Have been wanting to visit Halong bay for the longest time. While planning for the trip, I came across Sapa. The pictures of Sapa is breathtaking so I decided to include Sapa In my itinerary.
Was very very busy with work and studies before the trip. So I booked a tour with TOM travel so I do not have to worry about what to do in Sapa and how to get to Halong Bay. Mr. Tom response were fast and we eventually communicate via Skype (thanks to technology). He customized my trip for me so I get the best out of my trip.
Upon reaching Hanoi airport,a driver picked us up and send us to a Baokhan hotel, a 3-star hotel for us to place our backpacks and to freshen up before the night train. A complimentary service from Tom travel. We had some time before the night train so we walked around Hanoi old city.
Crossing the road in the old city is a real challenge. It was so exciting to cross the road there. We settled in a restaurant for our first meal there. The fried noodles is something I have not tasted before and I must say it is quite tasty. And the best part of the dinner is, I get my ice cold beer!
Continue to walk around searching for the water puppet show. It's actually right in front of us but we never realize. The puppet show is quite interesting. Admission is free if you do not take any photographs. But you are required to Pay if you wish to take photos. I have to leave the puppet show halfway because I need to catch the night train.
I went back to the hotel, shower and check out and a driver picked us up and send us to the train station. Foreigners can wait in another waiting area that is not crowded by the locals. I was very excited as this will be my very first experience on a night train. Again, board the train, bought some beers from the peddlers there, ate some nuts, drink beer, go to sleep and wake up in Sapa!
