I’m sitting on a rock trying to take it all in. To my left – the cascading green steps of abundant rice terraces, against a clear blue sky. To my right – mist and cloud tumble over rugged peaks and into the valley and the sprawling hillside village below.
A few yards in front of me wallow three large buffalo, squashed together in a muddy puddle. Next to them, rice lies on vast hessian mats drying in the sun.
Welcome to Northern Vietnam’s dramatic and vibrant mountainous region, near the border with China. At its heart lies the town of Sa Pa, a former hill station established by the French in 1922. Around it, on the craggy hillsides, nestle numerous villages –home to some of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities, including the Dao, Yay, H’mong and Phu La.
Best for HISTORY BUFFS
For stays in Hanoi before and after trips to Sa Pa, the Sofitel Legend Metropole is a treat for recharging walk-weary legs. Opened in 1901, it has a rich history. Visit sofitel-legend-metropole hanoi.com
Mountain escape
Visitors have been coming to this region since the early 1900s to escape the oppressive heat and crazy streets of Hanoi, some 200 miles away. And it’s not hard to see why, with the abundance of fresh mountain air and breathtaking scenery. But it wasn’t until the 1990s when the region’s popularity really exploded with foreign tourists.
この記事は WOMAN'S WEEKLY の August 04, 2020 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は WOMAN'S WEEKLY の August 04, 2020 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
10 OF THE BEST Buys for CHARITY
Look great and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October
How to HAGGLE
Save those £££s by plucking up the courage to negotiate
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Here to help
LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
Good to GLOW
Plant your bulbs now for a lovely bright start to spring
Painted VASES
Prettify empty jars and bottles with this quick craft project
Escape to OXFORD
Delve into the city's rich cultural heritage for a wonderful weekend
Sail through menopause WITHOUT WEIGHT GAIN!
Middle-aged spread may seem inevitable - but it really doesn't have to be
Woodland wonders
When you go down to the woods, you'll find a whole new world teeming with life
'We should all be dancing'
Singer and actor Toyah Willcox on overcoming adversity, ageing and Strictly Come Dancing