Dinner @ Unique Hotel, Sapa durian and walk into town

 Sapa - Dinner was wholesome home cooked meal.   Fresh and delicious.  

hot Egg and Mushroom soup

Sweet & sour taufu

Hot plate chicken

Sapa durian

We came across this food seller with 4 durians and chose one for SGD8 for this durian.   It was a satisfying durian, creamy and sweet.   

The walk into town was lovely with cool mountain breeze.  

Notre Dame Cathedral at night 

Little girl dancing to the music

Edmund flexing his bi-ceps

Cat Cat Village

 Sapa - My afternoon trip to Cat Cat Village in Sapa was a delightful cultural and scenic experience, offering an intimate glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Black Hmong ethnic minority.  We arrived at Cat Cat Village after a short drive from Sapa town, around 3 p.m., where the late afternoon sun bathed the landscape in a warm, golden glow. 

As I made my way down the winding path leading into the village, I was greeted by stunning views of the terraced rice paddy fields, a hallmark of the Sapa region. 

The neatly organised terraces, sculpted into the mountainsides, create an impressive sight that demonstrates the agricultural ingenuity passed down through generations.

The air was crisp and refreshing, adding to the charm of the rural surroundings. Walking through the village, I was struck by the blend of natural beauty and the simple, yet deeply rooted traditions of the people.

These homes, perched along the terraced fields, provide a beautiful backdrop to the lush greenery that surrounds them. The local Hmong people were going about their daily activities—some weaving intricate textiles, others tending to animals or working in the fields. The weaving and embroidery skills of the Hmong women are particularly impressive, and their handmade crafts, available for purchase throughout the village, are a wonderful reminder of their rich cultural heritage.

Paddy fields

As we walked through the village, the sight of the rice terraces was simply mesmerising. The terraced fields follow the contours of the hills, cascading down to the valley below.

Each level of the terraces was filled with vibrant green rice stalks swaying in the gentle breeze, reflecting the light in a way that made the entire landscape seem alive. It was fascinating to learn from our guide how these terraces have been cultivated for centuries, sustaining the village's agricultural practices.

Up the high tree tower

Waterfall @ precarious ledge

One particular highlight was the Cat Cat Waterfall, also known as Tien Sa Waterfall. Nestled amidst the greenery, the waterfall is a peaceful spot where locals and visitors alike can relax and enjoy the natural beauty. The sound of the rushing water, combined with the picturesque surroundings, made it a perfect place for a brief pause before continuing our journey through the village.

Cat cat village

Hmong performers

Our guide, who was from the Black Hmong community, shared stories about the history of Cat Cat Village and the cultural significance of the rice paddy fields. She (her name is Chai) explained how the terraces are an essential part of their way of life, not only providing food but also fostering a strong sense of community. Families work together during the planting and harvesting seasons, and the cycles of the rice fields mark the passage of time in the village.

Hmong rice wine

Vats of rice wine

Waterfall

Village from afar

After spending a couple of hours exploring the village, we headed back to our hotel in Sapa town. The return journey gave me time to reflect on the day, and I felt a deep sense of appreciation for the opportunity to experience such a unique and authentic cultural landscape. The blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and the warmth of the local people made my visit to Cat Cat Village truly unforgettable.

Fanispan mountain

 Sapa - Our free and hearty breakfast.  Each person can choose from the menu 2 mains and 2 drinks.

Edmund's chocolate pancakes

Beef Pho

Our ginger tea

My banana pancakes and Edmund's egg omelette

After our breakfast we walked to the church in the center of Sapa.  A stone church is one of the ancient structures and iconic symbols of the misty resort town of Sapa in Lao Cai province. 

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral of Sapa

The Notre Dame Cathedral is the main base of Sapa Parish, where 4,600 parishioners, mostly H’mong ethnic people, gather for religious activities.  This Roman Gothic-style church offers both architectural beauty and cultural significance.

This church, constructed in 1895 by the French, stands as one of the most well-preserved examples of French architecture in Sapa. It occupies an area of 6,000 square meters, with the majestic Ham Rong Mountain behind and the town square in front. 

A lone nun was praying

We sat behind her and prayed to Christ our Lord.  The colorful stained glass windows that depict the life of Jesus. 

Beautiful exterior of this church

Sun Plaza Department Store

At exactly 9am, our tour bus arrives to pick us up for Fanispan mountain - this is not part of the package and the entrance is steep 800k dong which includes the entrance into the cultural area and the cable car. 

Fanispan Mountain

The adventure to Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam and often called the "Roof of Indochina," began early in the day as we departed from Sapa town. Towering at 3,147 meters, Fansipan is a must-visit for trekkers and nature lovers. 

There were tribal villages which we can view and understand their culture.

Prancing horse

Hmong culture dance

However, I opted for the cable car, which offers stunning aerial views of the surrounding rice terraces, mist-covered mountains, and verdant landscapes.

We arrived at the cable car station around 9.30 a.m., and the excitement built as we prepared to ascend the mountain. The cable car ride itself was a breathtaking experience. As the doors closed and we slowly lifted off the ground, the landscape below transformed into a sea of green, interspersed with patches of yellow rice paddies and dotted with small villages. 

In the cable car

I could see the majestic Muong Hoa Valley below, with its rivers snaking through the terraced fields. As the altitude increased, the clouds enveloped us, creating a surreal, almost mystical atmosphere. The entire journey from the base to the top took approximately 15 minutes.

Upon arriving at the cable car station near the top, we still had to conquer a final ascent to reach the summit. This was no easy feat, as the air was much thinner at this elevation. A steep set of stairs led us toward the peak. As I climbed, I could feel the effects of the altitude—my ears started popping, and the pressure caused a slight discomfort. Nonetheless, the anticipation of reaching the summit kept me going.

Finally reach the summit

The moment I reached the top was both a physical and emotional triumph. Standing on the summit of Fansipan, I felt like I was on top of the world. 

The cool, crisp air was invigorating, and despite the discomfort in my ears, it was worth every second of the climb.

3.143m summit

After taking in the views and snapping a few photos, we began our descent. The walk down was easier on the body, but I still had to take my time adjusting to the pressure. Once we reached the cable car, I reflected on the experience—it was not just a journey to a physical peak but a personal accomplishment. The cable car ride down was as awe-inspiring as the ride up, with the clouds parting to reveal glimpses of the valley below.