Hi Linda, Linh
How have you been? It’s have been busy lately and till now only have time to reply you.
I can’t remember what is item#6 and what comment has been given but overall we are happy, enjoy , no complain throughout the trip and have a fruitful trip. I’m not kind of person who give excellent mark easily, but I definitely will recommend ASIATICA to my friends who going visit Hanoi.
For tour pre-arrangement, ASIATICA especially Linh, she did a great job from trip proposal to meet our budget, answered all our questions and needs, help resolve issue. Most important and credit to ASIATICA is that quick response from you all, this is one of the reason I choose ASIATICA at first after I emailed few tour agencies. Off course, Ms. Linda provide the necessary tour information and follow up on everything with us prior to the trip.
During the tour, the actual tour vs the trip itinerary it meet our expectation and we have a great tour guide from ASIATICA. We received a warm welcome from ASIATICA especially from you both ladies and we were surprise to receive a welcome souvenir from ASIATICA. You all are so friendly. Speaking on the tour itinerary – just a little suggestion: if any customer who did a similar route like Ninh Binh – Sapa, but Mr. Thanh did a great work as well, he brought us to Cosiana Hotel to put our luggage without carrying here and there, introduced a hotel cute guy who going to pick us up when we back from Sapa. Really appreciate it, so that we won’t get con when we all arrive Hanoi in the early morning where our brain still in sleeping mode and malfunction .
For Sapa trip, the short walk is not short for us LOL. Well it was rainy day, so we were walked on the muddle trek with help from Hmong ladies – adventure. The 2 days trek for Sapa, we indeed decided to forgo the Cat Cat Village trek because after the 1st day trek , our pity feet get hurt, so we choose to do Sapa town visit. Anyway not a big deal, we still enjoying and not to forget Ms.Vy , a cute and friendly guide, and yes she is good in cooking, till now I miss her french fries. The homestay is good, the owner was in fact 1 of the Hmong lady who help us along the trip, so we all have happy time with them.
For Halong trip, I’m believe we got upgrade cruise from 3 star (Bai Tho Junk) to 4/5 star (Victory Cruise), thanks ASIATICA, we were so happy about that. Also, besides from the red wine given and flower for my friends to celebrate their anniversary, we received an additional cake as well which we all again caught in surprise. I would like to credit ASIATICA again to choose the right cruise company, who provide good cruise and services to us. We enjoy the cruise ride.
Overall, ASIATICA services is excellent and if you want me to rate, I would rate it 9/10. Why no 10/10? Everything is perfect and there is always room for improvement
Regards,
Michelle
Detailed Program
Day 01 12-Sep-16 Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hanoi - night train to Lao Cai
7h30, pick up at your hotel at Hanoi Golden Charm Hotel
Address: 24 Hang Quat Street, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Phone: +844.32669272 Fax: +844.32669273
and depart to Ninh Binh also known as « Dry Halong Bay». On the way, we will stop to visit Hoa Lu, which used to be Vietnam’s capital during the 10th century. Arrive at Tam Coc, where we will embark a small rowing boat to discover the outstanding karst waterscape on Ngo Dong River. Tam Coc literally translates to « three caves» and is adorned with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites of all sizes shaped like gemstones. When rowing, enjoy the peaceful scenery of rice paddies lining the river bank. We will cycle along winding roads passing lotus ponds, temples and cottages, typical of Vietnamese countryside to visit Bich Dong Pagoda situated on a hillside. Then return to Hanoi and wait for the night train to Lao Cai (without guide) (4 persons/cabin).
Day 02 13-Sep-16 Lao Cai – Sapa – B, L, D
Arrival at Lao Cai station, then transfer to Sapa.
We will spend the day exploring Sapa famous for it pleasant climate, picturesque scenery and vibrant ethnic markets. Descend into the Muong Hoa valley to visit Lao Chai village home to Black H’Mong and Ta Van village home to Dzay people. Capture the stunning scenery of terraced rice paddies and streams winding their way through the lush hills and mountains. Night at homestay.
Day 03 14-Sep-16 Sapa - Lao Cai – Hanoi– B
Visit Cat Cat village, home to H’Mong ethnic people. They are excellent “tho cam” weavers, a kind of brocade fabric. The “tho cam” of Cat Cat village is of especially high quality, as it is dyed with natural colors, polished with beeswax and embroidered with unique designs. Cat Cat silver jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings are known for their sophisticated production techniques. A walk through this old village offers a glimpse into traditional customs and practices of the ethnic Black Hmong. In the evening we return to Lao Cai for the night train to Hanoi. Climbs up the Ham Rong mountains to have a panoramic view of Sapa. Take the free time to visit the cathedral and the market of Sapa. Transfer to Lao Cai.
Overnight in the 4 soft berths cabin. (without guide) (4 persons/cabin).
Day 04 15-Sep-16 Hanoi – Halong– B, L,D
Pick up early at the railways station by the employee of hotel and walk to Cosiana hotel 92 Lê Duẩn, Cửa Nam, Hoàn Kiếm.
Điện thoại: +84 4 3942 9292
nearby to have breakfast and a bath, and sleep a moment.
7:30 Am, pick up by shuttle bus to Halong.
11.30 - 12.15 Arrival at Hon Gai International Harbour.
12.30 - 13.00 Transfer by tender to boat, enjoy Welcome Drink, Depart to Bai Tu long Bay.
13.00 - 14.30 Enjoy Lunch while cruising to magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay, admire the fascinating formations on the way.
15.30 - 15.45 Explore the well- hidden Thien Canh Son cave.
15.45 - 17.30 Enjoy relaxing on a white sandy beach at Hon Co Island.
17.30 Return to boat - Continue cruising through the bay.
18.30 Anchor for overnight at Cong Do area.
19.30 - 21.00 Savor a delicious Set Dinner in dining room.
21.00 - 23.00 Relax, enjoy fresh air & overnight on board.
Day 05 16-Sep-16 Halong – Hanoi– B
06.30 Enjoy Sunrise over the Bay.
06.45 - 07.45 Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries served in dining room.
07.45 - 08.45 Transfer from boat to rowing boat to visit Vung Vieng Fishing Village.
09.00 - 09.30 Check-out cabins and settle bills – Luggage collection
09.30 - 10.30 Having international Brunch served in dining room.
10.30 - 11.00 Arrival at the pier. Pick up and transfer to Hanoi.
***End of our services***