Misty mountains of Vietnam

After a marathon trip from Thakhek to Hanoi (5 buses, 2 tuk-tuks and a moto in 17hrs) I stayed just one night in Hanoi before heading on north to Sapa. The small town on the highlands in famous for its variety of nearby hill tribes and for standing at the foot of the highest mountain in South East Asia (Mt. Fansipan - a bit close to fancy pants).

Hmong boy dances at Saturday Love market

I was late booking my train ticket and was left with on a hard seat for the 10hr night train. Not the most enjoyable trip ever but luckily I had toughened up my ass on the 4 day bike trip.

I spent 4 great days here at I have to say it was one of my favorite places in Vietnam. The weather is changeable just like in Ireland and so I felt at home immediately.

Hmong villagers wait to sell crafts

My first day was a bit of a write off after a sleepless night train but on my second day I hiked to Cat-Cat village - home to the largest minority group in North Vietnam - the Hmong people. As with many tourist traps this villiage was not very authentic and it felt a bit pointless walking around the craft stalls where everyone seems to make a living now. I was afforded some spectcular views though.

On my third day I rented a motorbike and headed off towards Lai Chau over the Tam Thom pass, the highest pass in Vietnam. Unfortunately the clouds on the highest levels of Fansipan never cleared all week so the pass was completely covered in thick fog. However down the far side I enjoyed a beautiful decent through some amazing scenery. Made some American friends, collectively known as ASS (Andy, Sandy and Samson) on route and had a great day on the road with them. Finished the day with some drinks in the Hmong Sister bar and then some late night rice wine (more like poitin than wine) in the town square.

View from my hotel

My last day I spent with the friends I had made (local and foreign) having lunch and drinks in the sun before heading off for my night bus back to Hanoi.

Paddy fields near Sapa

View over Cat Cat village

Water operated mill

Cat Cat waterfal

Rice planting time

Amazing mirror effected of waterlogged fields

Thick jungle at the base of Fansipan

Close encounter with a water bufallo

Sun-rays over Cat Cat

Down the valley towards Lau Chai

Up towards Tam Thom

Almost hit him

Silver falls

My first live snake

Down the far side of Tam Thom

The base of Fansipan emerges from the fog

Waterfalls everywhere

Unjoined panorama 1

Unjoined panorama 2

Unjoined panorama 3

Unjoined panorama 4

Unjoined panorama 5

Unjoined panorama 6

Green everywhere just like home

Lai villagers at work

Whats going on here?

Huge waterfall not even on the map

ASS

Tung, Samson and Mimi

Tung on her balcony