Since my Chinese itinerary seems to be more or less done. Time to turn to Vietnam.
It turns out that I arrive in Lao Cai by bus from Kunming on Tuesday Nov. 11. That is the day Coc Ly has its market, I am only spending three days in the area taking the night train on Thursday to Hanoi.
So will miss Sunday markets and would like to see one, Coc Ly seems the best choice, my only choice to exact.

What are my best options for getting to Coc Ly from Lao Cai and then Sapa and back to Lao Cai. Or is there a better itinerary with other places to stay at. I am not a hiker or a trekker. Transportation will be by bus or car if that is doable. Am open to other locations than Sapa.
As usual grateful for all tips and suggestions

Hi NYWoman

I've done this route and there may be other ways to go, but I hired a car. It was great; I liked the flexibility and I do not recall it being expensive.

I used a guide named Dao Long. His email is [email protected] and he can make the arrangements. Not sure if you want a guide or not; if you just want a driver, be sure to tell him you need one that speaks English, as many do not.

Possibly your hotel can arrange it as well.

Hi Offwego,
Thanks for your reply. Could you tell me a little more about your itinerary and did you have the guide and driver for the entire time.

I don't know where I am staying and would like suggestions on that as well.
Thanks again.

Well we got picked up in Lao Cai at the train station by Mr Long and taken to Sapa where spent the day (without him) and then stayed overnight. Next day he took us to Coc Ly, and back to Sapa, then spent a couple of days trekking, then back to Sapa for a day on our own.

On Market day we went to Bac Ha, again with the guide/driver. The driver would let us out somewhere so we could do a little hiking and boating then pick us up further down the road, just to break the monotony of being in the car too long.

It was a good trip. You will enjoy the area. The markets are great fun, very interesting and a photographer's dream.

We used the guide/driver off and on while we were there, including taking him along on the trek. (not the driver, but the guide)

As far as places to stay, it doesn't sound like you are staying in Sapa? We stayed at the Victoria while there (Mainly to take advantage of the Victoria train from Hanoi and have somewhere secure to leave our luggage) but then stayed in homestays while trekking.

if you decide to get in touch with Mr. Long, he can probably help with accommodations, or maybe someone else will chime in about some options. Are you wanting to stay over in Coc Ly?

Also are you sure the Coc Ly market goes on all day? What time are you arriving in Lao Cai? If you don't have a driver, what would you do with your luggage while at the market?

Sorry, I'm a worry wart.

Thanks for your reply.
Have been away without computer access for just over a week.
Have no idea if the market goes on all day. I have no problem staying in SaPa and I will contact Mr. Long.
Appreciate you being a worry wart, never thought about luggage etc. Am still in the planning stages and am sure that there a gzillion things I have not considered.