Green Season in Sapa

As the sixth month arrives, the rain falls softly... The gentle drizzle invites you to get lost in the lush green nature, the towering mountains shrouded in mist. My destination this rainy season is Sapa, Vietnam. Me, you, and three other friends, we booked our plane tickets and contacted a travel agency to embark on a journey to witness the sprawling green terraced fields cascading down the mountains, intersected by waterfalls. This image flashed into my mind after my friend sent it to me in a message.

Sapa is a border town in Vietnam, located in Lao Cai province. The town is known for its terraced rice fields and was once a summer resort for the French. I believe that tourists who enjoy photography or road trips will definitely have Sapa on their dream list. This is due to the town's scenery, which is full of nature, as well as the cool weather that lasts all year round. In January, we can even experience snow in Sapa.

The evening sky cast its dusky hue as we soared above Don Mueang Airport, bound for the celestial expanse of Hanoi aboard a Nok Air flight. The cabin buzzed with a vibrant tapestry of Vietnamese and Thai passengers. A stewardess, adorned in a vibrant yellow uniform, offered a warm smile from beneath her crimson lipstick. Upon landing, we retrieved our luggage and were greeted by our prearranged driver, who whisked us away to our Hanoi accommodation for the night.

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For our travel arrangements, accommodation, train tickets, and sleeper cars, we opted to use the services of Houng Nguyen. He was able to tailor a plan to our specific needs, and we were able to pay upon arrival in Hanoi. On the first day, I chose to visit Trang An in Ninh Binh province, having seen it featured in a film. I couldn't resist the opportunity to see the location in person.

As dusk settled in, I opted for a sleeping bus service from Hanoi to Sapa. The bus departed Hanoi at 10 pm, its interior filled with a diverse mix of international travelers. After a ten-hour slumber, I awoke to find myself in Sapa. The morning mist, a lingering remnant of recent rainfall, blanketed the town. European-style buildings, painted in vibrant hues, stood tall and imposing. Around the bus, Hmong people eagerly offered tours and homestay accommodations to tourists.

She, her friend, and I got off the bus, feeling drowsy. We hailed a taxi to reach the hotel we had booked in advance. The road conditions varied, with some stretches being smooth and others quite bumpy.

Our accommodation offered a breathtaking view of the towering green mountains from my room. Unfortunately, the sky was overcast today due to the continuous downpour. We were truly caught in the rain…

As for myself, I am a lover of mist. Mist never harms anyone. Sometimes, it's hard to distinguish between mist and smoke from afar. However, our feelings can often help us discern what we see before us.

Today, she, and we had a plan to go trekking at Cat Cat Village. We followed the local guide closely. The view on both sides of the road was full of green rice terraces. The five of us, in raincoats, prayed to God, asking for the rain to stop. We had traveled thousands of kilometers to experience the nature in front of us… And then fate was on our side. The local guide said that we were very lucky because for the past 3-4 days, the sky had hardly been open for anyone to see this green rice field. I smiled to myself and thanked God. The picture in front of me was the mountains, the green rice terraces, the rain, the mist, and the smell of the earth… It has been a year since I went there and wrote this blog. I still remember the feeling at that time. Except that this rainy season, she is no longer there…

The morning dawned with a lingering fatigue from yesterday's hike. Today, another challenge awaited: conquering Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina. We, a group of four casual adventurers, were running short on time. Therefore, we opted for the Cable Car to ascend Fansipan.

The rain fell relentlessly throughout our ascent to Fansipan, painting the winding mountain paths with a vibrant green. From our elevated vantage point, we marveled at the cascading rice terraces and hidden waterfalls nestled within the lush forests. Capturing these moments through our lenses, we exchanged smiles, etching these memories into our hearts. Now, these photographs serve as a poignant reminder of her, a bittersweet testament to the beauty we shared.

However, happiness often does not stay with me for long. The clock hands converged, and it was time for me to return. I chose to take the train back to Hanoi. On the way from Sapa town to the train station, I looked out the window at the van and saw the terraced rice fields, green and lined up, gradually disappearing from sight. It was a sign that we had to say goodbye... But the feeling of saying goodbye to Sapa that time was not at all like my goodbye to you this rainy season... Oh well, life must go on. I typed this blog to encourage myself: )

On our last day in Hanoi, we decided to explore the city on foot, searching for souvenirs. We wandered through narrow alleys, bargaining with vendors and sampling local cuisine. The streets were filled with the constant hum of motorbikes and the melodic honking of horns. This is Vietnam... It was time to say goodbye. Farewell, Hanoi.

' The captivating photographs of others have cast a spell on me, igniting a burning desire to embark on my own explorations. '

Thank you, my two feet and my strength, for supporting me to move forward on days of happiness or weakness.

"Thank you to all my travel companions who have always made my trips complete."

See you again. : )

Essentials for conquering Sapa in the rainy season:
- Raincoat
- Windproof jacket
- Waterproof shoes
- Basic medicines for pain relief, fever reduction, and muscle relaxation
- Waterproof bag

'Thank you to everyone who has read our story .. Love'