Halong Bay, completely overwhelmed how to plan a visit
 

We will be in Vietnam in May. We plan on a one night cruise in Halong Bay. I've read lots of information on Halong Bay and the cruise companies/ships and feel that I'm not getting anything accomplished and I'm going around in circles.

I was going to book with Indochina Junks (www.indochina-junks.com), but some negative reviews on Trip Advisor have got me rethinking who to book with.

Ideally we'd like to book with a reputable local (Vietnamese) company. We're read horror stories of boats being switched, boats breaking down and food poisoning.

Is there a company Fodorites can recommend for an overnight cruise in Halong Bay.

Thanks in advance.

We just did an overnight trip with Bhaya on Halong Bay. We were with a tour so I don't know about booking independently, but we were very satisfied with our trip. The crew was very friendly, the rooms were small but comfortable and the food was excellent. We also had excursions off the boat visiting a floating village and a cave.

Check out Buffalo Tours. Very reputable and a big tour company in Asia. I did one night with them and the boat was very nice.

Thanks for the replies.

Are these the correct websites for the two companies mentioned above:-
www.bhayacruises.com
www.buffalotours.com

Yes, that looks like the correct website for Bhaya.

Our only regret was not staying on board for two nights.

We liked Grayline a lot, and our trip was recommended by and booked through our hotel in Hanoi, Essence d'Orient.

I think this counted for quite a lot as everything to do with this hotel was stellar - for example they used really decent taxi firms too. I don't know for sure but I have a feeling you might be less likely to have the boat switch or poor cabin assignment tricks pulled if you have the weight of the hotel behind you, rather than just your own individual booking. They are not going to send repeat custom if their residents complain.