C'Hmong, buy from me!

Guest Blogger - Federico Arrizabalaga


Welcomed by the already too familiar deafening news broadcast at4:15 am we stepped out of our overnight train after ten hours of travel in the sleeping car that did not allow any sleep. We were in Lao Cai, a town that serves as a hub to all travelers coming from or going to Sapa, THE destination I strongly suggest you visit if you ever travel to Vietnam. Forty five minutes after boarding our bus the driver decided we had waited enough for other passengers to jump in and we began our way through the mountains; during the 40 minute ride those of us who were not dozing along the way had a first chance to see what we were heading into- beauty wise.

It is awesome that places like Sapa still exist and are really not that difficult to reach. Sapa is a small town in NW Vietnam initially built by the French during colonization as a retreat for the wealthy and military commanders of the time. Because of its natural beauty it did not take long for it to become a traveller destination which has remained as suchs since then.

Today, backpackers mingle with Hmong and Za tribe ladies in harmony, even though everyone knows that the ultimate reason they come to talk with you is to try to sell you something. This said, their approach is a very casual and entertaining way of learning about them, their culture and the valley, particularly when they join you in the very much mandatory trek to Lac Chai, the closest Hmong village to Sapa that's isn't really that close.

The trek covers about 6km and takes about four hours to complete at a slow pace, with many opportunities to take pictures and admire the breathtaking scenery.You will be given ornaments made with plants by the Hmong ladies as they walk, and will be asked simliar questions about yourself by several of the ladies that join your group. The walk begins along the main road for about 2km after which you side track into unpaved paths that meander down the gentle slope to the bottom of the green fertile valley. The 4 km descent offers stunning views great for scenic photography: these will probably be some of the best pictures of Vietnam you will share back home.

Once in town you will be surrounded by thr Za and Hmong ladies asking you to "Buy from me"at once. It can become a bit overwhelming at times but stay cool and it will be OK. What they sell are local indigenous crafts that can make for a great souvenir, so it might just be the right opportunity to buy whilst helping an obviously poor community. The way back to Sapa is covered in a van if you joined a group tour (recommended), time during which you can realize that the ladies walk boh ways every day carrying what they sell plus their babies.

There are a few other things to be done in Sapa that I would not miss, so I strongly suggest you stay an extra night or two ( if not more) like we did unlike the single night most people spend when they come with their organized tour from Hanoi. BIG mistake in my opinion. One of them is to rent a scooter and explore Sapa's surroundings on your own. Visit villages, admire the rice terraces, play with the children or simply enjoy the slow drive. You will find picture perfect spots with no tourists around, an excellent opportunity to get off the motorbike and immerse yourself in the natural surroundings.

Another great choice is to ride a scooter to any path away from town that goes uphill but the motorbike cannot climb- the trek will be all about you and who knows where the easy adventure will take you to.

Finally, take pictures. Heaps of them. Of the indigenous ladies, the town, the valley, the rice terraces, the fields, the water buffalo's, at day and, if you can, at night. Find a dark spot and look up to the sky. Among the millions of stars the Milky Way is easily recognizable, and for a few seconds you will think you are in another world. But then, it might just be where you are...

Sapa is probably my favorite destination in Vietnam, and one of the best in SEA. You will be welcomed by great people and breathtaking nature, plus costs are very much on the low side. The memories you take home will be unforgettable, as will be the photos and the souvenir- or souvenirs!

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Author - Federico Arrizabalaga is passionate about travel, writing and photography. Currently he is traveling through Vietnam. Follow his adventures at www.maitravelsite.com/Blog_Travelogue or get some great travel tips at http://www.maitravelsite.com/.

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