Thank goodness for Gautam because if it wasn't for him I'm not sure if I would of made it to this truly magical corner of Vietnam. As I mentioned in my previous post about Hong Kong Gautam is a friend of mine from college who joined me on the beginning of my South East Asian trip. Sapa is home to a labyrinth of terrace farming and many small ethnic groups in the mountains of Northern Vietnam. Everywhere I looked I was absolutely awestruck by the beauty and natural wonder of this part of the world. We stayed here for three nights and it was the hardest goodbye so far of the trip.
Our stay was in a village outside of Sapa in a homestay called Sapa Tavan Homestay. I don't think we could have been at a more magical relaxing place. Our hosts were the kindest and most hospitable people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. They set up cab rides, prepared the most delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, supplied plum rice wine to their guests every night, and set up an unforgettable 5 hour trek through the rice fields for us.
The amazing breakfast served from 6:30am - 10:00am
If you are planning a trip to Sapa I suggest trying to book with Sapa Tavan Homestay but if it is unavailable I suggest staying elsewhere outside the main city of Sapa. Main city Sapa is nice but the true beauty of this region is in the surrounding villages.
Trip Down to Cat Cat Village
The first day Gautam and I took a cab back into the center city of Sapa to explore. The city is central to many mini hikes and our hosts suggested walking down to Cat Cat Village, which is about a 3km walk from any major hotel in Sapa. Although a tad touristy this trek is easy and gives visitors a glimpse of many traditional ethnic customs, as well as some beautiful look out points along the way. Also a great place to pick up handmade trinkets for souvenirs.
The fastest, most efficient, and popular way to get around is by motorbike.
The stunning traditional dress for the New Year for ethnic groups in the area.
Day Two : The Trek
So the night Gautam and I got back from Cat Cat we set to have dinner at the homestay, as the food is scrumptious. When we sat down we were pleasantly surprised to be accompanied by a lovely Canadian couple Riley and Annie. They were starting their five month tour around South East Asia before settling into New Zealand for a year on work visa. We all wanted to do a guided trek through the rice patties so we decided to all go together and it was an unforgettable experience.
If you do a tour it is much improved if you have a proficient english speaking guide. Our guide was an amazing woman named Cici who lived her entire life within the valley and knew the routes like the back of her hand. She stopped us several times to point out where you cold pick wild lemons, take in the best views, and taught us about some of their weaving, embroidery, and dying traditions.
Our new friends!
Along the way we also stopped in a village to have a tradition meal prepared. I don't know if it was because we were all tired and starving or because the food was insanely delicious but I have never had a more yummy meal then the one served in this charming humble house.
After a long trek, and a long delicious meal we descended the mountain for our last night in Sapa. After another bottle of rice wine and many laughs it was extremely difficult to say goodbye to this truly extraordinary place. With the sky turning pink and the sun setting, the sounds of the river rippling down the mountain, children, chickens, dogs, and cattle grazing and playing on the winding road I was completely enchanted.
If you are heading to Vietnam you don't want to miss this place.
On the road again urging all to keep curious!
-Ms. Uncharted
Shout out to the talented Aryaman Gautam Khanna for taking the pictures of me! See his photography on his website on his insta @aryamangk
