Last week, Taurin and I took an overnight train from Hanoi for a trekking trip through highland villages nearby Sapa, Northwest Vietnam. We were mostly with the Black Hmong community, distinguished by their dark, indigo-dyed clothing. Our new friends taught us how to walk along hidden paths that weave through the mountains and terraced rice paddies. At the Hmong village, we didn’t have electricity at night, but it was wonderful to see all the stars in the sky and fall asleep early to the sound of breeze softly blowing against the wooden house.
I loved seeing all the hand-embroidered textiles.
Taurin and me on the mountain.
Tiny paths along the mountain.
Me looking sweaty but happy with a new friend.
We picked some wild herbs with Little Zao for lunch.
The village where we spent the evening.
Colorful Hmong textile, embroidered by hand.
I really liked riding the rustic Vietnamese trains, especially because we opted for the comfortable soft-sleeper train with AC. I slept through the entire ride until we arrived back in Hanoi. I dreamt about mountains!
20 Comments
olalla
July 24, 2012 at 12:34 pmthat kit tie is so awesome!!
Hailey
July 24, 2012 at 1:49 pmWow, what a wonderful landscape!
And all the people there seem to be really friendly and open, too π
Hailey from http://squidsquads.blogspot.com
indie belle
July 24, 2012 at 2:01 pmstunning views!!
itΒ΄s interesting to have a sight of the rural part of Vietnam too. Its landscapes, people, customs…
Thanks for sharing this beautiful trip with us! π
stella
xo
Veronica Fish
July 24, 2012 at 2:21 pmAbsolutely gorgeous – your photography is exceptional!
Eileen
July 24, 2012 at 4:22 pmI will be “officially” living in Taiwan in September. You inspire me to visit such a place (hey, the place is closer from Taiwan than from South Florida). π if you like the mountians, I recommend you going to Taitung, Taiwan. I have pictures somewhat of the place in my blog. It’s beautiful. I can’t wait to go to Orchid Island, though.
I like your new haircut. It fits your face very well. π
The kitten looks exactly like my childhood cat. I miss him.
3lin
July 24, 2012 at 8:55 pmsuch a nice trip…Is good for relaxing place and full of adventures.
3lin
wl
July 24, 2012 at 10:50 pmdreaming about mountains, aw ! I heart rail travel too.
Crystal
July 24, 2012 at 11:31 pmAll of these photos are so gorgeous! My best friend is Vietnamese and someday I will tag along on one of her trips there. These pictures make me want to go tomorrow! (Well, your pictures usually make me want to visit whichever country you’re in, but these especially.)
γγγ‘γγ
July 25, 2012 at 12:25 amwhat breathtaking landscapes Sewon! the people look so happy! it must be an amazing trip… π
Barbara
July 25, 2012 at 3:31 amThanks for sharing! Such wonderful photos! My favourite one is the indigo plant, never seen that before! Enjoy your trip!
Vesle Serena
July 25, 2012 at 6:40 amSo beautiful and green. Make me really wish I could visit Vietnam sometimes soon!
Greta
July 25, 2012 at 6:48 amBeautiful photos! Mus have been a lovely trip. Thanks for sharing! I just love Hmong textiles! My co-bloger has the most beautiful collection!
Have a nice day!
Oscar
July 25, 2012 at 8:33 amThis is Awesome. The pictures are great, the location is great. I like your style, Sewong!
Oscar
July 25, 2012 at 8:34 amI don’t know why I put the extra g in your name. Sorry.
J DUBBS
July 25, 2012 at 1:46 pmI want those mountains in my backyard…
adorable kitten too
marlou
July 26, 2012 at 12:19 amsuch pretty textiles! and the nature looks amaziiing too π
enjoy your holiday, Sewon! i’m excited to read / see more
teresa
July 26, 2012 at 1:41 pmwow! the greeness! i love it! i need to ride a train like that someday π
MK
July 28, 2012 at 12:34 amHI Sewon! Wow! Looks like you’re having a good time in Vietnam! These lovely photos really make me wanna fly there soon. And I love trains too.
Ceri
August 2, 2012 at 1:40 pmYour photographs are seriously breathtaking. Truly gorgeous.
coco
August 6, 2012 at 6:38 pmoh sewon. how wonderufl of you to share this beautiful part of world.
is thsi your honeymooon trip?
must have been so great to visit places filled with natural green
and smiling happy people. i think the yout photo with smiling lady
behind you so memorable and love that shot.
enjoy rest of your summer and thanks for shraing these
wondrful images.