Sapa - Descending into the mountains via very luxurious night train did not prepare us for hard core trek from the mountain town Sapa into the hill tribe villages, but the effort was worth it for amazing views of mountains and all the hundreds of rice terraces all cut into the hill side. Stayed in a homestay in one of the villages and ate best food of Vietnam and then were persuaded (very easily) by the host and our trek guide to drink countless shots of local rice wine all in the name of an authentic experience. Next day 'trekked' back but this involved a minibus and lots more amazing scenery. After an unexpected surprise track down (and back up again) to a waterfall minus the promised jeep we were very happy to collapse on the night train and return to Ha Noi
The next day after recovery time we set off for Ha Long Bay deciding against the tour option which meant a more interesting journey including 3 hours on an old boat with locals who looked so unimpressed to share their seats with us I'm surprised we didn't end up in the water. But we were rewarded by arriving on Cat Ba Island (only lived on island in Ha Long Bay) the nice peaceful tourist boat free way and the view once we were there across a multicoloured boat filled harbour well made up for the journey. After a day of beach time and a tour around the island we went off on a boat trip of the actual Ha Long Bay. Very impressive and a lot more peaceful then I imagined. There were whole villages just made up of shacks on rafts around fish farms all guarded by very viscious looking dogs which had a miraculous effect on my steering skills when we got off the boat to kayak around them.
After another eventful journey back we arrived in Ha Noi the next day and had our last night in Vietnam. Next day was our flight to Luang Prabang in Laos and the most relaxing airport experience I have ever had, visas, passport control etc and transport away all sorted in one very calm half hour. A very appropriate intro to Laos which is the most relaxing place I think I've ever been. Luang Prabang is very beautiful, pretty shuttered buildings all near the Mekong river, lots of temples and some very nice cafes and restaurants. Went to very nice waterfall today which we swam in - very much appreciated after a trek to the very top of it. First impressions of Laos very good and the perfect opposite to crazy Vietnam. Looking forward to exploring the rest once we drag ourselves away from here.
