Sapa Vietnam, the district of Lao Cai Province, is a quiet and modest area nestled in high mountains and drifting clouds, surrounded by magnificent natural beauty.

Picturesque Pu Luong in the north-central province of Thanh Hoa  

May and June are the best months to visit Pu Luong as that’s when the rice terraces are at their most bountiful.  

It’s an idyllic spot and lies at the heart of Pu Luong Nature Reserve on the border of Quan Hoa and Ba Thuoc districts in Thanh Hoa Province.

Created in 1999, the reserve is located 150 km from the provincial capital, also called Thanh Hoa.

I’m writing this waiting to get the night train to Hue. We just came back from Halong Bay which was an overnight on a boat on the bay. It is a world heritage site and so beautiful. It was misty and a bit rainy but apparently that makes it more atmospheric although I’d say they just tell you that to shut people up moaning. It was a long trip in a mini bus to the bay and of course as usual with organised tours we had to stop at a souvenir shop for twenty minutes more like forty. When we got to the bay our boat was nice and the crew were lovely.

A BAT let out a startled screech as we paddled our kayak into a moonlit limestone cave in Halong Bay. I'm not sure who was more surprised – me or him – but it served to remind me that humans are the minority here.

Well, another amazing day. Today may well have been one of the highlights of the trip...which is a presumptuous statement to make after only 5 days on the road, I know, but still. I don't really expect to see scenery and people like this everywhere we go.

 

"Everyday is Valentine's Day in February with 14% Discount on all On board Services"

( VALID FROM 1st FEB – 28th FEB 09)

Enjoy the Sweet February on the Bay with Indochina Sails:

• 14% Discount on Beverages, Kayaking, Massage Services and Transportation

Hello!!!! And Merry Christmas to everyone. Just spending Christmas in Halong Bay!

 

Halong Bay is the jewel in the crown of Vietnam cruise travel destinations. Located 165km (102 miles) East of Vietnam's capital Hanoi, the 150,000 ha (370,658 acre) Halong Bay lies on Vietnam's Northeastern coast in the Gulf of Tonkin.

TRAVELERS’ TIPS

1. GENERAL NOTE

1.1. Weather

Expected temperature and weather in locations in your itinerary Hanoi – Halong: Sunny and hot: 22 -30oC Hue – Hoian: Sunny and hot: 24 -35oC Saigon -Mekong: Sunny and hot: 23- 34oC Seam Reap – Phnom Penh: Sunny and hot: 23- 34oC

1.2. Local flight schedule could be changed at short notice. This is beyond our control. However, we undertake to do our best to minimize any inconvenience caused

1.3. What need to be brought in Vietnam