Photo story: Trekking along Sapa rice terraces in winter
Cross a wooden bridge to Sapa’s minority villages
If you’re into rice terraces, grand mountains, river boats, Sapa is the place for you. Notwithstanding the fact that it is a little over-touristed in this writer’s opinion, Sapa has much to offer, especially in the summer months of March to August.
When I was there in January, the paddy fields were filled with pools of brown water, possibly runoff from the rains which had come down in the later months. The scenery looked bleak, the mountains shrouded in wisps of mist.
It may be the case of over-travelling, as I’ve seen similar plantations in Nepal and China. But I’m guessing towards the later part of the year, when the plantations are green, sparkling under the summer’s heat, it will be quite worth it.
Have shared some photos of the rice terraces, mountains and lakes I saw along the trek – hope that helps you make a decision if you would like to come to Sapa or not.
We had to cross a stream along the trek, thank goodness we were in boots.Sapa rice terraces, submerged in water.Construction going on – will that change the land in Sapa?Sapa rice terraces which have been neatly cut outA fishing boat along the lakes of SapaCrossing the wooden bridge, into Sapa’s minority villages.Sapa rice terraces submerged in water.House amid the mountains – how is it like to be living there?Rice terraces seeped in mudCrumbling shack on the edge of a rice terrace.Shades of greatness – it’s a pity the mountains were shrouded by mist.When I imagine this to be summer, I think it will be very beautiful.
