Viet life travel - Vietnam travel and life

Lao Cai

Village Life: Vietnam's Hill Tribes

Traversing the northern slopes of the immense valley, we could see our next destination below, along the swiftly flowing river. Ban Ho village was tucked away in lush tropical vegetation of bamboo and palms. Homes were simple, square or rectangular one-room structures constructed of a mix of strong thatch and wood, stilted to protect farm animals that lived below.

Hmong women are known for their intricate textile work.

The gentle rocking of our carriage came to a gradual stop as the long whistle of the train announced our arrival in Lao Cai. Peering out the window of our cozy berth, my traveling partner, Ramona, and I witnessed the deep pink of a dawning sky as the sun rose to burn off the morning mist.

Sapa

Area: 678,6 sq. km

Population: 38,200 habitants

Administrative division:

- Townlet: Sapa

- Communes: Ban Khoang, Ta Giang Phinh, Trung Chai, Ta Phin, Sa Pa, San Sa Ho, Ban Phung, Lao Chai, Hau Thao, Thanh Kim, Ta Van, Su Pan, Suoi Thau, Ban Ho, Thanh Phu, Nam Sai, Nam Cang.

Fansipan Mountain

Location: Fansipan Mountain is located 9km south-west of Sapa Townlet in the Hoang Lien Mountain Range.
Characteristics: Fansipan is branded "the Roof of Indochina" at the height of 3,143m; Fansipan is to be approved as one of the very few eco-tourist spots of Vietnam, with about 2,024 floral varieties and 327 faunal species.

The surprises of scenic Sapa

Traditionally tourists make either a north-south run down Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City or a south-north run up, and this unfortunately means you miss Sapa, one of the most breathtaking places in Vietnam.