Travelling by Train to Sa Pa
by Brisvegaskid
Commonly tourists take a 4-berth soft sleeper train cabin to Sa Pa. So you share with four other people. There isn't a lot of room but it is air conditioned. There is a squat toilet at one end of the carriage and a pedestal toilet at the other end.
The train provides these passengers with a small bottle of water, a pillow and a quilt. No sheets so if you have your own silk sleep-sack, have it handy. A lot of the personal lights above the bunks, don't work. Some really evil coffee was available for sale in the mornings when they come to rouse you to be ready to alight.
You need to be very aware of security. There is space under the bunks and a void above the door for luggage storage. The train stops along the route and it has been known for some locals to hop on and help themselves into cabins so the train staff kept emphasizing to us to use all locks and latches on the inside of the door.
The Black Hmong People
by Greggor58
The Black Hmong are ONE group of the many minority peoples you’ll find in Vietnam and here in Sa Pa and the region there are a sizable population of these people.
Dressed in DARK clothing dyed black with indigo they are the most common minority people seen in Sa Pa..
They are thought to have immigrated to northern Vietnam from China in the late 1700,s and are descendants of the Miao people who fled China…in contrast to they’re Chinese name “ Miao” which means “barbarian” the word “Hmong” translates to mean “free people”..
There was no written Hmong language until recently but there has always been a strong oral tradition of these people relating to story telling, proverbs and riddles.
All of the Black Hmong I encountered were quick to smile and laugh even when I was NOT buying anything from them… Two Black Hmong kids “snagged” us as we were making our way down off the main road to see the “rattan” bridge that goes over the Muong Hoa River. Chai and Ju accompanied us to the bridge and talked mostly with me as Kevin was far ahead scouting the route. They were both soft spoken and both spoke English very well, they described themselves as BEST friends in the Whole World!! It was a pleasure to have them join us for a short time that day.
Another GREAT photo op and funny funny event happened on our way out of our favorite restaurant...an older woman grabbed Kevin and wanted him to buy a hat form her...They haggled back and forth and finally she had the hat on him...I don't think he ended up making a deal but it sure made for a few laughs as the process evolved!!
Hill-tribes: Red Dzao
by Willettsworld
The Red Dzao are, probably, the second largest ethnic minority group, here. You'll see them selling textiles along the main tourist street and around the towns square. They have distinctive red head-dresses which, supposedly, determine how rich they are depending on size. They have a more Chinese look about them with plucked or shaved eyebrows and foreheads.
Young Red Dzao used to come to Sapa to sing songs to the opposite sex. Girls sang the songs hidden in the dark, when a boy found them, and if they matched together, they disappeared into the forest for three days. Some of them got married after that. Currently you may spot some young locals singing in the dark, but they are not looking for a partner, they are looking for you. They will sing a song, and ask for a tip afterwards.
Black Hmong seeking partners
by Willettsworld
When I was in Sapa at the end of January, I was told that they were dressed in either their best or new clothes in order to attract a mate. Young girls were checking out the boys playing on a huge swing in the square. Girls as young as ten years old can get married and often have two children by the time they are 20 years old. This is especially the case for the more beautiful ones.
Wet Weather Gear Necessary
by Brisvegaskid
In Sa Pa it is frequently wet. You will be very uncomfortable if you don't have something to keep you and your gear dry. You can buy cheap rain poncho thingies easily at Sa Pa.
It also can be pretty cold - so don't be caught without something warm to wear.
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Rosco checking out tonights dinner
Kim standing outside the entrance Pinocchio Hotel
Lunch stop on day 1
Red Dzao woman
