Hanoi-Halong-Sapa-Hoa Lu-Tam Cuoc 


That's where I spent my time for the 8 days I was in Vietnam. So, so beautiful. I can't believe I missed the throngs of motorcycles on the dirt roads, the roadside stalls where you sit on really small chairs to eat... And I surprised myself as well by remembering more vietnamese words than I was even aware of! Tell me why most of the words I remember are related to food ;) 


So many thanksgivings for this trip, for the beautiful weather that we were blessed with, because it's still the rainy season and there were storms in the past month too. Halong Bay was strange yet beautiful at the same time, the numerous clusters of random limestone formations jutting out from the sea-about 2700 of them! Kayaking around them was fun, and it was mum's first time too:)  


I loved, loved sapa to bits. The mountains were gorgeous, and rice terraces were cut into the sides of the mountains. There were a few minority tribes living in the area, the H'mong, Red D'zao, Black H'mong just to name a few. 3 days of trekking is no joke-it rained on the last day and I was so worried for mum, cos the trek was all muddy and slippery but thank God that we're more than alright! Had such a good time with our group too, Spaniards, Swiss and French and they were all so nice and friendly. I think it's such a good opportunity to interact with people from different countries and cultures, you always learn so much more. 


And what's a trip to Vietnam if you don't gorge on some local food? Checked up the lonely planet guide on good places to eat and stuffed ourselves with so much food! Absolutely loved the trip, I wonder when will the next time I can go backpacking again? Asia has so much to offer, perhaps Cambodia? :) 


And I finally received my diving license, YAY! :) 

Halong Bay-Daytime

Halong Bay-Sunrise

Sapa trekking

After a dip in the river

H'mongs selling handicrafts