Very disappointing service – not what we booked
Unfortunately, our experience with this operator was very poor from beginning to end.
Already in the morning there was considerable confusion about our pick-up.
The service itself also did not correspond to what was stated in our booking confirmation. We booked “VIP Limo Van + Ferry from Cat Ba Island to Hanoi.” However, we were first transported in a normal tourist bus, then transferred to a speedboat, and only after reaching the mainland did we continue in a VIP Limo Van.
Most importantly, our booking confirmation clearly stated that we would be dropped off at our hotel in Hanoi. We explicitly told the driver about our hotel drop-off, but we were simply left at the Good Morning Cat Ba office instead. We then had to arrange and pay for a Grab ourselves to reach the hotel that was supposed to be our drop-off location.
When we complained to the operator, the response was simply: “Why don’t you tell it driver?” We had told the driver.
For the price charged, we expected the service that was actually advertised and confirmed in our booking. The chaotic organisation, the different transportation arrangement and especially the failure to provide the confirmed hotel drop-off were very disappointing. We would not book this service again.
We booked the (slightly more expensive) van option specifically because on a previous trip to Cat Ba, the van had driven straight onto the ferry and we could stay inside the vehicle the whole crossing. Since it was pouring rain, we wanted to avoid getting wet this time — but that's not what happened.
At the ferry terminal, we were suddenly told to get out and board a speedboat instead, which took us across separately from the van. On the other side, we had to walk through the rain again and then wait about 15 minutes for the next van to pick us up. None of this was mentioned at booking, and it was especially frustrating given the weather.
In Hanoi, we were just dropped off at the travel agency office instead of getting the hotel transfer we had booked. We had to ask the staff ourselves about what happened to it. To their credit, the staff were very friendly and immediately called a taxi for us and covered the cost.
The van itself was comfortable and picked us up on time, and the staff handled the mix-up well once we raised it — but the booking should be clearer about the ferry crossing not being included as advertised, especially since that was the whole reason we paid extra.
Overall this was a good experience. We had booked a van, but ended up traveling in a minibus instead — which actually turned out to be more comfortable than expected, so no complaints there.
Departure was right on time, which we appreciated. However, we did arrive later than scheduled, as we had to wait for the ferry crossing. This wasn't really the operator's fault, just something to be aware of when planning your arrival time in Cat Ba.
Overall a smooth and comfortable journey.
They were full for the requested time so shifted us to an earlier bus. We did book last minute. The bus was older and larger than expected but seats were very comfy and the ride was smooth. Ferry was easy and they dropped us at our hotel even tho it wasn't on cat ba town.
The first bus was run down and in some spots glued together. The 2nd bus was a lot nicer and both drivers were good. However we had booked a VIP limousine which in the pictures looked to be an extended van with only approx. 10 seats but what we recieved were two buses. Seems like false advertising.
The bus was a little old school but very comfortable and on time - we Loved how the Bus drove right on the Ferry - This Bus company was very organized and pleasant- picked us up right at our Hotel in TamCoc
The expectation if I book the limousine from my hotel is that the limousine starts at my hotel. In the end I drove with some taxi to a meeting point to sit in a semi okay seet to drop off somewhere to go by another taxi for the last minutes. For me it was the opposite of a relaxed limousine drive.
We had chosen this company for limousine rides.
In the end, we traveled in a van with our luggage between us. The last 40 minutes or so went much better once we changed buses.We are very disappointed with the trip.
I used the services for a transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter to Ninh Binh and proved very professional, on time. My homestay was quite secluded and the driver went out of his way to find it and drop me there. They were super on time despite Hanoi was mental due to rain. I will definitely use them again.
We purchased a transfer service but they transferred us to a lower value bus, we also had to argue to have the drop off at the hotel which was included in the price
The driver was on time - seemed a bit rushed - and drove safely, but he was very ill (sneezing and coughing badly all the way). I think that's rather irresponsible given many people are in a closed off space for quite a while.
As a solo female traveller, this wasn't the most comforting ride. I booked day of travel (understand that this may have caused the lack of communication) and got a call 1 hour before the scheduled pick up time saying that the bus was at the pick up. Was due to be collected at 6pm (phone call at 4.30pm). I hadn't had any confirmation of numberplate from the company. I rushed back to my accommodation to find the bus wasnt there. It came around 5.20pm and was messaging updates. When the bus pulled up, it didn't check my ticket or name and barely stopped to allow me to get on. I was the only traveller on the bus for the duration of the journey which is fine.
The journey was comfortable and I arrived at the expected time just round the corner from my accommodation which was good, the driver directed me as the road was closed.
Good communication and flexibility when dealing with them. They pick us up in the homestay with a very good car and took us to their office in Ninh Binh where the bus took us to Cat Ba. The bus was not very modern but ok for the price. The driver was easy going and kind. He stopped once in the way for around 15min for toilet and snacks. They dropped us in front of the accommodation in Cat Ba which was a good surprise. They also gave us lots of small bottles of water. I would say it's a simple transfer but they are committed in delivering a good service. I would recommend.