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Published: December 2nd 2006
Sabaaidee everyone!
(Laos word for Hello. Sounds just like 'somebody' when said fast)
When we last wrote we were in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, a city with a population of 8 million people and 3million motorbikes. You can imagine the traffic. From here we took a 3 day tour out to Halong bay which is a UNESCO protected site and we soon understood why. Its literally a mountain range in the sea, made up of 3000 islands with tall limestone cliffs protruding everywhere. It is stunning. We had fantastic weather during this time which made Craig a very camera happy traveller. We really took it easy here, spending our days lounging on a boat, kayaking, swimming and visiting little islands.
Our next little adventure took us up to Sapa which borders China and is the first place we found we needed trousers and jerseys. A welcome change. The sleeper train up (our 4th now) proved again to be an interesting experience...we were awoken at close to midnight to the sound of local music followed by a ranting of government propaganda being blasted through the speakers down the passages! Aside from that little quirk, they are very comfy and
Halong Bay
taking an early morning dipby the far the best way to travel in Vietnam.
Sapa itself was breathtaking, with the huge mountain ranges and the hill tribes all wearing their traditional clothing. It was one of my favourite places, perhaps as I managed to find a patisserie within an hour of being there which served the most amazing cakes and pastries! I dragged Craig there every day to try out something new.
We spent our days there touring Sapa on motorbike by ourselves...preferring to avoid the guided tours and staying away from the 'high street' where you are bombarded constantly with 'lady/mister you buy from me'.
Sapa marked the end of our Vietnam destinations and interesting to note it was the first place we met so many South Africans in one go. Our count up to then was at 2. It was on our last evening when the minivan collected us at our guesthouse, after picking up a car full of tourists from other spots. We hopped on board and realised that it was full of Saffers, none of whom knew each other... 7 of us in total. Quite surreal!
Our one month spent in Vietnam was so diverse and interesting
& really gave us a good insight into the country. However after the hussle bussle of the place we were quite excited to move on to Laos, having met so many backpackers along the way raving about it.
So far we have not been disappointed. This place is a gem. We are currently in Luang Prabang, said to be the best preserved traditional town in Southeast Asia. You can tell the French were here not only by the amazing food but by the motorcycle sidecars and the popular French bowling game of ptang played by the locals at every corner.
We took a 2 day kayaking & cycling tour from here with an american couple and a british guy who proved to be great company. The tour involved staying over in a local village up in the mountains, eating with them, sleeping on mats on the floor and washing in the river - it felt like Africa in so many ways! We spent a really great evening in the village, drinking with our guides and joining them in the afternoon games. They have an Asian game here 'Foot volleyball' which is incredible to watch - these guys are so
Sapa, Vietnam
View from our balcony flexible, the way they summersault backwards to flick the ball over the net - im sure they were training for olympics.
Tonight is our last night here before we move on. We have just climbed 'Phousi' mountain to watch the sunset (The 'H' is silent so i'll let your imaginations wander as to how that's pronounced!) and we're off now to the local bookshop to exchange books & watch a movie.
Hope this finds everyone well and thanks for all the comments on this website, its been great hearing from u all!
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Kate
non-member comment
way 2 go!
Hi guys! Vietnam sounds amazing! Keep the blogs coming. Some news from SA.... Cape Town is hot and sweaty at the moment, thanks to the gazillion tourists here. It takes me almost an hour to get from Groote Schuur Hospital to Seapoint, thanks to those queueing up for sundowners on Clifton beach .... never thought I'd be bitter about holiday-makers here, but sentiments change when exams are looming and nerves are imminent.... Anyway guys, look forward to your next venture... Katie x