Hanoi Hotel

An Impression towards Hmong Girls

by Arjaree

It was a nice experience to get to hang out with the Hmong girls while I was in Sapa town. These Hmong girls come to the town from their village to sell tourists/travelers blankets, pillow cases, braclets and a few other stuff. Once we got pass how annoying and pushy some of the girls could be to get us buy something from them, they were sweet kids.

We got to get our private tour guide from these few girls. They wandered around the town with us and sang for us. They asked questions and told us stories.

One of the girls whom I made friends with, she asked me to write a reply letter to one former foreign friends of hers. Obviously that person experienced the same thing I and Im sure quite a few tourists/travelers might have experienced. It was the friendship. It was their smiles. And how they amazed us with their English.

I cant help wondering how their lives would turn if they get a chance to get a proper education and opportunities like us.

Visiting Sapa

by Arjaree

A backpack or a day bag It's a little chilly in Sapa in the early morning and late night. So if you're not so used to a cool weather then you'll probably want to bring a light jacket with you. But I'm sure you will need more than that if you go there in the winter. I saw one photo shop there..it should be fine. You will go trekking in Sapa. Bring the trekking gear like a pair of comfy shoes, a hat, and sunblock. Mosquito repellent

Lao Cai - Vietnam & Chinese Border

by earthflyer

Destinations visited in Vietnam

Hanoi - Nha - trang - Hue - Hoa-lu - Cat Ba Island - Sapa - Bac Ha

Hoi-an - Lao Cai - Ho Chi Minh City - Phan-Rang Thap Cham - Chau Doc

Cantho Province - Halong Bay - Tam Coc - Dalat - My Son - Long Beach

North West Vietnam

by jodi&matt

"Sapa"

This is the breathtaking view from our hotel room. We took an overnight train from Hanoi. Left at 10pm, arrived in Lao Cai at 6am, then we had a 45 minute shuttle up the mountain to Sapa Town. We were given time to shower and change before breakfast. Then a 14 km trek.

"Walking down the mountain"

Our trek took us through the quiet town of Sapa down valleys, through rice fields and villages. We met tons of locals along the way. Mostly children selling bracelets and other goods their mothers had made. I took a bag of candy and gave it to children along the hike. We stopped at a small village for lunch. The views were amazing. There is no picture that can give you the actual feel of the area.

"Rice Fields"

This picture was taken while we were trekking through a rice field. There were many and the landscape was beautiful. We had a wonderful trek, but our legs were very sore the next day.

Beautiful Sapa

by Arjaree

Sapa is the country's most picturesque hill spot. You can take a train from Hanoi to Sapa. We actually bought a local tour for 3 days/ 2 nights. This contained 2 days of trekking to 2 villages - Cat Cat and Lao Cai. Our Vietnamese guide took us through the rice paddy fields, up and down the mountains which gave me a few bruises, yet, was a great experience.

Actually September is in the rainy season but we were so lucky to see all beautiful green landscapes without being caught in the rain. For other time of the year, you won't get to see it ALL green like the way it is.

In the town, you may be chased after by the hill-tribe girls till you buy a blanket or a pillow case from them. We got to make friends with quite a few Hmong girls who could speak English really well(!), not just to sell stuff. We all were good friends (for hours) till someone mentioned something about money. Then they turned to sales people...

Anyway, it was a nice experience though to get to hang out with the Hmong girls.