Trecking/Tribal Villages in Sapa

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Sapa is 10 hours north of Hanoi. Sapa is a village that is home to many Vietnamese tribes, including the H'mongs. I took an overnight train there and back and spent 2 days trecking through rice fields, with a visit to the local school, homes and villages. The scenery is absolutely amazing, levels of land built by hand to produce proper growth conditions for the rice. It's so beautiful and unlike any scenery I have ever encountered.

The town has a square full of markets, but again, you get really tired of being constantly hassled by Vietnamese, who only know English words, "you buy from me??". This part gets tiring. However I love the small colorful mountain village and when you meet the people in another setting, they are extremely friendly, welcoming and always smiling and laughing. I trecked with groups through villages and mountains both days. One afternoon, I rented a motorbike and had a gorgeous drive with a Canadian friend on the back and 2 other Vietnamese local girls who road on the back of 2 other guys and hit the curvy mountain roads, through many challenging dirt and rocky roads while dodging tractors, dogs, hogs, chickens and waterbuffalo to make it to the hot springs. This was aso a picturesque natural beauty. We soaked for a bit in the naturally hot water pools built amongst a waterfall then headed back before dark to grab a hot spiced wine in the village to warm us up. It's pretty cold up in Sapa, especially on a bike.

That night had a BBQ with some locals while they constantly force rice wine down your throat. The next day after a 2 hour treck, we joined a family at their house for lunch and again forced the rice wine constantly. I thought Wisconsin girls could drink! Not sure we hold a candle to the Vietnamese girls in Sapa, even the mother!! The homes are very simple, wich cement/dirt floors, they cook over an open fire in the home and the bathroom is anywhere you'd like it to be. They were very inviting and full of warmth and smiles. It was a great experience and Sapa is an unforgettable memory.

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Photos

My trecking crew
Vietnamese gals as our guides, friends from USA, Chile, Australia

Vietnames and her babe
A common site when trecking, to have the baby on their back, even as they run down the hills.

The kitchen
Making us lunch

Lunch
Rice wine and fried fat!! Luckily, some tofu and veggies as well.

Comments

[Vicki Karst(Schoen)]

WOW!!!!!!!
Tara....I don't even know where to begin!!! Ok.. Your mom was just in the salon yesterday and we are always asking whats new with you, cuz, well, ya know, there always is something new! Ok now Vietnam!!!! Your mom emailed me your blog and I just have to say OH MY GOD!!!!!! You are truly blessed and should continue to do this as long as you possibly can!!!!! Most people can only dream of such an adventure!!! If what you are doing is to "find yourself" let me just say that if you're having trouble here's the truth....GUTSY, DETERMINED, CARING, WATCHFUL, SPIRITED, are just a careful few to touch the surface of who you are! I haven't really talked with you in years and none of that have i gotten from the amazing pics and stories i have just read...they are from already knowing you!! Your adventures are truly amazing and i look forward to living thru you for a while longer! I think all of us do! Just wanted you to know while you're "out there".....look inside....you know who you are!!!!! Be Safe!!! Love Vicki