Private or shared tour in Lan Ha Bay: choosing for your group

Which part of the trip is private?

On a shared tour, you book places in a group that includes other travellers. For a private option, check whether the quote covers the whole boat, a private transfer or a dedicated guide. A private vehicle from Hanoi does not by itself mean that the boat is exclusive to your group.

Ask the organiser to describe each leg and service separately. If quiet space on board is your priority, having a dedicated guide on a shared boat may not meet that need. A package name is less useful than a clear description of what your group will actually use.

Start with your group’s priorities

A shared tour is worth considering when everyone is comfortable with a common itinerary and does not need a tailored programme. Ask about expected group size, guiding language and seating. If a trip is described as small-group, ask for the actual passenger limit for that departure.

Discuss a private option when your group has a shared need that does not fit an existing departure, such as more rest time or a gathering together. Exclusive use does not mean unrestricted control over every stop. Keep a written record of any changes the operator has agreed to.

Compare the total, not just the per-person price

Give both organisers the same travel date, departure point and passenger details. Then compare inclusions: transfers, boat, meals, admission, guiding and planned activities. A lower quote without transfers cannot be compared directly with a package that includes them.

• ✓Ask which charges are per person, which are for the whole group and which apply only if used.
• ✓Provide children’s ages so the organiser can quote correctly; do not assume the same free-child policy across services.
• ✓If the passenger count changes, obtain a revised total and per-person amount before collecting money from the group.
• ✓Compare the deposit, payment deadline and amendment terms in writing alongside the final price.

Dividing a private charter total by the group size is only a calculation, not proof that it is the cheaper option. A meaningful comparison needs equivalent services and a confirmed final passenger count.

Six questions to answer before booking

• ✓Exactly which services are exclusive and which are shared with other travellers?
• ✓Which harbour is used, where is pickup, and who handles a delay on a connecting leg?
• ✓What is the planned route, and which activities depend on conditions?
• ✓Have seating, meals, guiding language and your group’s assistance needs been confirmed?
• ✓What is included in the final total, and what might be payable during the trip?
• ✓If passengers cancel, dates change or the trip is suspended, what terms apply separately to the transfer and the boat?

Keep the answers together in one confirmation so the group organiser does not have to reconstruct details from several calls. Record the exact arrangement for any special request rather than relying on a general promise to help.

Agree the arrangement before confirming the trip

Send An Voyages your date, adult passenger count, children’s ages, pickup point and the group’s three main priorities. Specify which service you would like to use privately. We will check the requested arrangement; treat the trip as confirmed only when availability, price and terms have been confirmed for your chosen date.