Old traditional area in the Northern Vietnam, Sa Pa is a beautiful mountainous region on the border with China. It is host to many hill tribes, as well as rice terraces and lush vegetation.

As soon as we arrived at 5 am we were “hit” by the traditions: all girls and women were dressed in traditional costumes and wore colorful scarfs on their heads.

We chose to go on a two days trekking tour, with 1 night family homestay. We had breakfast and met our guide (So, a 20 years old girl, traditionally dressed) and group: 15 people from all around the world: Japan, Holland, New Zealand, Finland, Canada…plus of course, 5-7 local women following us to the top while trying to make some money either by selling us handicrafts or by asking to be paid if we took photos of them.

We walked for 9 km before having lunch and for 3 more afterwards before reaching the homestay – one big room full of beds for us (the guests); one small room for the family (young couple with 5 kids) and the guide, a kitchen and a toilet. I was impressed by the kids that were doing their homework on the floor. Dinner was great and I had one of the best sleeps during the last days.