Air Vietnam flight 662 was among the cheaper options we had. Flight was rather uneventful except for the occassional turbulence. But the attentive service of the staff helped to lessen the discomfort by ensuring that the flow of drinks is tended to.
Upon landing, we quickly got the VinaFone SimCard for 300kVND. It gives unlimited 3GData for an entire month. It is the best bundle one can get for a short holiday in Vietnam. Thereafter, the Tourist Counter assisted in the arrangement of land transfer to the train station. For US23, we got a quick ride through busy traffic to and through Hanoi and in plenty of time for the train transfer to Lao Cai.
To be able to have the cabin to ourselves, we bought all the bunks for the four-soft-bed-sleeper. A tiny cabin with enough room for knee-space between bunks in two levels. The tickets the agency got us were for US$170. But when purchased over the counter (which we bought in advance for the return journey) the same-four tickets cost us VND2200000 (SGD132). Tuition fee for this lesson cost us SGD74.
However, it helped remove the anxiety of checking into the right train-cabin. The tickets we bought was for Livitrans. There was also Sapaly, Victorian and Fansipan cabins. Counter and other service staff at the station were not entirely helpful. They speak little English, were impatient to hear your concerns out and could not be of any help. This was alleviated by the agency staff we bought the tickets from. As a first experience, it was worth it. We might have missed the train entirely. Now, having experienced this, we could now know what to look for. Just listen to the announcements (only in Vietnamese), and follow the crowd.
Hanoi - Lao Cai
The journey through the night from 2015 passed through towns and villages with a couple of quick stops now and then. The ride is bumpy and the twists and turns of the tracks (unavoidable in train travel) does help to steal the deep REM sleep away from us. The cabin however (designed for four) was comfortable for the two of us. Toilet and wash facilities are however shared with all on the wagon. Much in the same ratio as that on a tourist bus.
Arrival in Lao Cai was at 0500 am. On time.
Lao Cai - Sapa
Upon arrival, we were whisked into a mini-bus with 8 other travellers. We arranged the transfer through our hotel, the Sapa Luxury Hotel for US2.50. If via private car transfer, the cost will be about US20. It was a pleasant sunrise drive up the winding road to Sapa, a journey of a few minutes short of the hour through about 30 kms of uphill windy roads.
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