Sa Pa, Vietnam Paradise in the Mountains

Although only a small town, the pulse of life was seen when entering the center of Sa Pa town. People passing by looking through the fog in the northwestern region of Vietnam is located at the foot of the mountain Fansipan berketinggian 3143 meters above sea level.

Sa Pa may be an amazing "paradise". Here we can see the uniqueness of diverse life of Vietnamese hill tribe minorities.

In addition to Kinh people, there are five tribes who live in the foothills around Sa Pa, which is 52 percent Ethnic Hmong, Dao 25 percent, 5 percent Tay, Giay Township 2 percent, and small part of Xa Pho. In dress, the mountain tribes (especially women) wearing traditional clothes are colorful. Even for women such as the Ethnic Hmong and Dao, clothing other than as a marker of identity also become an important symbol of social relations.

From Sa Pa, we can look at the natural beauty along the mountain village of Cat Cat, Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, Ta Van, and Guang Ta Chai. Besides presenting a beautiful stretch of landscape, Sa Pa, also presents the unique life of the mountain tribes.

Just look at Lao Chai village located 15 kilometers from Sa Pa. Terracing rice field extends around the Black Hmong tribe village is. The beauty of this village more complete when watching women with piawainya making various handicrafts, such as fabrics, clothes, and handbags.

Visit to Sa Pa feels incomplete when not watching the activities in the traditional weekly market. Every Saturday and Sunday, the tribe gathered mountains of merchandise held in Sa Pa town square. Various traditional kerajian could be an option as souvenirs.

For young mountain tribe, the traditional weekly market has become a favorite location for couples. No wonder if they also call this market as a love market. Kristianto Purnomo