I landed in Hanoi from US, spent a couple of days there, then went to Halong Bay using Dragon Legend. This cruise was 1 night (option for longer) and went to Bai Tu Long Bay which has fewer boats. The boat operator picked me up from hotel in their van. I had good size room with ensuite bath which had a tub IIRC. Meals were good and a nice dinner with presentation from the staff. I opted for my 5 day tour guide in Ninh Binh to pick me up there rather than going back to Hanoi. The boat did a kayak excursion which I opted out of, so enjoyed the time on chaise on top of boat.