Friendly Travel Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay 2-Day Trip: A Real Review
Okay, so you’re thinking about seeing some seriously gorgeous spots in Vietnam? That’s great! Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay, right? Yeah, totally picture-perfect places. If you’ve stumbled upon “Friendly Travel” and their 2-day tour that combines both these destinations with a 5-stars boat stay and are wondering if it lives up to the hype, well you’re definitely in the right spot. This is a proper rundown on what to reasonably anticipate. No frills, just my honest impressions, yeah?
First Impressions: Booking and Initial Communication
Before you even get there, what’s it actually like to hand over your credit card? To tell the truth, booking with “Friendly Travel” was actually simple enough. The responses to queries were usually super quick and friendly – kind of apt, given the company name! They appeared quite knowledgeable about the trip details and able to address every worry right away. Basically, no real difficulties there, so it’s something positive.
Ninh Binh: A Land of Limestone and Rivers
Day one and off to Ninh Binh! The drive, well it was more or less average. Not especially scenic, yet, not a total bore. Once we arrived, wow, the landscape really shifts. Those enormous limestone karsts just popping up everywhere, and the rivers snaking their way through? Seriously special. We went for a rowboat ride through Tam Coc, and this experience in a way was just superb. Our rower, mostly an older lady, did all the work using her feet, and the views? Pretty awesome! Bring a hat though, honestly, or you will burn.
Ha Long Bay: Cruising in Style
Okay, so next up is Ha Long Bay. We boarded the “5-stars boat,” and truth is it was alright. Calling it extremely fancy might be pushing it, but that it was comfortable and tidy? Certainly. The rooms actually had decent air-conditioning, which is quite important in that climate, you understand, and the food onboard was pretty varied and rather palatable. The itinerary incorporated kayaking (really brilliant fun!) and a stop at a cave. The views across Ha Long Bay itself? Basically mind-blowing. It totally lives up to the images, that’s definite.
The Good, The Okay, and The Things To Think About
Right, so lets get the positives out of the way first, “Friendly Travel’s” staff were mostly super helpful and responsive. Transport pretty ran without a hitch, which certainly you want, and the attractions that we visited were all totally worthy of seeing. What wasn’t completely perfect? Well, the term “5-stars boat” perhaps needs managing a bit, you might see? It’s good, really good possibly, but adjust your expectations just a touch. Also, you will get herded into a souvenir shop; it is very much part of the experience, still you don’t need to buy anything!
Food and Accommodation: Setting Expectations
Let’s talk meals. The food provided on the boat tour? Really, it was a pleasant blend of local Vietnamese dishes, even including some more recognizable options just in case your palate’s fairly plain. There had been loads to eat, basically buffet style, therefore, so you definitely shouldn’t go hungry. Concerning accommodation, well it was cozy and functional. Don’t imagine super posh hotels here, still that the room had everything necessary for just a quick stay, like a cozy bed and a private bathroom is definite.
Value for Money: Is It Worth It?
Thinking about the overall expense, the “Friendly Travel” trip arguably presents good value for what it offers. Having someone to arrange all the logistics, basically from transport to activities and board, is a big benefit. Considering accomplishing all of it yourself could definitely be much more bothersome and might not basically save you loads of money, honestly. Therefore, if you actually like a managed trip with the key bits cared for, then this in some respects is a decent pick.
Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend It?
So, would I recommend the “Friendly Travel” Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay tour? Yes, almost certainly! If you are clear that the “5-stars boat” really means fairly lovely and not incredibly deluxe, and basically, you are ready for a fairly fast-paced agenda, then you’re going to genuinely relish it. The scenery seriously is world-class, the ease of having all cared for is really a plus, and overall, for me, I certainly think it was a quite unforgettable little adventure. Perhaps go for it, I would say.