Northern Vietnam part 2

Day 3 of our tour was about 350km across the mountains. First we headed north and up into the clouds then down to Bao Lac, about 40km south of the border with China, for lunch. Then another 150km to arrive in Ha Giang (pronounced Harzan) after 10 hours. Good food but hard to find a bar here.

The roads were mostly single-track tarmac and some dirt, but always holes and ruts. No straight bits, no flat bits, just wonderful scenery. Past small villages, people with oxen, women carrying firewood, some in traditional dress. Markets everywhere because Tet (New Year) is coming on 3 Feb.

Travelling with a small group of great people.

Next day wet and another long-ish drive over roads varying from muddy to serious mud and stalls selling tea and oranges. Wonderful countryside again. Arrived in Sa Pa in the clouds and cold. All Vietnam preparing for Tet so bright stuff in all markets like Christmas at home. Ended in a bar with local girls (black Hmong tribe) playing pool in native costumes - bizarre!

Next day trekking in Sa Pa - don't do this in winter! Sa Pa is 1600m high and in cloud for 3 months. We walked through mist and have never seen so much mud. Locals sensibly wore wellies and we only had walking boots. About 1km from 10 was not deep and steep mud. Some got supported by 2 local ladies most of the way. No pics of this bit. Spent night in village house, walls 1/2 inch planks which sometimes met. Heating was a bowl of glowing charcoal. Bed early.

Last day at Bac Ha market with lots of ethnic costumes (and tourists). Then back to Hanoi on overnight sleeper train, sharing a cabin with our 2 French friends. A great trip through bad weather but the people were lovely! We travelled with Ethnic Travel and they were really good.

Off to Halong Bay for 2 nights next.