Awoken to the sunlight and misty views from the window and it was clear we were in another word from Hanoi. Rice paddy fields and little wooden huts and children making their way to school.
Out of the train at 7 to grab a fresh hot baguette and a mini bus to Sapa. A one hour, 36km climb up to the mountain village with the most amazing views into the valleys as the sun burnt away the mist.
Walking around the village for a short time hunting down our digs for the night. Prices ranging from a haggled $7 to the ridiculous. We settled on a family run guesthouse that happened to be recommended in our bible; the lonely planet guide. $10 for a basic room with the most unbelievable views into the valleys from the balcony. A quick 10 minuet nap that turned into a 5 hour sleep put us into the afternoon.
As the sun set over the mountains we took a stroll around the village and found a small restaurant for dinner. More beef pho for Siobh and a Vietnamese toastie for my not so happy belly. The food was great and it was making me feel better after each bite. We therefore deserved dessert. Sapa has a European feel about it. There are lots of fresh bakeries and a few Pasta and pizza restaurants. We finished with more ginger tea and a slice of cake. A little window shopping on the stroll back home.
Into bed for hopefully a good nights sleep in order to head out trekking tomorrow.