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- Vietnam
- Hanoi
- Sa Pa and Bac Ha
Sa Pa and Bac Ha
The old hill station of Sa Pa sits high on the edge of a plateau
surrounded by spectacular scenery and the Hoang Lien Mountains,
which boast Vietnam's highest peak, Fan Si Pan. Sa Pa functions as
a market town and a gathering spot for local tribes who come into
town to trade every weekend. The market is excellent for buying
handicrafts and for watching the passing parade of a fascinating
blend of people. Colourful tunics of the Dao and Giay people mix
with the black and blue clothing and silver ornamentation of the
Black Hmong tribe, while bright red scarves cover the heads of the
Red Hmong who carry large woven baskets on their backs brimming
with goods. Nearly 50 miles (80km) from Sa Pa in a valley is the
small town of Bac Ha, famous for its Sunday market. Much less
touristy than Sa Pa, the market is a riot of colour and noise, a
place not only for trade but also for socialising. All paths
leading into town are filled with people going to market, some
riding horses or water buffalo, and the square is a mix of
different minorities, buying and selling, or gathered in groups
around a central pot of food. The Flower Hmong are the most vivid,
with richly coloured clothes of bright red, blue and pink, and
skirts embroidered with delicate flowers. The markets have become a
major tourist attraction and it is important that visitors to the
region are sensitive to local culture and traditions, particularly
when taking photographs of people.
Information & Facts
Address
The connecting town is Lao Cai
Admission
Three day, two night tours start at US$80
Language
The official language in Vietnam is Vietnamese. Some
Chinese, English and French are spoken. Tour guides can also speak
Russian and Japanese. Numerous ethnic languages are also spoken in
parts.
Money
The official currency is the Dông (VND). There are no smaller
denominations. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de
change, hotels and on the black market. Visa, MasterCard and
American Express are becoming more widely acceptable, particularly
in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but it is best not to rely on them
elsewhere. It is recommended that visitors bring travellers cheques
in US Dollars, which can be cashed at major banks in the main
cities and tourist areas. US currency acts as unofficial tender and
is useful as a back-up when banks won't cash travellers cheques
outside the main cities, but notes must be relatively new and
unmarked. Dông can be withdrawn from ATMs, which are becoming more
widespread.
Time
Local time in Vietnam is GMT +7.