Suggestion for Halong Bay
 

Hi everyone,

We will be Hanoi during the second week of March 2008 and like to take a trip/tour of Halong Bay. I understand best company is Hanspan. Is the Kayaking excursion worth it? How many days is best?
How is the weather at this time of year and is the water warm enough for swimming and kayaking? Help is much appreciated.

I would recommend 3D2N. You are in the tropics so the water temperature won't change more than about 1 degree all year round.

http://www.travelsinasia.com/Vietnam/Vietnam.html

Can the weather be rainy and misty and can't see much in mid March in Halong Bay?

I did 3D/2N with kayaking during my Vietnam trip 2 years ago...loved being on the bay...thought the kayaking was just so-so. At the time Dragon Pearl was the nicest boat. We were on a Huong Hai boat which was fine, but not luxury. I booked the entire trip thru Extotissimo and were extremely pleased. I think the bay is so spectacular that it will be enjoyable in any weather. Enjoy!

I think the company is "Handspan" not Hanspan". I used them about 18 months ago, and they were marvellous. I didn't have any complaints, although I only did the 2 days one night cruise. The food was outstanding but 90% seafood. If you have any aversion to seafood, best to point this out in advance so you can be properly catered for.

chimani, I recommend Handspan because it is reputable, reliable and delivers what it promises. Clearly the company has built a strong reputation because it is obviously favored by travellers who have experienced its excellence. Why risk somewhere else if the trip to Halong Bay is part of a one-off trip to Vietnam?

If Handspan was rotten it would not get any recommendations.

You obviously have a jealous axe to grind. Which company do you work for or represent? Maybe if it offered the same service as Handspan, it, too, would get recommendations.

Woah, Chimani! With an attitude like that, you WON'T find many folks on this site who will want to venture your way - me for one. Mitch04 is 100% right; people who travel half way around the world spending hard earned money are looking for operators, guides, hotels, restaurants, etc. which have a good reputation and using a site such as Fodor's is one good way to learn about the reputation of those services. Rather than rant and complain about the good fortune of another, why not represent yourself as another option and then if you live up to the good service you undoubtedly will say you offer, then the tourists, and money, will follow. It's that simple.

Here's an interesting article on how to pick the right Halong Bay cruise.
http://www.travelfish.org/feature/77
The author did 3; budget, mid, and luxe.
There are 5 pages, so make sure you click each link and then draw your own conclusion.

Chimai-If you are so certain we all travel like lemmings, then why do you even post your "dissent"?
Plus, you did not offer a viable, or better alternative to Handspan. Your post was a waste of space unless you can offer sound advice.

I also found the kayaking to be so-so at Halong Bay. But, still a wonderful place to visit. Yes, Victor, the water is warm enough for swimming.