Special VTM tours
VTM is organised by Topas Travel, a Danish adventure travel company founded in 1973 and operating in Vietnam for over 20 years. Our experienced staff have put together a range of options for runners and supporters so you can add to your race experience. For more info about Topas please visit www.topastravel.vn
Day 1 (21 Jan): Hanoi – Topas Ecolodge
At 7am you will be taken on our special Topas Mountain Express direct to the Topas Ecolodge in time for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the beautiful lodge grounds, or go for a hike or bike ride in the surrounding countryside.
Day 2 (22 Jan): Topas Ecolodge
After your race you may simply like to relax more and enjoy the fresh mountain air. However, if you feel active you can choose from a range of hiking and biking tours or simply explore the area yourself. It’s also possible to head into the mountain town of Sapa for the day.
Available tours:
-Join a half day or full day walking/biking excursion.
-Book a half day tour to explore the highest peak of Indochina, Mt. Fansipan (3.143m), with the newly launched cable car, as well as visiting Sapa town
-Try a traditional Red Dao herbal bath at the lodge’s newly opened spa
Day 3 (23 Jan): Back to Hanoi
The Topas Mountain Express will bring you back to Hanoi at 2PM, so you have plenty more time today for running, hiking, cycling or simply relaxing with a good book with one of the most fantastic views in Vietnam.
Price: 315 US$/ person based on twin share. Add 195 US$ for a single room.
A special tour for race participants will run on Monday 21 Jan. If you would prefer another date, please email us after your online booking: info@vietnamjunglemarathon.com
We will pick you up at your hotel from 8-8:30am and then you will be taken by bus through the Red River Delta countryside to Ha Long City. On arrival in Halong City you will board a traditional wooden junk and start the cruising trip to the centre of Halong Bay. A fresh seafood lunch (vegetarian menu available) is served while the boat is gliding out on the emerald water. Enjoy the majestic scenery of this UNESCO site as you dine, with thousands of limestone islets rearing dramatically from the calm waters. You will then have the chance to discover Ba Hang Floating village by kayak or in a small traditional boat if you prefer. Following this you will continue in the wooden junk to the a beautiful cave named Thien Cung (Heaven Palace Grotto) and explore its huge chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites of all shapes and sizes. After cruising back to the harbour you will be transferred back to Hanoi and taken directly to your hotel.
Price: 60 US$/ person
Inclusive:
- Transfer to/from your hotel
- English speaking guide
- All entrance fees
- Four hours cruising (including Thien Cung cave ).
- Kayaking/bamboo boat
- One bottle of water on bus
- One soft drink or beer or bottle of water for lunch
- Seafood lunch on boat (vegetarian menu available)
- Tax and service charge
Exclusive
- Personal pocket-money
- Drinks and gratuities
- Pickup from your hotel outside of Old Quarter
A special tour for race participants will run on 21-22 Jan. If you would prefer another date, please email us after your online booking: info@vietnamtrailmarathon.com
This two day tour allows you to experience the best attractions that Halong Bay has to offer and is the perfect way to relax after the race. Enjoy the comfort of a classic wooden junk, attentive service and the wonder of this UNESCO site.
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi – Tuan Chau harbor – Bright Cave area
8.00-8.30: Pick up at your hotel for your transfer to Halong Bay.
12.00 – 12.30: At Tuan Chau International Marina, a tender boat will take you to our Halong Phoenix Cruiser. A refreshing welcome drink is served and you can check into your cabin.
13.00: A delicious set menu lunch is served in the restaurant while you can enjoy the amazing scenery. Cruise amongst the hundreds of islands. You will pass by Duck and Thumb islets to go to Bright cave area – (the border between Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay)
15.30: After 2.5 hours cruising, our boat will stop in Bright cave area for kayaking (A bamboo boat will be arranged for the elderly or people who cannot kayak) to visit the small cave and beautiful lagoons. Kayaking provides the opportunity to explore the beautiful lagoons and get closer to the island.
17.00: As the sun sets over the bay, we head back to our cruise and relax. Coffee, tea and fruits will be available on the sundeck or you can order your favourite drink while our boat cruises to the night’s anchorage area.
19.00: Dinner will be served with local seafood. After dinner you may choose to enjoy drinks from the bar or top deck or experience squid fishing before retiring.
Day 2: Surprising Cave – Tuan Chau Harbor– Hanoi
7.00 – 7.45: Enjoy the morning view of the beautiful landscape with a cup of coffee or tea. Have breakfast in the fresh air.
8.00 – 9.00: You will visit the impressive Cave of Halong Bay – Surprising Cave (Sửng Sốt) with your tour guide, a truly awesome and amazing cave to experience.
10.00: Check out of your cabin and settle your bill as our boat begins cruising back to the harbour. Experience more views of Halong Bay such as Fighting Cocks Island (Symbol of Halong Bay), Incense Burner and Stone Dogs Islands.
10.30: A cooking demonstration onboard shows you how to make authentic Vietnamese Spring rolls. You will learn about the recipes and techniques that create this popular dish of Vietnamese people.
11.00: Lunch is served on board during cruising towards the harbour.
11.45: Depart the Halong Phoenix Cruiser and travel by tender boat back to Tuan Chau International Marina where you board the shuttle bus back to Hanoi. Arrive to Hanoi around 16.30
Price: 145 US$/ person, based on twin-shared room
Single supplement: 55 US$
Note: upgrading to more luxurious cruises is available upon request
Inclusive:
- Shuttle bus transfer Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi
- Double/twin shared cabin
- Professional English speaking guide
- All entrance fees
- International standard sit-on-top kayak
- Bamboo boat trip.
- Spring roll making demonstration.
- Drinking water in cabin (2 bottles).
- 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner)
- Tax and service charge
Exclusive:
- Insurance
- Pre and post trip accommodation
- Private expenses
- Drinks
*Non-package accommodation in Hanoi: We are happy to assist runners in hotel booking with special rate for hotels 3-5 star. Please contact us at info@vietnamtrailmarathon.com for instant support.
Other Adventures
- Enjoy the best white beaches in Vietnam after your run
- Bike in the great Mekong River Delta
- Discover the caves of Quang Binh
We can also build you a bespoke tour: let us know your ideas and Topas Travel will arrange everything for you.