March 2018 NCL cruise

[holidayhelen]

Hello - we are on an NCL cruise in March 2018. Now is the time to start seriously looking at tours - so any advice gratefully received.

 

Itinerary - Ko Samui 8-5

Bangkok overnight

Phu My 7 - 9

Chan May 8 - 5

Ha Long 9 - 8

 

I have looked at the roll call for our cruise but there are many many pages and a lot of people seem to be doing about 4 b2b legs and have booked big groups.

 

There are 6 of us and we do like smaller groups.

 

We are not sure we really want to go into Bangkok or HCMC - and we would like to look at alternatives.

 

Would we find independant taxis/tours at most of these ports?

 

Did I read somewhere that Ko Samui is walkable to a beach and restaurants?

 

Thank you for any advice or recommendations

 

H

[DipBrat]

Yes in Ko Samui you can walk. A bit less crowded and cleaner beaches are a short Taxi ride away. The next bay south Lipa Noi is an easy close choice with nice hotels and also little bungalows selling drinks and food.

 

The rides to Saigon and Bangkok are long and slow. Bangkok certainly has more spectacular can't miss sights. Pattaya is an option for a beach day. It pales in comparison to Ko Samui beaches but could be a good second day option if you opt for the grueling one day Bangkok tour on your first day.