Misty mountains of Vietnam
Trip Start
Apr 16, 2008
1
15
55
Trip End
Apr 15, 2009
Sapa,
Vietnam
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
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.
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
Hmong boy dances at Saturday Love market
. 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.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.
