We were stunned to return to our Hanoi hotel this afternoon, having spent last night on the bay, to hear that a boat sunk at 5am this morning, killing 12 tourists and their local guide.

Story on CNN and elsewhere now. Am wondering if this is why we noticed a large staff meeting going on as we were getting in our transport leaving the harbor. Obviously no tours would be going out this afternoon.

Just saw this on BBC - I'm flying to Hanoi tomorrow - horrified. Full death toll not in, I think. Very glad to hear you're OK.

Thursdaysd, sorry we'll miss you. We're off to Hue tomorrow, then Hoi An. Have last night back in Hanoi on fFeb 27, then fly to Hong Kong for 3 days , then home to dc.

Here is the AP's report:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110217/...ist_boat_sinks

How horrible. Glad you are safe.

Glad you're safe, too. We'll be there in a few weeks, and Halong Bay is still on our list of things to do, but this is frightening (although in my mind I know things happen, and when they do, they're usually accidental and not recurring).

Thursday, they've accounted for all 27 people who were on the boat - 12 dead. RIP.

It's truly horrible.
27 people sounds like alot of people. When I took the cruise, there were 7 passengers including myself and 4-5 staff members including the guide.
I hope some regulation come out of this tragedy.

Actually our boat, Dragon Pearl iI, operated by the Indochina junk co, which has a number of boats, probably had 25 to 27 people as well, We were an international group of tourists (20) and 5 or staff and great local guide. But from my reading it does appear that the boat that sank was one of the budget ones, not that that excuses poor maintenance. The weather and water was definitely very calm, just a little gray and drizzly.

Sorry to just miss you, glover, enjoy the rest of the trip. I was on Dragon Pearl too, but probably a earlier version (2004) with fewer people. I'm headed for Sapa this time, not Halong Bay. Don't miss My Son and the museum in Danang.

I'm scheduled for one night on a junk on Halong Bay in early March. This story does give me something to think about, but I'm going with the odds that my junk won't sink. This tragedy should be an incentive to the boat companies and the Vietnamese government to tighten up safety standards.

I am scheduled for 1 night on the Violet Junk in just three days. I wonder whether it will be cancelled. I have emailed my agent Tonkin and asked to stay the day at the metropole where we are booked . We will maybe take a day tour instead.

What a tragedy, good to hear you are safe.

Talked with my contact at Tonkin about this when I arrived today. My impression is it was a cheaper boat, and the authorities (not sure which ones) are going to start inspections. I'm going to Sapa this trip, not Halong Bay, but I wouldn't cancel Halong Bay myself.

I wasnt planning to cancel. Read that they are suspending all overnight trips. In which case a day trip may be in order.

emdee-Where did you read this? And did it say for how long they were suspending the trips. I am supposed to go overnight on March 3.

Shelly since I am supposed to be on the boat on Monday the 21st I have been reading up on the tragedy. Saw a report that the government had suspended overnight boats. Someone was also interviewed and they said the overnights were cancelled for now so they were on a day trip only.
We are hoping that the situation will be resolved by monday if not I guess we are out of luck.

Actually, it cos by mechanical problems and all crews was arrested for investigating. Truong Hai is a cheap boat and not good in preparing. Tourist and travelers should make a good choice when chosing a boat or agent. Do not exceed the money savings and put your priority for safety and a perfect trip.

It's a very long way to go for a day trip and not worth it IMHO. The overnight makes it more special.
Truly sad story about the loss of lives in Halong.

I don't think it's worth going for the day trip also. The best part for me was night time and really early in the morning when there was hardly any action or sound around. It took two and a half hour to get there from the hotel.
As far as choosing a good boat and agent, my question is how. How do you the money is not going to the middle man?

I agree - it's a long drive there and back for a day trip, and not even a very interesting drive.