TripAdvisor named BestPrice Travel a recipient of its Travelers' Choice award for 2020, a recognition that reflects consistently positive guest reviews on the platform. The announcement came amid a year when international travel faced major disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic, yet the company maintained high ratings for core services such as Halong Bay cruises and Hanoi food tours.
What the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice 2020 award means
The TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice is an annual accolade given to businesses that receive outstanding feedback from users over a 12-month period. Previously known as the Certificate of Excellence, this recognition is limited to roughly the top 10% of listings on the site, indicating a sustained level of favorable reviews.
BestPrice Travel’s inclusion among 2020 winners signals that reviewers repeatedly rated the company highly. According to records, the agency first earned TripAdvisor recognition in 2014 and by 2020 had claimed this particular travelers’ choice distinction for the sixth time, underscoring a pattern of positive ratings across multiple years.
Key highlights that earned high ratings
Online feedback shows that some of the strongest praise for the company focuses on its Halong Bay cruise offerings and guided food walks in Hanoi. Reviewers frequently single out the cruises and culinary tours as standout products, and the business ranks among the top three for boat tours and water-based activities in Hanoi listings on TripAdvisor.
Other consistent themes in reviews include comments about attentive staff, helpful trip arrangements across Southeast Asia, and positive experiences with local guides. Visitors report that tour assistants tend to be friendly and responsive during excursions, which contributes to repeat favorable ratings on the platform.
- Highly-rated products: Halong Bay cruises and Hanoi food tours
- Reputation in local categories: Top three for boat tours and water sports in Hanoi
- Repeated recognition: First TripAdvisor award in 2014; sixth Travelers' Choice in 2020
Practical tips for travelers interested in these services
When planning a Halong Bay cruise, many travelers prefer to compare vessel types, itineraries and what each package includes before booking. Reviews often highlight the value of reading recent guest feedback to check for service consistency and expected on-board amenities.
For those planning trips that start in Hanoi, allow extra time for transfers and logistics, especially if you intend to combine a city food tour with onward travel to coastal areas. Visitors who need guidance on common routes and travel times between Hanoi and Halong Bay can consult resources that outline distances and transit options.
Suggested practical steps:
- Read recent reviews to confirm current service levels.
- Clarify what’s included in a cruise or tour price (meals, transfers, activities).
- Plan transport time if combining Hanoi activities with coastal departures; see typical travel guidance from Hanoi to Halong Bay.
Cultural and industry context for the 2020 award
The year 2020 brought severe challenges to travel businesses around the world due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with international movement curtailed and demand dropping sharply. In this environment, maintaining positive guest reviews required clear communication, flexible booking terms, and attentive customer service—factors that reviewers frequently mention when praising a provider.
Within Vietnam and the wider Southeast Asia region, local tourism operators adapted in different ways to the changing market. Travelers looking for insight into regional food culture or temple visits will find that tour providers who retained strong local partnerships and knowledgeable guides tended to keep higher satisfaction scores.
- Industry challenge: Reduced international travel in 2020 affected bookings globally.
- Reviewer focus: Communication and service flexibility became more prominent in guest feedback.
- Local value: Guides with strong regional knowledge continued to influence review scores positively.
Who typically benefits from these tours
Review patterns suggest the company’s core audiences include visitors seeking multi-day boat experiences in northern Vietnam and guests who want structured food-focused walks in Hanoi. Families, small groups and solo travelers who prefer organized itineraries often find these products useful, according to platform comments.
Travelers who prioritize convenience—such as arranged transfers, set meal plans and hosted excursions—are likely to appreciate the level of support that reviewers describe. Those who prefer highly flexible, independent travel styles may want to compare options or consider tailor-made arrangements before booking.
- Good fit: Travelers seeking structured, guided experiences in Vietnam
- Less suitable: Travelers requiring highly individualized or self-led adventures
Comparisons and alternatives
When choosing a provider for Halong Bay cruises or Hanoi food tours, it helps to compare specific strengths, such as vessel comfort, group size, and the depth of local interpretation offered by guides. Reviews on public platforms can illuminate differences in service emphasis and guest satisfaction.
Some operators focus more on luxury vessels and small-group experiences, while others emphasize budget-friendly packages and larger group sizes. Deciding between options usually comes down to priorities: comfort and privacy, or price and schedule flexibility.
| Service | Primary focus | Typical locations | Common praise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halong Bay cruises | Scenic cruising and on-board meals | Halong Bay and surrounding waters | Well-reviewed for itineraries and food |
| Hanoi food tours | Street food sampling and local commentary | Hanoi Old Quarter and nearby districts | Positive notes for knowledgeable guides |
| Boat tours & water sports | Day trips and active water activities | Rivers and coastal areas near Hanoi | Ranked among top local listings for quality |
For travelers focused specifically on Halong Bay logistics and booking safety, reputable planning guides can help reduce common pitfalls. Many reviewers recommend verifying vessel standards and booking terms in advance; for more on how to avoid common booking issues with bay cruises, see this practical guide on Halong Bay cruise reservations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Travelers' Choice award?
The Travelers' Choice award is TripAdvisor’s recognition for businesses that earn consistently high ratings from reviewers over a year. It reflects aggregated guest feedback rather than a single inspection or audit.
How selective is the award?
The accolade is relatively selective: roughly one in ten listings on the platform receives this distinction, indicating that recipients sit within the top tier of reviewed businesses.
Why was 2020 notable for travel businesses?
2020 saw widespread travel restrictions and reduced bookings due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In that context, maintaining consistent guest satisfaction and clear customer communication was particularly challenging for tour operators.
Does this recognition guarantee quality for every trip?
The award indicates sustained positive feedback over time, but service levels can vary by departure, vessel, or guide. Travelers are advised to read recent reviews and confirm specifics of an itinerary before booking.
Where can I find more practical travel advice for Hanoi and Halong Bay?
There are specific practical guides that outline travel times, routes and local tips for journeys between Hanoi and coastal destinations. Those planning transfers may find a dedicated guide on traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay helpful.