Sapa Vietnam

I am in the small mountain town of Sapa Vietnam just relaxing before heading back to Hanoi. Sapa Vietnam has features that remind me of Canmore Alberta with the mountain views, restaurants, hotels and trinket shops. It is quite the stunning place to be surrounded by the mountains. I had a private room for 2 nights which cost me a total of 16 US at the Sapa Queen Hotel. 

Decent size bed for 8 US a night

Typical bathroom where the shower is by the toilet watch where you put your stuff

Nearby are many small villages with people from the mountains. Ladies from the villages come here to make money one of two ways, they either sell trinkets or, have Westerners like me come for a home stay (20-30 US a night). These ladies speak flawless English and are extremely aggressive. The ladies bring with them their children. You hear many things like "where are you from?", "shopping?", "maybe later?", "promise?". I spent one day with a girl from the village to do a hike (writeup to come). There are heaps of options for hostels, and hotels depending on your wants and needs. The little girl pictured below comes from the villages close by. At the age of 4 she will start to sell bracelets and trinkets to people like me (I refuse to buy from young children). By the age of 18 this girl may be married with kids of her own. The majority of English they learn is from the travelers.

The age of 4 they start selling bracelets and other trinkets to foreigners

Do not expect a lot of good cheap options for food. Although I did find some places that would cost 3 or 4 US for a meal majority of the options were starting around the 5 US dollar mark. Is 5 US dollars expensive not in terms of western countries but when you go to Saigon and can get a meal for 1 US dollar you will understand. As for now I am going to go for one last walk around and pack my stuff for tomorrow. As always thanks for reading and check back often.

My Life
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My Time

Tuna Tom

Town Centre 

Stunning views of nearby villages

Various foods from a BBQ for 3 US