Laocai, Cancau and Bac Ha
Leaving Cambodia was a bit sad as we had enjoyed every minute of it! Now, it was onto another destination - Hanoi. We would only have a free day here before catching
the overnight train to Laocai - time to start a big adventure! Laocai is the entryway to one of the most interesting hilltribe areas. However first
we had to board the train and settle into our four berth sleeper for a great train journey. Arriving very early at Laocai we set off in a van for a three hour trip,
over very bumpy and rough road, albeit with magnificent scenery to reach our hotel at Bac Ha. The Congfu hotel was very new and
quite comfortable, but shortly we were off to the Cancau markets, again some time in the van, more bumpy roads.
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The markets were amazing! They are situated in a valley surrounded by mountains and only 7 km from China.
The culture of the minority groups was very obvious here as everyone was dressed in colouful costumes hoping to find partners, or chat to friends and exchange goods
in a comfortable environment. Everyone had something to sell and the variety of handmade goods was exceptional! Hats, quilts, wall
hangings, jewellery among some of the items for sale. Food was abundant - mostly local and the atmosphere was friendly and inviting. It appears that this market is certainly a highlight
for the locals as well as tourists. Not a place to be missed! Unfortunately we didn't have a whole day here but just a taste of local wheeling and dealing - what an experience for us!!
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We returned to Bac Ha and Wan invited us to go for a walk with him up to a villager's house. What a great idea! and we left about 4pm to walk some 6 kms up a fairly steep hill to visit. All the villagers
on the way gave us a friendly wave and at times a short chat. It was fantastic to come across girls carrying buffalo fodda on their backs as well as enjoying the magnificent scenery on the way. Everyone seemed to be
very happy and the kids loved the small gifts we shared along the way. We met our host at his traditional home and he made us feel
very welcome. He was an elderly gentleman who was involved in cultural performances and who willingly demonstrated his skills
with a traditional flute and music stick adorned with bells. How good was this! The homemade liquor was a little challenge but the manner in which it was shared was just wonderful. Wan excelled with his plans for us
today and we thoroughly enjoyed the time up here. The next morning we visited the town markets but the rain came down in buckets so not much shopping but lots of chatting under some quickly erected covers and this
gave us yet another insight into the hospitality of these wonderful people. This is the most colourful market in North Vietnam and specialities are the chance to enjoy unique foods such as different kinds of fruits like plumps,
apples, peaches and special kinds of rice wines. On leaving we visited the H'Mong King's House built by French Colonists and the Chinese in 1920.
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