A traveller's reflection: 2015 Vietnam Ride: 05 Sa Pa

My Travel Journal

"There isn't much I haven't shared with you along the road and through it all there'd always be tomorrow's episode" - Elton John

I started traveling around the world since early 80s when I had the opportunity to combine business trips with vacations. Then later when my rezeki is in abundance, there were numerous other trips along the way for vacations, most of the time with hubby and the kids when the timing is right. I have also started to compile the journal and photo-pages covering almost more than 45 years of world wide travel. Some destinations I visited just once, others many times. Many of those places are the obvious famous places people would like to visit but some, the casual traveler doesn't even think to try. I have placed links to my travel at the side bar of my personal page, My Life Reflections, and will be updating them from time to time.

My wish is to continue my travel and complete circumnavigate the globe, insyaAllah…

Friday, 27 November 2015

2015 Vietnam Ride: 05 Sa Pa - Tu Le

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer...”

(Sa Pa is ready for winter)

Day 05: Sa pa - Mu Cang Chai - Tu le
Date: Tuesday, 24 November 2015
Distance: 205 km

This morning after breakfast we checked out and got ready to ride to Tu Le.

Mr. Long, the tour leader lost his motorbike key and had to call a mechanic to try start the bike. Another bike had a puncture and needed to be repaired. It was already late when we started our journey without Mr. Long, Mr. Ha and Mr. Dung. With Dennis leading the way we headed straight towards the main Fansipan Mountain range. We stopped for photo shots at waterfalls and some nice view points on the way.

(A wet morning ride out of Sa Pa)

(Stopping at one of the many waterfalls)

(Riding uphill into the mist)

(Riding with care, low visibility)

(Climbing to the highest point)

(Scenic views along the route)

(The winding road is in good condition)

The massive mountain range dominates the route we were taking until finally we made a splendid climb up from Binh Lu and up to the top of the highest road pass in Vietnam, the Tram Ton Pass, often refered to as Heavens Gate. Crossing into Lao Cai Province at over 2,000 m the views are stunning and look over the main range. Then we descended to the mountainous Lim Mong valley .

(Passing through villages and small towns)

(Busy road leading to town area)

(Buffaloes dominating the road)

(Un-graveled dusty road)

(Man-made lake on top of the mountain)

(Miles and miles of paddy field terraces)

We rode slowly and carefully and finally stopped for a short coffee break at a small town. We rode another hour and had a lunch break when we were joined by Mr. Long, Mr. Ha and Mr. Dung who managed to catch up with us in time.

(A ciggie break on top of the mountain)

(What a happy lot, full of fun...)

(Want to go for a paragliding adventure anyone?)

(Tu Le valley in the background)

(A rest and view point area)

We reached Tu Ĺe around 17:00hrs and rested till dinner time. Dinner was sticky rice with omelette and food we brought from home. We slept well in the Nha Hang Pho Nui Hotel.