

Last lunch was at 10.30am before shepherded off back onto land before the government deadline! Again fab food and loads of it.

I can’t praise this tour enough, the staff were lovely (minimal English apart from Tommy who has excellent English), food to die for, awesome scenery, great activities and overall a memorable experience.10

Maria M

We had an amazing experience for the first time visit to Halong bay with Swan Cruise. We were a group of four people. Rooms are clean,tidy and comfortable.
Our tour guide, Jenny, is very friendly, helpful and can communicate in English fluently. She shared a lot of history, interesting local cultures and traditional things, about halong bay, caves and islands around halong bay area. She took care everyone of the whole group pretty well. All programs of the trip were well-organised and arranged properly. All other staffs on the cruise are also helpful and friendly, Kayaking is the best part of our trip.
First time trying Tai Chi with Jenny. It was fun and useful experience. :D
thumbs up for Swan Cruise and all staffs.10