Beka Travel, Hai Phong, Vietnam

5Traveler517786 5:00 PM Dec 7, 2022

Thanh’s Amazing!
Would definitely recommend especially for first timers. I did 1 night on the cruise and 1 night homestay in Viet Hai Village, which has additional add on fees but well worth it for the next Xperia version. It’s amazing to go to sleep and wake up surrounded by the archipelagos. You will be kept very well fed on this tour on the boat and in the village. The water was not warm but bearable in December when we did our swim. I wish we got a bit more background and description about the archipelago’s, especially how they were formed, what their significance was to the local people, who the local people are etc. Otherwise the cruise crew was amazing. My highlight for the tour, though, was on Catba Island (Viet Hai Village). Our guide for the village Thanh was fantastic (we got 2 guides - 1 for the cruise, and 1 for the village). He’s humorous, chilled, and professional. He would surely keep you going for the hike (proper footwear needed) which was unexpectedly challenging, which none of us on the tour was mentally prepared for but well worth it for the view and the workout. Thanh was knowledgeable about the village and had excellent eyes for spotting wildlife (I missed it when he pointed them out as these animals moved fast unfortunately). I also did the night kayaking with Thanh. The scooter ride to / from the port at night was almost more fun than the kayak itself for some reasons. Most importantly, Thanh took amazing photos and videos that you can take home as digital souvenirs and brag to your friends and family. It’s THAT GOOD. I understand Thanh might opt for other endeavours soon so future guests might not meet him, which is a shame. For solo travellers there will be additional solo fees (for the room mostly) which is understandable but do keep that in mind. Overall, despite the steeper price it’s good value for one’s money especially how all logistics are arranged orderly for you at a good pace.

5Judith B 5:00 PM Nov 19, 2022

Amazing experience at Viet Hai Lan Homestay
My stay in Viet Hai Lan Homestay was simply an amazing experience. The homestay is located in a super cute, very remote area of the island which can only be accessed by boat or by quite a long hike. For this reason, it’s a way less touristy and quiet place which was wonderful. The landscape around the hostel was breathtaking and you could go for hikes in the Dschungel (Navy Peak is an amazing viewpoint to see the whole Bay Area)! One of the really outstanding aspects about the homestay are it’s people: Thanh, Chilly and all others :) Chilly was the quiet coordinator who was pulling all strings in the back, making sure we had a seamless arrival (consisting of bus, different boats and electric car) and all trips got organized within seconds! And Thanh, who was the lovely and authentic tour guide and person around for any questions. He took us on a boat trip with kayaking, swimming and seeing the beautiful landscape. He always made sure that everyone had a great time, was making everyone laugh and best of all took the greatest videos of the trip as a memory for the group! Thank you both for the great stay - it was amazing! ? I highly recommend anyone who wants to get a bit away from the crowds and experience an authentic, lovely and relaxing time to come here ☺️