Vietnam

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Tuesday May29 2012..Kunming (China) to Sapa (Vietnam)

Spent the day aboard a bus with travelled south alog some very hairy roads. We had the front seats at the top which meant we saw every oncoming vehicle on the wrong side of the road and every time the nearside wheels almost went over the edge! A few toilet stops..no cubicles...just a trough with water running thru it. Spectacular gorge counrty with rainforest jungles as we neared the border. Huge long 38 km downhill slopes with emergency ramps. Eventually got to the town of Hekou which was past the border gate so we had to get a taxi. It was actually quite easy to cross the border which was either side of the Red River. Once in Vietnam the first obvious difference was a clean tiolet with disinfectant!!. We changed money and inquired about transport to Sapa. It was about 5pm and we we a bit anxious to get there that evening....a situation ripe to be ripped off. Instead of getting the tourist bus for $4 each we paid heaps for transport in a local overcrowded minivan with heaps of locals. Scenery was outstanding fot the trip up the mountin. Rushing stems, massive rice terraces, tall mountains, looming clouds, local people in traditional dress. Arrived ar dusk. Stayed at Mountain View Hotel for about $25. Room had view over valley and its own balcony. Ate in hotel restaurant with wine.

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Photos

Red River
Near Vietnam border

Sapa
View from room