Vietnam forum

When to book Halong Bay/Sapa tours?

Rubixx

longtail driver
Posts: 10

I want to go to Halong Bay and Sapa between 03/01/2012 and 11/01/2012. Should I book these when I get to the hotel in Hanoi or should I book them early online (if possible). I am one to like to have everything organised before I get there. What are your experiences?

Also, should I book my train tickets from Hue - Danang - Nha Trang now, being that I will be travelling to those places close to the lunar new year?

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

#1 Posted: 11/8/2011 - 19:30
daawgon

som tam seller
Posts: 552

I would book everything ahead of time for Jan - especially train tickets. I took the train from Hue to Nha Trang in soft sleeper - an overlong trip in a dirty compartment. I would only fly if I did it again! The train to Lao Cai/Sapa is much better if you use the private carriages like Livitrans.

Strongly suggest that you fly to Nha Trang - Vietnam Air is great.

#2 Posted: 11/8/2011 - 23:26
stcyr

newbie
Posts: 2

Hello Rubixx

And 2008 i was in Hanoi we stay in the hold City of Hanoi the Hotel was as i remember City Gate hotel not to expensive + clean + breakfast + wifi + air cond+ hot shower. we book the trip at this Hotel and I visit Sapa for a trekking for 3 days it was and November you will have to take the night train , request to get fist class important other wise you may have sum surprise .
but you could also book to this agency it call Sinh café it rely a good place to book your trip also for Halong Bay you will find this recommendation also on Lonely Planet (Sinh Café)
For your information at this time of the year November during the day it was hot and at night it was cold rely cold we sleep in a mountain with the Black Monk good expérience .If you need more info my play sure
As regard your other question I agree with daawgon take the plaine Hanoi to Hue cheep and faster , Hue rely nice but during the time we was there rain , rain , rain

Have a ice trip
Marc

#3 Posted: 12/8/2011 - 02:28
juliert87

motodop
Posts: 24
Located in:
Private message

Posted from within Vietnam.

hi, you can book train tickets before in advance, and make research about trips that you want to go. Ask hotel via email about price, and shop around on internet, when you arrive, you can decide.
But for the train, you should book early because of inflation in Vietnam, price goes up sharply.

#4 Posted: 13/8/2011 - 14:14

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Life is so short
Rubixx

longtail driver
Posts: 10

Thanks heaps for the advice everyone. I will book those train tickets now. Cheers.

#5 Posted: 13/8/2011 - 17:23