Ha long Bay day trip with Luxury Cruise

Tinny Travel are robbers.

I booked a day trip to Ha Long Bay through Trip Advisor. The tour operator was Tinny Travel. On the eve of my trip at 9.30 pm, Tinny Travel sent me a message through the Trip Advisor app to let me know that the pick up point has been changed because the road at the pick up point is closed. Firstly, I was in bed by 9.30 pm because I was still jet lagged. Second, Tinny Travel knew the road at the original pickup point was closed every weekend, and they waited till 9.30 pm on the eve to let me know. All other trips I’ve booked, the tour operators contacted me by phone or through WA at least 24 hours before. The next morning, I woke up and went straight to the original pickup point. I did not check the Trip Advisor app. We waited and saw no one coming. That’s when I checked the app. When we went to the new pickup point, the bus had already gone. I asked for a refund. Tinny Travel refused. I just want everybody to know Tinny Travel are robbers. Do not book with them. I tried to visit their office but it is always closed. Remember the name, Tinny Travel.

Response from the operator: We’re sorry for the inconvenience. As we couldn’t reach you directly, we contacted the hotel you provided as the pickup location. However, the receptionist informed us that there was no guest under your name staying at the hotel, so our driver had to leave the pickup point. We also contacted you via iMessage, but we only received your reply after 9:00 AM, while the tour was scheduled to start at 8:00 AM. Our team did make several attempts to contact you and confirm the pickup before the bus departed.

via Tripadvisor

Distressful and lousy experience coach and buffet menu for 5 Star

Tinny Travel 5 Star Luxury Cruise to Halong Bay- my experience: Rickety old coach for the 2.5hrs travel there and back, with a lousy buffet- nothing 5 Star about it . I felt scammed by Tinny Travel who were rude and charged $65 for the 5 Star Luxury Cruise Halong Bay - whilst others paid $50 - there was nothing 5star from the state of the coach to the Cruise or Mr Tinny’s service. My pickup was from Tinny Travel HO; I informed Liam the tour operator the day before that there were road closures/ my text was read but no response. Next day Saturday, at 7.30am (I must be at pickup point TT by 8.30am - 45mins away due to traffic) I text and made several calls to Liam the tour operator regarding road closures- again no answer . I was feeling very distressed at the point and panicking in case I miss the trip. I finally called Mr Tinny, he sent me a scan of TT office and Grab taxi and insisted I go there- totally ignoring the fact the road had been closed the day before for an event on Saturday. My hotel concierge spoke with Mr Tinny, only then Mr Tinny acknowledged the road closures it is now 7.50 am and I am panicking - Mr Tinny expected me to to another pickup point but does not inform me where they are !!!!!!! Finally, Mr Tinny advises the Silk Hotel pickup at 8am - in 10mins whilst my hotel is 20mins away and I must wait for the taxi to arrive. Mr Tinny was rude saying the trip was going to be delayed because of me. He then gave me the last pickup point at 8.30am and that was final. Mr Tinny’s service was diabolical by not acknowledging or listening about the road closures in the first place and rudely keep insisting I go to TT HO for pickup. I was the last one on the coach and the only seat available was the section a step up where the driver and guide sit. and seat right behind the guide’s seat which I had to squeeze into- and I am 45kg! The trip each way to Halong Bay is 2.5hours!!! As I was not in the main part of the coach, when the tour guide gave his Ihr long information of Halong Bay and its history; I could not make out what was being said. The moment we got on the cruise, there was chaos as everyone started on the buffet in the middle. Someone shouted ‘All go in Clockwise’ but some people did not understand and carried on! The fish buffet itself was mediocre, with rubbery octopus, soggy fried fish, oysters, and prawns. Definitely not luxury in any way. I have photo evidence. I texted Mr Tinny all of the above, including photo evidence, on the day of my trip 22 February 2025 and he of course disagreed with everything. I was totally scammed; rickety old coach, missed out on history and any information about Halong Bay and lousy buffet and very distressful pickup.

via Tripadvisor

Cold food

Whilst our guide was lovely, the boat staff were very rude and the food that was served for lunch was tasteless and STONE COLD. There were so many other options for day trips to Ha Long Bay and im annoyed we went on this one. We were on the boat for nearly 6 hours, so to not have any decent food during that time was a bit of a problem.

via Tripadvisor

My first trip with American Cruise Lines

It was wonderful. The land excursions was excellent.. Saw how they catch lobsters, farm oysters and ate some. They had a picnic with the locals serving us fresh lobster and fresh corn on the cob..Went to botanical gardens . Time on our own to visit the beautiful ports. The ship was so comfortable..We were traveling with a hurricane that was 600 miles out from us and the captain kept us safe by keeping abreast of the storm. We all felt like we were in good hands. Our waiter named J.J. was so much fun and we weren't an easy group. Hope you get him when you go..Also it is a safe Cruise LINE for a woman traveling alone, The head people, sorry I don't know their titles, were like family. Took care of everyone including those who needed extra help without any problem and like it was a pleasure. The only mistake i made was not signing up for another cruise because they offer 15% off if you sign up before you leave.,MY MISTAKE NOT THEIRS.. IF you're planning on a cruise I would recommend AMERICAN CRUISE LINES. I hope to go on another one myself. Im a widow and I wouldn't be afraid to go alone because I think it is the safest way to travel alone because once you get on the ship your in good hands and so many nice people to meet Have fun I plan to..

via Tripadvisor

Wow! Ha Long Bay !

Our one-day trip to Ha Long Bay was amazing. My friends are from South Korea. I’m from the US. We were so happy to spend time together at Ha Long Bay. It was easy to book and pay. Also, they picked us up from my apartment in the morning. We had a cheerful guide named Tommy. Thank you, Tommy, you’re wonderful guide! I will not forget the beautiful view of Ha Long Bay. The most fun was on the speedboat. We were screaming, giggling and laughing so hard. There are many other things I could write about this trip but people should go and experience it for themselves.

Response from the operator: Dear Valued Customer, Thank you for giving us a perfect rating. It is a great pleasure to hear that you had a very memorable time with us. We are more than happy to learn that you enjoyed our tour and your review would be a great motivation to all of our team to keep up the good work. We very much look forward to serving you again. Thanks and best regards!

via Tripadvisor