Sapa, Vietnam - Part II Within walking distance of Sapa, you can visit several hill tribe villages including Black Hmong, Tai and Red Dzao villages.  To get to the more isolated villages, you can either trek for four days through the mountains or do as we did and hire out a guide and a 4x4 for the day.  On one of our 4x4 excursions, we first traveled on the Tram Ton Pass, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam at an elevation of 1,900 meters, providing spectacular views of dozens of waterfalls seeping through the mountains.  Our next stop was the Silver Waterfall where a bridge has been constructed that stradles the waterfall allowing you to experience the full rage of this waterfall swelled by the rainy season. On our way to the next stop, a Black Hmong village, we were able to witness the full power of mother nature wreaking havoc on Vietamese roads.  Shortly before our arrival, a gigantic landslide smothered the road that hugs the mountainside making, what we initially observed, the road impassable and thus causing an end to this day's journey.  However, the Vietnamese were in a different state of mind and believed that the landslide was a mere inconvience and it was not going to prevent them from traveling further.  After a few minutes of "clearing"

A view of the Tram Ton Pass, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam at an elevation of 1,900 meters (6,232 Feet).  Notice the numerous waterfalls at their most powerful during the rainy season.

the road, they attempted to drive an unloaded bus over the lanslide, whereupon our friend Mostyn said, "Um, I'm an engineer and this is not good."  We were all in agreement with Mostyn, people were truly risking their lives to continue their journey.  After several attempts, the bus miraculously made it over the landslide.  We climbed our way through the mud, rocks and fallen trees of the landslide as the driver of our 4x4 crept his way over the precarious path.  Shocked, we then returned to our vehicle and continued our journey.  We thought we had seen the most spectacular sight of the day only to be awed by even more rewarding experiences later in the day.  We proceeded to a Black Hmong village where we were greeted with open arms and generosity by a local family.  They took immense pleasure in dressing us up in traditional Hmong clothing and playing traditional instruments for us.

Another view of the Tram Ton Pass, an often precarious road that hugs the mountainside and is prone to landslides during the rainy season.

LANDSLIDE!  Insane bus driver trying to make his way over the debris.  After several attempts, he actually did make it.

A picture of the Black Hmong family's house that we visited in the mountains near Sapa.

The mighty Silver Waterfall.  We couldn't tell if it was raining or if we were soaked from the spray of the waterfall.

Brian dressed in traditional Black Hmong clothing.

Karen dressed in traditional Black Hmong clothing.

What came next was truly our most memorable event during our time spent in Sapa.  We left the vehicle and walked approximately four kilometers in search of a tribal viallage our guide was familiar with.  Unable to locate this particular village, we headed back to the 4x4 to return to Sapa.  On the way back, we encountered a couple of tribal Tai girls who were glad to show us the way to their village.  We scrambled up the misty, slippery mountain path to Diudranc Village.  Upon entering this remote village, it was easy to see that the villagers did not receive many visitors if any at all.  Upon further inquiry with the village elders, we were informed that we were the first Westerners to visit their village.  At first, the villagers were a bit apprehensive by our appearance in their village.  But soon some bold children approached us, touching our skin and hair and laughing at the unusual visitors.  We soon found that the best icebreaker with the local villagers was our digital camera.  We started to take pictures of each other and show them to the villagers.  Soon after, everyone wanted

Two beautiful Tai girls.  Notice the exquisite silver necklaces, earrings and coins that adorn their clothing.

to see what they looked like on camera and were quite happy to have their pictures taken.  This is something that cannot be accomplished with an ordinary 35mm camera. Eventually, we were trading headgear with the locals, our baseball hats for their Tai headdresses which brought much laughter and helped the villagers become more comfortable with our presence.  Unfortunately, our stay in Diudranc Village was cut short by the everpresent rain and worsening road conditions.  Back in Sapa over several bottles of wine, we all reminisced over the day's events.  Kate, Mostyn and your humble narrarators all agreed that our experience at Diudranc Village was unique and one that we will remember for the rest of our lives.

A picture of one of the Tai homes in Diudranc Village.

We've gone tribal.

A Tai child tentatively looks up to get his picturen taken.

Karen trying to explain to a Tai tribal woman what to do with the piece of candy.

Sapa, Vietnam - Part I

Sapa, Vietnam - Part III

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