"OH SAPA!" Sapa by gwen_tifa

It is really a wonder why I had chose to visit this place - yes... the beautiful terrace rice fields and the alps of Northwestern Vietnam. When I first saw the pictures in Lonely Planet, I was already dreaming about coming here. Indeed, this is a totally different place from Hanoi. The air was fresher, cooler and a great getway from the hustle and bustle from the city.

Nevertheless, being a recent tourist spot, your are definitely a "tourist target". From words of "hello", "where you from" to "you buy for me?" where the minority hill tribe people approach you to sell their handmade embriodary, accessories and to "you going Lao Cai?" , "you want motorbike ride?" from drivers in Sapa town. You can expect more as soon as you leave your first footprint on this small town.

To think of it, this is no rocket science theory. If you are here, there are only three simple reasons:
1) You are a tourist (and a likely victim to be squeezed of your cash)
2) You want to learn new language from the tourists and so you work here (in the hotels, as a tour guide, or just a stall owner)
3) You belong to the minority tribe.
4) You are the pioneer to start a lucrative business out from the vistors.

Seems crude, but i have to admit - only the fittest survive.

To put another note to it:
Tourism helps the economy to thrive but we have to ensure that the funds go through the right channels to benefit the right people.

From what I read and what I heard from my tour guide, i try to piece the stories together. (please correct me if i am wrong!)

Apparently this place was found by the French, who found this place similar to home (the alps? maybe). That's when it soon became a tourist spot. And accordingly, this place was only developed not long ago. I give it about 10 years maximum. Even the hotel which i stayed in only commenced operations not more than 6 months ago and sees many visitors everyday. (Check it out in my accomodation tips).

Believe it or not, it DOES snow in Sapa.

Being on a trip with two elderly grandparents - my trip is pretty limited. And being a real cheapskate and one who saves every single penny. I can't imagine them tipping for every single service they receive.

Put this aside, i still enjoyed my trip, nevertheless, except that my poor grandparents had to tolerate me as we visited the minority tribes (given their age, they can't walk far)

• Pros:LOVELY scenary
• Cons:"you buy for me" people is rampant!
• In a nutshell:Worth a visit before more tour agencies spring up