Sept 26th : a day browsing around Hanoi ...

hmmmmm .... massage before the hike !

checking out the prices ???

attracted by the display of coffee beans and the aroma from this shop ....must get a cup ! forgot whether we managed to get any caffeine here ...!

we got to come back here after Sapa.....

coffee at Lam, anyone ???

bakery looks nice ... everywhere in Hanoi....

OMG , she's still here !

OMG! my favorite ....sweet potatoes !!!

Hanoians seem to like chequered floor

Spring rolls yummy

Still browzing !!! ....Cheaper here la...

just doing nothing...

and finally we settled for lunch....lets enjoy local cuisine at .... of course " MET VIETNAMESE AND VEGAN RESTAURANT "

they have outlets all over, even other countries as well.

In Hanoi alone, there are MET 1, MET2, MET3, MET4 and MET5.....Nearest to our hotel is MET 2.

This restaurant is proud of its cuisine from all over Vietnam. It has a distinct and sophisticated food culture. Every area in Vietnam has its own distinctive

qualities.

MET offers a authentic Vietnamese cuisine from North, Center and South and even Vegan. It is a perfect place for tourists if you do not know where or what to eat. A very clean restaurant , air conditioned and clean washroom. ( thats what every tourist looks for )

sooooo YUMMY .....

teaching us HOW to WRAP

super delicious.....MUST COME BACK !, which we did after Sapa...

a visit to the St Joseph Cathedral in Hanoi

St Joseph's Cathedral is a Catholic church on Nha Chung Street, in the Hoan Kiem district of Hanoi. It is a late 19th Century gothic revival church that serves as the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hanoi. This church is named after Joseph, the patron saint of Vietnam.

it is the oldest church in Hanoi, after going through 2 wars, the church keeps standing peacefully in the bustling city and has witnessed many ups and downs of Hanoi. It is one of the first architectural works built by the French colonial government in IndoChina. Close to Hoan Kiem lake, the church features twin bell towers and stain glass windows.

she's selling " GREEN RICE " many people buying & eating her rice wrapped in yam leave

of course, we must try the green rice..." acquired taste "

and of course the COCONUT COFFEE ! SUPER DELICIOUS

around the church many modern cafes & eateries...

view from the balcony of the cafe opposite

That evening , we had dinner at 4Ps Pizza .....one of the best pizza in the world!

4P's originals are goods that offer a variety of products that are artisanal and high quality foods, prepared meals, as well as a selection of items produced by their like-minded business partners.

" EARTH to PEOPLE - ONENESS "

at 4P's Pizza restaurant

" What makes this world exciting is nothing but your own mind " is the hidden message behind their logo. This is also the philosophy for the japanese natives that run this restaurant. They aim to provide a rich experience for every dinner from start to finish.

The 4P's stands for four passions that are visible on every plate.

The main focus on the ground floor is the open kitchen with the large pizza ovens. Architects from Japan manage to create a relaxing place that soothes the senses with dark color tone and with a combination of exposed concrete and terracotta bricks that puts focus on minimalistic furnishings.

Da Lat region is well known for its food production & is the place where the fresh produce for 4P's comes from. All greens are grown naturally, without synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilisers.

We had a fantastic meal.....

8PM , our transport to the Train Station where we board the CHAPA EXPRESS to SAPA.

at the waiting lounge in the Railway Station, Hanoi

impressive Railway station

CHAPA EXPRESS

makes the overnight journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai in style and comfort. 14 compact, fully equipped cabin with air conditioning, reading lights, comfortable beds and Sapa inspired decor. Choose from 4 berth cabin, VIP cabins, suite 2 Berth cabin.

checking out the train..... so excited , who's taking the top bunk ???

our cabin

nice washroom

Arrived in Lao Cai, Sapa at 5:55AM next morning ..... nice train but very noisy ! most of us did not get a good night sleep, unfortunately... So we were tired and anxious to get to out hotel as soon as possible to get some rest. The transport 350000 dongs took 45 min to the hotel in Sapa. Next time, either a normal train if you can sleep through the railway track noise (cheaper, probably half the price ) or take the 6 hr VIP Limousine van . (US23 per pax). Chapa Express is more decorated cabins, nice looking washrooms. But still takes the same time to reach Lao Cai, Sapa. But i must say, Its a good experience !

Checked into a very nice, friendly staff, clean hotel....I would rate this hotel the best stay we had in Vietnam. Its reasonably priced and super informative, friendly staff. Rooms and beds are comfortable. Located strategically in town and easy to get to CatCat village as well. Walking to Sapa town is only 5 min walk to the center. Its the My Boutique Hotel and Spa in Sapa.