Blogs from Lao Cai, Northwest, Vietnam, Asia - page 54

Back to the beach, so Nha Trang it was Party beach resort in Vietnam and party we did. The beach was really nice, clear blue deep water and empty, until the sun starts to go down when all the locals come out as it seems to be the way in Asia. They all stayed fully covered from the sun and are never on the beach until there's no sun. They just look at us crazy Westerners! Nha Trang is the place to dive so newly certified, off I go. It was a really good couple dives, the reef was spectacular and saw Moray eels and Tiger fish and lots of other lovely but nameless fish cos I wouldn't have a clue what they are called! It was really good just to go and dive and not ... read more

-LATEST TRAVEL ITINERARY- Since I had unexpectedly spent the bulk of my time in Hoi An, I now have 10 days to make it through Northern Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and by May 13th, India where the next (and final) volunteer program awaits. My intention in Northern Vietnam is to rejuvenate in magical Sapa, ALONE. And boy is it working. Sapa sits proudly upon a mountaintop and is tucked away far north just miles from the Chinese border. It was no picnic getting here from Hoi An. One hour taxi, 1 hour flight, another 1 hour taxi, 10 hour train ride, and a 1 hour bus (also add waiting hours in between each). But I’m happy to say, it was well worth it. The weather is pleasantly warm during the day, and comfortably chilly at night, and ... read more

26th: Arrived in Sapa early hours of this morning after an over night train ride from Hanoi. Met our guide Mic at Lao Cai station. Bus ride up the mountains to Sapa. The train trip was enjoyable with beds not exactly made to measure, but a fairly good night sleep had by all. We have just had breakfast (Pho) beef soup which costs 40,000 dong or $3.25. :(Yesterday 25th) Unbelievable day in Hanoi, It is the most amazing place, spent the whole day walking the Old Qtr, Tried to follow the Lonley Planet walking Guide but I think it is better to just head down bum up and take in all the amazing stalls. Still find it hard to get over the traffic, motorbikes by the millions. Back to the Old Qtr last night for tea, ... read more

So Sapa was a bit of a let down. We arrived early on Thursday morning to sunshine and scored ourselves a nice room with big fluffy duvets and a view across the town and onto the mountains. Unfortunately it all went downhill from there. That afternoon the clouds rolled in, the temperature plummeted and we consoled ourselves with rice wine (the plum flavour is really good) at the guesthouse, praying that it would clear for our trek in the morning. It didn't. Overnight it worsened and we woke to torrential rain, thunder that sounded like nothing we've heard before, and lightning the lit up everything like a floodlamp. As the morning progressed it just got worse and worse with all the streets flooded and us stranded outside the tour office trying to cancel our trek (yes, ... read more

Vietnam never ceases to amaze. The scenery alone is so diverse and just so beautiful! I know I have said this over and over but it really truely is and SaPa is no exception- in fact I think it is a favourite of mine, a trip highlight! Brookes is off in Halong Bay (where I visited last year) while I opted for a new adventure trekking and visiting the hilltribe villages around SaPa. We spent the day in Hanoi after arriving from the nighttrain at 5am. I caught another night train the following night to arrive in Lau Cai. In my cabin were 3 hilarious Kiwi's in their 50's. They were just so funny carrying on about their adventures with their funny sense of humour!! In Lau Cai we were put on a bus to SaPa, ... read more