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Just did a 3-day 2-night on the Bhaya - pics later. Colonial wood style dining room, wraparound decks and large top deck, we stayed in the Royal Suite (the biggest one), had its own bathtub and deck. Unfortunately, all of my knowledge of weather in Vietnam comes from Vietnam War movies, so I expected and packed and booked for hot and humid - as it was actually 8-15C all the time, the deck was useless, and the bathtub bottom was not cleaned, so it was unlikely to be used for a bath. Room was very nice size though, and otherwise clean. The price was outrageous I think though - we paid about $450 per night (incl 3 meals), it might have been worth $350-$400 if the weather had allowed usage of the deck and if we could have used the bath, and you can't blame Bhaya for the weather, but you should consider that when booking. The food was average buffet quality, with some interesting dishes, both western and VN. The activities were weak - basically, you went to 2 islands on which you can hike to the top or just take pictures below (the cold didn't allow for swimming except for Polar Bear club members); a half-day-ful of kayaking, though some amazing tunnels and private coves; a cave tour in the touristy Surprise Cave; and that's about it. They show you how to make a spring roll for the cooking class, and they do a little "squid fishing" at night - turn on the lights, which attract the squid, then scoop em up. They do Tai Chi on the top deck as the sun rises (listening to Enya), and if you can make it, do it - it's truly beautiful. Halong Bay is itself awesomely beautiful - bugger than Phang Nga Bay in Thailand, though Thailand's has clearer water (Halong Bay appears to be extremely clean, but it is not clear). They don't tell you that if you do a second full day (two nights) that the second day's activities are done on a separate boat they contract out to - not really a big deal, still, woulda like to have known. The lunch on this boat is Halong Bay mix of crabs, shrimp, fish - pretty good, but I felt it could have been better - the backpacking crowd would have loved it, but I expect a little better. The bartenders on the Bhaya need help with their drinks - as a former bartender, this is abundantly clear and obvious - and the only choice of beer is Tiger Draught and Heineken - not much of a choice.

I realize this is a somewhat complainy, negative review, but first, you can get all the positive from the online literature and advertising; second, the staff were extremely nice and friendly, and I mean ll of them, even on the second boat; third, in fact we had a great time, just not exactly money for the value. Just wanna make sure you know what you're getting into. Several families on board, most Westerners were Australian, I'd say between 20 and 30- people on each day, so not as romantic as you might expect.

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I envy your foresight to go there the right season. The price sounds good to me, although I might be willing to pay more in the summer for the extra room and semi-private deck (300? not 450 no way no how). We took the van transfer for $35 pp r/t. It is plenty comfortable, not jammed at all, there were 3 couples up incl us and 2 couples back, there are 4 rows of seats incl the drivers seat, and it's a Mercedes - plus you get to meet new people, possibly both ways. I would simply suggest confirming with them that it won't be a crowded van. On the other hand, sees like for more than 2 people, taking the private car saves money...

Regarding food, the boat meals had salads of varying sorts, but as I recall, even the potato salad had some pork. At least one couple ordered some tofu and stir fried veggies special, I think they will do that for you, but you should send e-mail or call them to confirm. They definitely have fish. If you go for the second day, the lunch was all seafood, and only one of them was fish (prawns, clams, squid).

Good luck, everyone was very friendly, staff and passengers alike.

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Just got back from Vietnam a week ago and did an overnight on Bhaya. eattle Seth is accurate in his first posting; he's complaining too much about what is in fact one of the best junks on the water. I looked into many of them and saw many up close and the Bhaya was a very good choice overall. Food was high quality, rooms were small but nice and the boat itself was very comfortable. We did the one night cruise, which I think is the way to go to get to see the bay, enjoy some meals, swim, kayak, etc. There are cheaper boats, but you get what you pay for.