We continued down the waterfall

After the waterfall we left the main tourist route to climb the other side of the valley and then back to the river which we had to cross on rather less stable bridge

In the afternoon 4 or us went to the Ham Rong Tourist Area which is set in the hill above town which is topped with a radio tower. As well as good views of the area, it also contains interesting rock formations and some orchid gardens and is worth the entry fee (7000 Dong)

I had a nice meal of frogs legs tonight. Just like being in France.

Another trek today, this time to Tarfin village. This is home to Hmong, Red Dxao and White Dxao (these are all minority tribes) and is a short bus ride from Sapa. The views were similar to the previous days

At some point I succeeded in buying a Hmong harp.

Saturday is the night of the love market in Sapa. However this mainly consists of westerners wandering around the market are looking for it. Anyway since I didn't have any buffalo I was unable to find a young lady.

An early start (6:00) to head back to Hanoi. The only highlight was the discovery that at the lunch stop on the way to Sapa (which we also used going back) I had probably had rat when I ordered 'fried rice with meat'. Oh well never mind it tasted fine.

Again Sapa is a place well worth visiting. I was a little disappointed in the treks in that they were both pretty short. It is very possible to get the train to Lao Cai (this avoids the 12 hour bus journey) and then bus up to Sapa and arrange your own treks from there, many of which overnight in the ethnic villages. Alternatively if you come on the economy tour with the Hanoi café, arrange to take at least one long day trek instead of going on the treks provide with the tour. Having said that the price of $28 is still a bargain since it costs more in transport if you travel by yourself.

The next trip was the start of the journey south to Hue