MEMOGRAPHER | Travel Photo Journal

Happy 12-12-12 Day! Best wishes of Good Times and Memories to all on the road and those who are planning their next adventure! Today my good memories come from Sapa, Vietnam, and this post has been scheduled to go live at 12 hrs 12 mins 12 secs :)

Sa Pa is a town in northwest Viet Nam. It lies in one of the country’s highest valleys at the site of 3,143 meters (10,312 feet) high Fansipan Mountain (Phan-Xi-Pǎng), the highest peak in Vietnam. The region is home to several ethnic minority groups such as Black Hmong, Red Hmong and Dzao. The tribes continue to live a very basic existence in the villages and come to Sapa, often walking on foot for hours, to make their living by selling produced goods. People of these tribes wear black or dark blue colorfully embroidered clothes and silver jewelry, but their headgear is different. Classic Black H’mong women wear decorated black fezzes. The Red H’mong women wrap up their hair in a red scarf, and the Dzao braided hair has a silver ornament sticking out of the top. The Kinh (lowland Vietnamese) never originally colonized the high mountain area; however, these days almost all the businesses in town are owned and staffed by Viet Kinh. The only trade the tribes do is selling handicrafts, fruits and veggies on the streets.

Sapa’s central square with ancient catholic Stone Church, built by French in 1930, is the city’s major attraction. Right in front of the church is the yard/live market, “occupied” by tribes’ activities, is a must go place. I will skip the story of the Church, but, will ask a question that locals and Google didn’t answer four months ago. Once at 5 o’clock in the morning, a few minutes before roosters start screaming, the church bells rang an unusual sequence of rings: 3 + 3 + 3 + 28 (total of 37). I was able to hear the bells very clear b/c my hotel was located next to the church :) Church bell rings originally served communities as a tool of mass communication… I wonder what this sequence of rings could mean. Any ideas?

During my two days trip to Sapa I rented a vintage Soviet motorcycle Minsk and explored the city and its outskirts. Also I’ve ridden to Lao Cai’s Red River border with China. This is my photo essay of the trip (comes in two parts). Note, I’ve already posted other photos from Sapa in my previous posts
Shocking Asia,
Shared Souls. Portraits of Vietnam and
Portraits of Vietnam (Part 2).

Click on image to view full size.

Sa Pa Viet Nam and its tribes

Soviet Motorcycle Minsk rented in Sapa Vietnam

Sa Pa Viet Nam and its tribes

Soviet Motorcycle Minsk modified to a bomber carrier ;)

Sa Pa Viet Nam and its tribes

Lao Cai’s Red River border with China

5 Comments

Andrew Graeme Gould says:

December 17, 2012 at 15:51

Wonderful series, Alex. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!
Andrew Graeme Gould recently posted..Arica, Chile: people and places

- Memographer says:
  
  December 17, 2012 at 21:11
  
  Thanks for boarding my timeship, Andrew ;)
  Memographer recently posted..Sapa Vietnam and its tribes (Part 2)
  
Jessica J. Hill says:

July 2, 2013 at 20:31

I just love your site! You’re a splendid photographer, and my new inspiration, having traveled so many places. Sapa was my favorite stop in Vietnam – I fell in love with the friendly locals on several motorbike rides outside of town. Great shots! You make me want to go back.
Jessica J. Hill recently posted..Tourism Authority of Thailand Contest: Meant to Move to Isaan

- Memographer says:
  
  July 2, 2013 at 20:57
  
  Thank you, Jessica! Your words mean a lot to me.
  Sapa was my favorite stop in Vietnam too :)
  Memographer recently posted..Photo Trilogy: Rapa Nui – The Island. The People. The Museum
  
Miriam of Adventurous Miriam says:

August 23, 2014 at 07:55

Great photos! I love how you portray Northern Vietnam and its people. Truly beautiful.