Trekking in Sapa

Arrived at Lao Cai train station about 6:30 am and drove about one hour to the beautiful mountain town of Sapa. After breakfast we trekked through terraced rice fields to the scenic villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van, home to the Black H’mong and Red Dzao hill tribe people. From the moment we got off the bus hill tribe women walked with us the entire route trying to sell us their local wares. Although they speak their own language, their English was amazingly good. I guess they have learned it from walking and talking with tourists. These hill tribe people are very proud of their culture and still continue a traditional way of living. Red Dzao women still wear triangular shaped red hats. The Black H’mong women wear traditional indigo blue clothing and a black round hat. We went to a school along the path. It started raining part way through the hike. We found shelter and waited for the rain to pass. We had local fare for lunch along the trail. Everyone was glad to check in to the Victoria Sapa Hotel especially after spending last night on the train. Later in the evening there was fierce rainstorm. Glad to be inside!