It was clear and sunny this morning and we could see the top of Mt Fansipan from our balcony for a change. We decided to take the opportunity to go up to the lookout on Ham Rong mountain. So lots of uneven steps and rest stops later we made it to the top for the magnificent view of Sapa and the garden below. Along the way there are some unusual statues, based on the lunar calendar but more like Disney characters. There's are also some nice gardens. It was a bit easier to get back down and then we went to the restaurant above the supermarket for lunch. Later we met Glenn and Su and their friends Tim and Meena for dinner at a restaurant owned by a Polish friend.... read more

As we were finishing breakfast Su arrived with the flower girls, her sister Pla and niece La La. I walked up to the square with them then we caught a taxi to the new market to buy their shoes and accessories for the wedding. Back at the hotel the girls showered and then they went to get their hair and make-up done. Some hours later they returned to dress for the wedding. Meanwhile Malcolm had joined Glenn at the venue. We took some photos on the hotel terrace before the arrival of the wedding car (Luu and Tuyen's) which was decorated with ribbons and flowers. I went in to the venue first greeted with hugs from Grandma Si, Su's mother Khu and others. Next the flower girls walked in scattering rose petals and then Su's father ... read more

We woke before the alarm so were ready to go down to breakfast for 6.30. We were collected by the Mini bus to SaPa at 7 but had concerns for a while whether it was actually going to SaPa. Once it had passed the airport turn off we were much happier although not so keen on our driver who seemed distracted and tired. We arrived into SaPa at around 12.30 and were greeted by Luu at the hotel. SaPa has changed a lot, is much busier and a large construction site, so many new hotels and many more cars on the roads. Glenn and Su arrived on their moto and we had lunch together and caught up. After lunch we called in to see the wedding venue before going to the village house to deliver the ... read more