Anyone visiting the north of Vietnam should visit Sapa. The journey to Lao Cai on the overnight sleeper train is an adventure in itself. Then an hour long bus ride along twisting mountainous roads, up into a higher altitude above and beyond the clouds. To say the views are breath taking would be an understatement.
Sapa is close to the Chinese border and populated with ethnic minority tribes who have lived and worked on the land for centuries. The awe inspiring landscapes are perfect for getting back to nature and trekking is a popular activity in Sapa. The mountains have been sculpted into terraces for growing rice which are spread out in to the distance as far as the eye can see.
The Black H’Mong women lead treks up into the mountains, where you can visit villages, see traditional houses and even experience a home stay in the mountains. The women are industrious and resourceful, they make clothes and souvenirs which they sell to tourists during the trek. Most backpackers leave with at least one bracelet, but many end up purchasing scarves, bags, wall hangings and place mats.
Trekking in the heat over rough terrain can be arduous and the Black H’Mong ladies put everyone else to shame. Wearing full tribal dress and flip flops, carrying their items for sale and often with a baby strapped to their back, they sprint up and down like mountain goats. They have little formal education but most speak excellent English and will chat about home life and their children…read more on Wandering Wives
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The post Wandering Wives – Hill Tribes Of Vietnam appeared first on Purple Roofs Gay Travel Blog.