An interesting time in Sapa, in the hills of northern Vietnam. The train was smarter than the rather grubby 'Reunification Express'. It was good to get out of the city, and 'see' the countryside, although we didn't see much. Sapa is shrouded in fog for 99% of the time in the winter, which also made it very damp and cold. It was difficult to find anyway warm, especially when the hotels leave all their doors open.

The trekking was rather farcical- we spent most of the time slipping through muddy paddy fields, with crowds of willing female 'helpers' surrounding us, keen to lend a hand, but expecting us to buy some of their handicrafts at the end. So much for a peaceful experience - not my idea of trekking. The villages were rather tatty as well, with it all being reachable by vehicle anyway. We were rewarded with some excellent views when the fog did lift occasionally.