If you're going to be there from 15-24 dec, you can do more days in sapa. In that case, don't bother taking a tour. Just book the train tickets and off you go!
From Lao cai station, there are mini buses that'll bring you to town, just specify the accom that you want to be dropped off. If I go back again, I'd like to stay at those places with the view of the valleys.... sigh, looks so nice there. When there, get a good map and go walk the trails, you can arrange a homestay there if you want or climb fansipan if you're up to a challenge! As for halal food... erm, yeah, i dun recall seeing any. but if you're not fussy, there are places to eat non-pork dishes. And yes, it's cold at night. bout 7-10 when i was last there in dec.
Halong bay.. given your time there, can do a 3d2n trip with 1 day at cat ba islands. The real sinhcafe arranges mid-ranged trips which are fairly comfy and not too ex. I spend US$69 for 2d1n. 3d2n should be about US$80ish? don't do a day trip, which will be a big rush because it's a 2-3hr ride to the harbour
To get a feel of the other activities, you can also pick up a sinh cafe brochure or check their website then either arrange with them (which is good value to me) or self arrange/drive.
