Sapa was fantastic, and definitely a bargain at $99 each.It was our favourite place in Vietnam, and we would love to go back for longer. The first class cabin was good.It was a cabin for 4 people, which was fine as we had booked the trip with another couple (Jon and Lauren) so we were able to share with them.It was a comfy overnight ride and there was even a TV in the cabin, but unfortunately it did not work, no matter how much Graham and Jon tried to make it work!

The trip was a little like being on a school trip, as everything was so organized, and as I had booked it in my name, all the tickets for the 4 of us came to me, so I felt like teacher.We had been reluctant to go with an organized trip, but we're pleased we did, as it took the hassle out of it, and I think it would have cost us more to do it ourselves.Before we got on the train, we were given cards with the name of our hotel on, to make sure we got on the correct shuttle bus when we got off the train.This became evidently important, as when you get off the train there are lots of people holding signs for various hotels and others trying to offer you lifts to Sapa, as it is another hour away from the train station.So, we got on our bus and arrived at our hotel at about 7am.Our room was great, with a balcony overlooking the mountains.The only problem was that they were extending the hotel, and our room had previously been the end one, so our side window looked out onto a building site, but we had a curtain to cover this!All our meals were included in the cost, so we have been eating 3 big meals a day, which we are not used to doing now, so we've probably put on some of the weight we had lost!

We were given our own guide for the 4 of us, as we had requested this when we booked.Most groups were quite large, so we were lucky.(Anyone going, book though Kangaroo Travels in Hanoi!)The first morning we had a short trek to Cat Cat and Sin Chai Villages, where we saw the H'moung Tribes people doing weaving and embroidery.We did the trek quite quickly, so went to a waterfall for a swim before lunch.It was freezing, but so refreshing after trekking in the heat.Most people then got motorbike taxi's back to town, but we decided to trek back, as this would be cheating!We then had the afternoon free to explore Sapa, but unfortunately I got a cold and spent all afternoon and evening in bed feeling sorry for myself!

The next day we trekked to Muong Hoa Valley and Ylinhho Village to see the Black H'mong Tribe, and to Lao Chai for lunch.We then trekked to Ta Van Village, inhabited by the Zay minorities, and we did a homestay here for the night.Again, we arrived early, so went to the river for a swim.The homestay was excellent.There were just the 4 of us and our guide Lan, who was great fun.We slept in the loft of the families house, which was all open plan.They cooked a meal for us and then gave us lots of shots of Rice Wine.After 3 shots I decided not to have more, after all the medication I had taken for my cold, but the rest kept on drinking.The host was eager to get us drunk, as they make money by selling drinks to the guests, so she wanted us to buy more beer - which worked!We had a huge thunder and lightning storm that night, which shook the building, but the weather was fine by the morning.

On the last day we had breakfast with the family, then took some small paths and did some climbing though bamboo forests and past rice fields.We crossed a very high waterfall, which was quite scary, as we had to jump across some rocks at the top of it.I still can't believe we did it!We then went to the Giang Ta Chai Village to see the red Dzao people.Along the trek, various girls and women would follow us, and then when we stopped try to sell us various things.I managed to get away with not being hassled too much, as Lauren, who was with us, looked much more fragile than me, so the women kept trying to help her so they could say to her she owed them and had to buy something.This was the only annoying part of the experience, but I suppose you can't blame them for trying!

We then took the overnight train back to Hanoi, had breakfast, handed in some washing, said our goodbyes to Jon and Lauren and were straight onto our next trip to Halong Bay…….

Maggie