Last of Hoian -managed to get in a last swim in the ocean before the car trip to Danang and flight to Hanoi.

Had the afternoon in Hanoi, so wandered around main lake and shops. Then attended a session of the famous water puppets which were entertaining. Puppeteers dressed in waders manipulate the puppets to tell a story accompanied by a traditional band.

Then to the railway station to leave on the overnight train to Sapa. We were comfortable in a deluxe cabin for two and rattled and swayed our way through the night to arrive early in the morning at Sapa.

Lovely and cool and set in a ring of mountains with Vietnams highest mountain peak. We went for a walk through the town and picked up five hill tribe ladies who stuck with us for our hike.

We went for a gentle hike (advertised as a gentle stroll) which turned into a six hour marathon for 12 klms ( yes Lenore,12!!!) Up and down mountain paths slippery with mud and after an afternoon shower the narrow path turned into a raging stream.

I was so petrified of slipping and falling and doing damage to my arm. Luckily the hill ladies adopted me and when we got to a really bad slippery bit a little hand would take mine and support me and one of the others would show me where to put my feet.

They were so lovely and I know they were hoping to benefit but two of them stayed with me for the whole day. We paid premium dollars for some of their beautiful embroidery!!

Both of us were absolutely stuffed by the time we got back had a shower and both decided we could not make the walk down the hill to look for a restaurant so stayed at the hotel for a great but expensive meal!!

Janet and I are paying for the walk today today. Stiff and aching all over. There was another hike planned for today but talked the guide into driving us to see Vietnams tallest waterfall - only a 40 min walk involved!!!!