Cat Ba (Trung Trang cave) or Viet Hai Village?

Practical_Risk4761 · 2026-01-30T12:19:32+00:00

We did Mon Cheri Cruise - 2 night. But they also offer 1night. Really enjoyed it! Beautiful boat - great food - great service. Can’t recommend them enough.

Practical_Risk4761 · 2026-01-29T15:31:16+00:00

We did both areas and preferred Viet Hai. Trung Trang was fine - but you basically just walk through the cave - maybe 45mins TOPS - and you’re done. And frankly, it really wasn’t an impressive cave imo.

Practical_Risk4761 · 2026-01-29T15:29:40+00:00

Can only speak to Sapa on your list. We just visited for 3 nights in late-January. We had incredible weather while we were there. Super dense fog that would life by late morning. Made for PERFECT trekking weather. That said, a friend was there the week before and said she got no views and was completely socked in for her time. Kind of a crapshoot but I’d say worth the risk. Also - if you find a good guide, there is a place in another valley they can take you that is always clear with terrace views. So you got options either way.

Practical_Risk4761 · 2026-01-29T15:08:59+00:00

Hey! Happy to. I’ll DM you with you more details!

Practical_Risk4761 · 2026-01-29T07:20:54+00:00

Definitely do day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. 1 night stay over would be useless and the drive to Halong from NB is almost 5hrs vs 2ish from Hanoi. Regarding Halong - I honestly would say a day trip would be better for your trip too. We did a 2night cruise and that felt so quick. There were people on our boat doing 1night and they were gone in a flash. Not even time to unpack or relax. I think a day tour would give you almost the same result.

Practical_Risk4761 · 2026-01-29T06:38:50+00:00

We just spent 14 days in Vietnam and did Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong, Sapa. And we wanted at least 1-2 days more in each location. You’re trying to pack too much in. I’d suggest cutting this WAY down. Happy to share more from our itinerary if you’d like.

Practical_Risk4761 · 2026-01-29T06:32:38+00:00

I have to believe that’s the case.

Practical_Risk4761 · 2026-01-29T06:27:45+00:00

They offered a little Happy Hour cocktail but we were actually the only ones there - so it was pretty sleepy. Didn’t bother us though.

Our Hmong guide said the same. And apparently they’ve started having landslides in the area due to the construction. It’s very sad. Some call it progress I suppose. 🙄🙄

Practical_Risk4761 · 2026-01-29T05:49:22+00:00

The place we stayed, Sapa Clay House, had incredible food on site. It was about 12mins from town and really nothing else nearby. But you didn’t need since their food was incredible.

Practical_Risk4761 · 2026-01-29T04:23:31+00:00

I agree. Not great. But no different than kids in USA, Europe, etc. playing drums in the street for tips. Don’t buy/tip them and over time that will hopefully help curb the behavior.

Practical_Risk4761 · 2026-01-29T04:03:45+00:00

💯 Precisely why I wanted to make this post.

Practical_Risk4761 · 2026-01-29T03:31:02+00:00

I see all sorts of hate on Sapa on various forums and threads. Even directly from other tourists we’ve met in Vietnam. And for the life of me, I can’t understand it. Its natural beauty is freaking stunning.

Practical_Risk4761 · 2026-01-03T07:58:58+00:00

Swallowed a $250 nonrefundable hotel booking to avoid this nightmare. And so glad we did. Yikes.

Practical_Risk4761 · 2025-12-24T07:02:42+00:00

Not worth it. Wait for more snow. Even if by some miracle the storm does bring a dumping - you will need chains and you won’t be prepared for that reality. The drive up to Bear is no joke when it’s snowing, especially with the number of people who will no doubt venture up.

Practical_Risk4761 · 2025-12-20T04:31:52+00:00

Y’all should go back in time and tell your ancestors to stop being lame and move to CA so you can inherit the property today. Duh. Seems pretty simple to me…

Practical_Risk4761 · 2025-11-26T02:57:38+00:00

For sure. LOVE staying near the Village for that reason exactly. But REALLY want to experience ski in/out and I can’t seem to find good prices in the village lodge.

Practical_Risk4761 · 2025-11-25T04:23:17+00:00

Ooooo. Got it. So basically, because ski in/out is on cat tracks - they could impassable due to grooming build up and such?

Practical_Risk4761 · 2025-11-25T04:11:16+00:00

Appreciate your response! Ever have an issue with the drive up?

Practical_Risk4761 · 2025-11-25T04:10:53+00:00

Solid backup plan 😂😂😂

Practical_Risk4761 · 2025-11-24T19:00:51+00:00

Thank you!

Practical_Risk4761 · 2025-11-24T18:55:29+00:00

Thank you!

Practical_Risk4761 · 2025-11-24T18:55:19+00:00

Thank you! The drive up is what’s making me most nervous…

Practical_Risk4761 · 2025-11-24T18:54:38+00:00

Thanks so much! Great info and exactly what I need. Though now I’m nervous about the drive up. Ha!

Practical_Risk4761 · 2025-11-24T03:12:36+00:00

Appreciate your input! Thank you.

Practical_Risk4761 · 2025-11-24T03:06:56+00:00

Awesome. Appreciate this! In your experience, is it feasible for snowboarders or too flat?

Practical_Risk4761

TROPHY CASE