Sapa and Halong Bay
January 30 - February 4, 2009

January 30 - February 4, 2009 6 day tour, prior to the cycling tour

Experience a fabulous time at the Victoria Sapa Hotel and Resort. Sapa is in the northwestern part of Vietnam, nestled in the Tonkinese Alps close to the Chinese border, 1650 meters above sea level. Enjoy one of the many activities available at the Victoria Sapa Hotel. Offered are indoor-outdoor heated swimming pool, a Spa Center with massage, Jacuzzi, sauna, fitness center, tennis court, badminton, mountain bike rental, excursions and treks with English speaking guides to the foothills of Fansipan Mountain, the tallest peak in Vietnam. Or, just stroll through the streets of this quaint and historic town where the surrounding area ethnic minority people, dressed in their traditional style, display and market their handicrafts. After returning to Hanoi, and an overnight stay at the Sofitel Plaza you will take a journey to Halong Bay. Located about 160 kilometers from Hanoi, magnificent Halong Bay, with its 3000 islands rising from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, is one of the natural marvels of Vietnam. The islands of this mysterious, beautiful, and unique bay are full of caves, coves, and tunnels, built by wind and tide

Here is the Itinerary:

DAY 1
Arrive at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport where you are met and transferred to the Sofitel Plaza Hotel. Relax at the hotel until about 8 PM when you are picked up and taken to the Hanoi Train station, where you will board the comfortable, air conditioned Victoria Carriage for your overnight trip to Lao Cai. The Sofitel Plaza Hotel will store your extra luggage and bicycle.

DAY 2
Arrive in Lao Cai at about 6 AM, where you are welcomed by the friendly staff of the Victoria Sapa Hotel, who will take you on an exiting journey up a curvy road, surrounded by steep mountains and terraced rice fields, to the Victoria Sapa Hotel for a buffet breakfast. Relax and enjoy the hotel facilities in the morning. In the afternoon the Victoria Sapa Hotel van will drive you to Tavan Village, where you will see the H'mong and Dzao minority people, and observe their culture and customs. In the evening the Victoria Sapa restaurant is waiting to serve you dinner from a four-course menu.

DAY 3
You have a free morning in Sapa to explore the town and shop for souvenirs that are handcrafted by the minority tribes. Or visit Cat Cat Valley, the Orchid Garden, and the Thac Bac 50 meter water fall. Or just relax at the indoor swimming pool at the hotel. Lunch is on your own. Later in the afternoon you will taken to Lao Cai train station for the overnight train to Hanoi. Dinner is served in the Victoria Carriage Restaurant car.

DAY 4
You arrive at the Hanoi train station early in the morning. The Victoria Express Train staff, will let you sleep until about 6:30 AM. You will depart the train by 7 AM and will be met by our staff. Because check-in time at the Sofitel Plaza is not until 11 AM, our staff will take you on a walking tour through the Hanoi Old Quarter. Or you can stay at the Sofitel Hotel and have breakfast at the hotel coffee shop. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner is on your own.

DAY 5
After breakfast at the Sofitel Plaza Hotel, your tour guide will pick you up for the 3 hour trip to Halong City. There you will board a private boat for your voyage through Halong Bay. Your boat trip is very scenic as the captain navigates the boat through the emerald waters of the bay that is dotted with thousands of small islands. Lunch is served on the boat and will consist of the fresh catch of the day and vegetarian dishes. On your way to Cat Ba Island you will stop at the Hang Sung Sot cave, one of the most popular caves, which consists of three vast and beautiful chambers. Arriving in Cat Ba Town, you will check in to the newest resort on the island, the Sunrise Resort, that is nestled in a cove with a complete view of the bay. You can take a stroll through Cat Ba town, until it is time to have dinner at the resort restaurant.

DAY 6
When you have finished breakfast at the Sunrise Resort, you will begin your return trip to Hanoi. Before leaving Cat Ba Island you will visit the Cat Ba National Park. The park is the home of many different types of mammals, numerous species of birds and plants. From the other end of Cat Ba Island at Phu Long port you will take the ferry to Cat Hai Island, and from there the ferry to Haiphong, the most important port city in northern Vietnam. In Haiphong you will have lunch at the roof top restaurant of the Huu Nghi Hotel. After lunch you will be given a quick city tour, before returning to Hanoi and the Sofitel Plaza Hotel. You will arrive in plenty of time before the Hanoi to Saigon cycling tour Welcome Dinner.

Tour cost:
January 30 - February 4, 2009 $995
Single Room Supplement: $395


Tour prices are based on double occupancy, with the superior sleeping compartment(sleeps four) on the Victoria Express Train. It is $40 extra, per person, for the deluxe sleeping compartment (sleeps two)
Minimum of 4 participants