Ham Rong mountain

Sapa - After a hearty breakfast, we hike up Ham Rong Mountain in Sapa with our tour guide (Chai) was a truly invigorating experience, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and a sense of adventure as I ascended the rugged terrain.

Entrance to Ham Rong mountain

Starting our hike at around 9 am., I could feel the cool mountain breeze as I made my way through the neatly paved paths at the base of the mountain.

Ham Rong Mountain, located right in the heart of Sapa, is easily accessible from the town center, and it is well-known for its beautiful gardens, impressive rock formations, and panoramic views of the region.

This hike is not particularly difficult but provides a good balance between physical activity and scenic enjoyment.

my dragon

The trail winds through beautiful orchid gardens, where vibrant flowers in full bloom greeted me along the way. These gardens are a testament to the diversity of flora that thrives in the cool climate of Sapa, with a wide variety of orchids and other mountain flowers decorating the path.

As we continued our ascent, the trail gradually became steeper, and the terrain shifted from flower gardens to rocky outcrops. The transition in landscape was dramatic, with large rock formations rising up around me, creating a surreal environment. These natural stone sculptures, carved by centuries of weathering, added a sense of mystery and wonder to the hike. Along the way, there were a few viewpoints that provided a glimpse of the town of Sapa below, nestled among the terraced rice fields and mist-covered mountains.

Dragon claw

very tight passage

Sapa Lake

I took a brief rest at one of the observation platforms, which offered a perfect vantage point to take in the beauty of Sapa. From here, the terraced rice fields below looked like a patchwork of green and gold, reflecting the region's agricultural heritage. The view was made even more mesmerizing by the morning mist, which slowly lifted as the sun rose higher in the sky.

With our tour guide, Chai

Top of the World

And then back to the Hotel for the long journey to Hanoi. Bon Voyage ! till we meet again Sapa.....

Comments

Calesa around Intramuros

Manila - Together with Albert, we took a calesa (horse drawn carriage used in Philippines) around Intramuros. Albert and Lesley Albert and I Intramuros is the oldest district and historic core of Manila. The walled part of Manila was called intramuros, which is Latin for "within the walls"; districts beyond the walls are known as extramuros meaning outside the walls. Construction of the defensive walls was started by the Spaniards in the late 16th century to protect the city from foreign invasions. Guarding the old city is Fortaiago wich is located at the mouth of the river. Gallery of Philippines past and present presidents General MacArthur Battle HQ Entrance of General MacArthur HQ Manila Hotel Manila Hotel in the distance Manila hotel is the oldest hotel in the Philippines and the most well known icon. Baluarte De San Andres Cannons lined in a semi-circle Colegio de San Juan de Letran was founded in...

Cheong Guk Jang - fermented bean soup

Seoul - Lunch with Youngjin was at a traditional soup restaurant and it was crowded. Youngjin asked me many times Cheonggukjang "ok", I said ok not knowing what to expect. I have tried many weird and smelly good in Seoul, so I was very prepared. My first time tasting Cheonggukjang and I like it. CheongGukJang 청국장 is fermented soybean soup aka Stinky soup. Actually, I like fermented food and the smell does not put me off. I like fermented food because of the many health benefits and also we have them here in Singapore - tempe, belachan, fermented bean curd (which I love with my porridge), chincaluk, etc.. very hot Cheonggukjang I always buy danjang paste and bring home to make soup. I understand that they are the same but the difference is Cheonggukjang beans are uncrushed and are fermented for a longer period of time.

Temple Street Night Market

Kowloon - This flea market is full of quirky, Hong Kong souvenirs and t-shirts to take home. The actual market on Temple Street is in the Yau Ma Tei and Jordan sections of Temple Street. The flea market starts in the late afternoon every day and continues throughout the evening. You can find fake’designer' handbags, sunglasses, clothes, and electronic gadgets. The atmosphere was filled with many tourist of different nationalities. Along the sides were many seafood restaurants, mostly crowded. You will also find fortuner teller stalls plying their trade.

Travelogue around Asia Pacific Part II

Search This Blog