Today we had a full day’s hike today around Bắc Hà with a local guide. I was feeling pretty rubbish as I'd caught JC's cold (sharing is caring) but a kick start of drugs, and not having to carry a rucksack, perked me up.
We started by visiting Hoang Tuong palace. This French/Chinese designed mansion, completed in 1921, housed Hoang Tuong, the local leader. Supported by the French he kept the locals in order, exploiting them and their land to his benefit. Nice building, shame about the legacy.
Our walk was so much fun. We left the town, diving off onto local footpaths which occasionally disappeared, requiring our guy to forge a new route across a corn field.
Happy in the rice fields.
Our guide today was really lovely and I think Dat enjoyed having someone other than us to chat with!
We stopped for a rest and shade in this lady's house.
This boy was keeping an eye on his buffalo.
There were some streams to jump and one requiring shoes/socks off.
The views were the best we’ve had in Vietnam. Totally breathtaking - and the camera really does not do these justice. Rice terraces, mountains etc. the sort you just want to soak in and never forget.
Local water spot.
JC took this photo of me in the place we'd stopped for lunch. I was so very hot!
We did about 18 km today which was a wonderful leg stretch and such a beautiful place to do it in.
They cover motorbikes with leaves to shade the saddle.
Photographing a bug!
We ate with our homestay family again. Not much common language between us but they were all very kind and gave me loads of vegetables. What's not to love.
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