Topas ecolodge and market package 2d/3n

Ref.EM2A
Activities: Market visiting
Grade: Easy
Validity: from Jan 1^st - Dec 31^st 2010

Overview:
The markets in the Northern Vietnam are always the colorful meeting places for the hill tribes of Vietnam. Minority people come down from the mountains to sell their products, or just for catching up on the latest news or gossip. The package is a combination of a stay at Topas Ecolodge, where you can explore the pure nature, peace and unique views over the mountains, with an unforgettable experience of encountering the various tribes in their colorful traditional dress, enjoying the fresh smell of exotic herbs and spices, sharing the abundant rice wine and purchasing some local souvenir products in their food stalls.

Short Itinerary:
Day 1: Night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai.
Day 2: Full day visit at the market. Overnight at Topas Ecolodge.
Day 3: Free day. Back to Lao Cai. Train to Hanoi.
Day 4: Tour ends in Hanoi.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi - night train to Lao Cai (-,-,-)
You will take the night train from Hanoi Station to Lao Cai.

Day 2: Full day visit to a Market - Topas Ecolodge (B,L,D)
The train arrives at Lao Cai Station approx at 5h30 where our guide and driver are waiting. You will enjoy your breakfast at your own expense at a local restaurant in Lao Cai.
You will then go from Lao Cai to one of the markets, depending on which day today is. There are the markets of Coc Ly (or Ban Cam on Tuesdays), Lung Khau Nhin (Thursdays), Can Cau (Saturdays) and Bac Ha (or Muong Khuong or Muong Hum on Sundays), all located in the surrounding mountainous area, 70 – 90 km from Lao Cai. All of the markets are colorful with many different hill tribes living around the market, gathers in a morning of the week. They come to the market not only for purchasing their local products, but also for their special social event.
In the mid afternoon you will be transferred to Topas Ecolodge. You check in to your bungalow and enjoy the view of the valley and dotted mountain surroundings.
Dinner and overnight at Topas Ecolodge.

Day 3: Topas Ecolodge - Sapa - Lao Cai (B,-,-)
The morning is at your leisure at Topas Ecolodge. If you would like to buy a half day excursion to the beneath valley, where the friendly ethnic minority people lives, the Lodge staff can assist you with tours and information.
It is at your choice to take either the shuttle bus departing at 9h00 or at 14h00 to Sapa.
At 17h30, you will take the shuttle bus to Lao Cai for the night train back to Hanoi.

Day 4: Arrival in Hanoi (-,-,-)
The train will arrive in Hanoi around 4h30 am. End of trip.

Note: It is possible to change the market day to day 3 if there is no market on day 2. In that case you will take the Topas Ecolodge shuttle bus directly from Lao Cai Station to Topas Ecolodge, and have the whole day 2 relaxing at the Lodge.

Inclusive:

• English/ French Speaking Guide during excursions
• 1 night at Topas Ecolodge (twin shared Deluxe bungalow)
• All indicated meals (B as breakfast, L as lunch, D as dinner)
• Return train ticket Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hanoi (soft sleeper in 4-berth AC cabin)
• All land transfer as indicated.
• All entrance fees to the indicated places.

Exclusive:

• Insurance
• Pre and post trip accommodation
• Private expenses
• Drinks and Beverage
• All other services not mentioned as inclusive

Note: Other meals in Topas Ecolodge are recommended to be booked in advance

Promotion: Topas Ecolodge is running the Summer 2010 promotion of stay 3 nights pay 2 nights only from 6th May to 30th Sep. 2010. The promotion is also applied to the package in case you extend your stay in Topas Ecolodge to at least 3 consecutive nights.