Mountains and motorcycles in North Vietnam

The rice terraces of Sa Pa
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We took the overnight train to Lao Cai on the Chinese border and were taken by minibus to Sa Pa, climbing above the early morning mist to view the peaks. We had an incredibly steep climb (172 steps!) to our room at the Cat Cat Hotel but the breathtaking views made it worthwhile.

The Hoang Lien Son mountains are home to many ethnic tribes, recognisable by their unique, distinctive clothing. We spent the weekend walking through the verdant terraced countryside, enjoying the panoramic view, through villages of Black Hmong and Red Dao, all eager for you to buy their handicrafts. We succumbed to three young Red Dao girls who escorted us for miles in the hope that we would make a purchase... so we did!

Red Dao girls selling their handicrafts!
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The markets are vibrant meeting places where the different groups congregate to buy and sell their wares. The colourful Bac Ha market with its diverse range of products from buffalo to baguettes! is a visual feast with Flower Hmong women in their rainbow-coloured attire.

The wood fire in our hotel room made even the chilliest of evenings a pleasant experience... a memorable weekend.

We left the peace and tranquility of the mountains to return to Hanoi. The overnight train arrived in the capital when the city was still sleeping . We sat by Hoan Kiem Lake at 5am and watched as the local residents limbered up for the  day. Hundreds of people of all ages walking, stretching, doing Tai Chi and Yoga as daylight gradually crept over the sky.

Vee crossing one of the many bamboo bridges in the Sa Pa valley
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Hanoi is a fascinating city of the old and new, wide boulevards with stately colonial buildings and narrow streets crammed with tube shop-house spilling out onto the street. Women in coolie hats with huge loads balanced on a bamboo pole weave in and out of the noisy chaotic traffic.

Millions of motorcycles cruise around the streets constantly tooting, crossing the road is a real challenge! The secret is to keep moving-they will skirt around you though it doesn't always appear possible!

Flower Hmong women at Bac Ha market
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A unique art form of Vietnam is water puppetry. We marvelled at the puppeteer's skills as they manipulated dragons, nymphs, fishermen etc across the watery stage retelling traditional tales accompanied by music and song.

One of our most moving experience was a visit to  Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Seeing this iconic leader lying in state was a humbling moment. His nearby simple stilt house a stark contrast to the massive state memorial.

Finally we left behind this vibrant capital city and headed south on another night train to the Imperial capital of Hue.