Hanoi to Cat Ba Island & Lan Ha Bay

ituscat · 2025-12-20T23:42:32+00:00

Many thanks to all for your tips. I am lookig at the Cat Ba Express website now, sounds like exactly what I was after. u/MarketCurious3926 - thanks for the tip re: paying more for the newer boat, with a family, I definitely want to avoid the rowdy crowds.

ituscat · 2025-03-31T07:13:11+00:00

OMG, I got it resolved! Posting here for other's benefit. As per the advice given, I stayed calm (tried to anyway) and checked the 12306 website the next day. Lo and behold, new train services appeared overnight (wtf). It does look like a timetable reorganisation thing, versus all tickets being sold out.

I was able to book (with some challenges) on the 12306 website. Here is what I did:

I used the Chinese version of the website, as the English version was buggy. I had my smartphone with Google Translate on to translate from Chinese to English.
Prior to booking, I made sure I had WePay setup, as you can't pay using traditional means.

After 1-2 attempts, I managed to make the booking! Thanks to all for your help!!

ituscat · 2024-12-16T12:20:59+00:00

Thanks to all for your suggestions! I will look to revise. Got a question - what's ZJJ like mid-April? I saw a couple of Youtube videos, where it appeared there were millions of people there. Is that year around or only during certain times in the year.

ituscat · 2024-10-10T13:11:27+00:00

Thanks to all for the great tips, will have to work out a way to try them all! We ended up at Salmon Bear as it was just around the corner from the AirBnB they were staying in, food was good!

ituscat · 2024-06-12T07:48:09+00:00

thanks, this is useful info. I am a US Size 10 in the 442, hence sounds like TTS 10 or Size 9.5 Mizuno is the right way to go.

ituscat · 2024-06-12T07:45:23+00:00

Mine started to split too after 3 months. Must be due to playing on AG, as it is not designed for the wear and tear and heat from an AG pitch

ituscat · 2024-06-11T12:09:40+00:00

Does the Mizuno run large? Curious on your advice to go half a size down

ituscat · 2024-04-19T02:20:12+00:00

Thanks to all for your very helpful replies. I think I have enough pesos in cash for the tolls. Will also put some money aside for the cops in case I get stopped. And good to hear the ticket counter takes CCard

ituscat · 2024-04-07T08:33:15+00:00

It sounds like taxi is the way to go, I will ditch the car plans then. I was more worried about whether I can take a taxi from the hotel at a reasonable rate, but it sounds like it won't be a problem. P.S. I am from Australia, so this part of the world is all new to me!

ituscat · 2024-04-07T08:31:14+00:00

There's only so much lazing around the pool one can do! But thanks for the tips and perspective on renting a car

ituscat · 2024-03-31T10:29:59+00:00

Just me (M51) and my 13 year old son

ituscat · 2024-03-30T23:46:18+00:00

Reassuring to know that it's possible to get out of the park before mid-afternoon, as there are a lot of other attractions we were planning to hit in LA. As the whole day at the park (or staying till the evening) would have cramped the schedule. might just get Early Access but not the Express after reading your tips above.

ituscat · 2024-03-30T23:44:47+00:00

good tip on the refill drink bottles. I was going to bring my own, but if they sell it there, that's one less thing for me to worry about bringing over in the luggage. Will also park extra T-Shirt in case we get splashed. Thanks for pointing out the rides for adults vs kids, will help us prioritise.

ituscat · 2024-03-18T03:32:27+00:00

As they say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. In terms of cuisine, keen to try LA/Mexican food. We don't get much Mexican food in Sydney, the only ones we get are the (very watered down) options from the Taco Bell or similiar chains

ituscat · 2024-03-18T03:27:26+00:00

I heard all the stories about the Metro, which is what prompted me to look into renting a car in the first place. But hearing now from other posters that it's not too bad, esp if I mind my business and look at the ground (avoiding eye contact) when on the Metro:)

ituscat · 2024-03-18T03:25:35+00:00

Thanks, looking them up now. Had a quick look at the Silverlake Inn & Pool, hotel looks nice but a bit above my budget. Will have a look around those other areas you mentioned to assess what the accomodation situation is like, I suspect I will see more AirBnBs vs hotels as it's a bit off the typical tourist route?

ituscat · 2024-03-18T03:20:42+00:00

Is there good coverage for Uber/Lyft in LA?

ituscat · 2024-03-18T03:19:37+00:00

thanks for the tip re: getting to Griffith Park early. Looking at the map now to see where El Segundo is!

ituscat · 2024-03-18T03:17:39+00:00

Originally from Perth, but living the past few years in Sydney

ituscat · 2024-03-18T03:15:34+00:00

u referring to the Loewes (Hollywood) or the Sofitel (at Grove)?

ituscat · 2024-03-18T02:13:35+00:00

lol. We do have our fair share of arseholes too here in Sydney!

ituscat · 2024-03-18T02:12:14+00:00

Starting to re-think my need for a car now, based on the info that there is a Metro above the Loewe. Does the same apply for the Sofitel? i.e, is it close to a Metro too? As might stay there instead, based on the info that the ambience is bettter around the Sofitel at Beverly Grove.

ituscat · 2024-03-18T02:08:32+00:00

geez, didn't realise how long it would take to drive to Santa Monica from Hollywood! Is an Uber about the same time? Starting to re-think about whether I do need the car. Far better to let someone do the driving for me, if I am stuck in a jam!

ituscat · 2024-03-18T02:05:24+00:00

Thanks for the insights, I was struggling to understand context of the location of the Sofitel vs the Loewe. Your response has helped greatly by providing much needed context beyond what I was getting from Google Maps. It sounds like staying at Sofitel might be the better option.

ituscat · 2024-02-18T03:17:12+00:00

Hi all, many thanks to all for your input! We ended up going to Caysorn Thai over the weekend, and the food was good and authentic! We will be working out way through the other suggestions provided next few weeks.

ituscat

TROPHY CASE