We decided a fresh approach was needed for transport so we took
the overnight train to Sapa. What a glorious change it was. The ability to
stretch your legs, soft beds, the luxury of being able to sleep, but I was also
violently ill the majority of the trip. This didn’t mar our experience as we
spent the night in the four berth cabin with a lovely couple from Holland named
Bart and Anna.
Once we disembarked the carriage and squeezed ourselves onto
a 12 seater mini bus that was already holding 14 people, we began the 1 hour
drive to the mountain town of Sapa.
There are not many words that can describe Sapa, magical, majestic, gorgeous
are some of the words that come to mind, but nothing will ever do this amazing
location justice. Trekking through the rice fields with our Hmong (local
tribeswomen) guide Chu, was by far the highlight of our trip. We chose to do
three days of trekking with a night spent in a village with a local family.
Overall we trekked 28Km across the three days and believe me, my legs felt
every step of it the following day, but the scenery and the incredible way the
people live made up for every little bit of pain we felt.
Our guide Chu was from one of the local towns and is a Hmomg woman, which is simply the native tribe in the area. At only 18 she has already been working as a guide for three years, but has excellent English which she picked up from just talking to tourists
An incredible place that fills you with serenity and joy and allows you to
marvel at the simple things in life.
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