Cat Cat – so good they named it etc.

We’d only an overnight stay in Sapa – though 2 full days due to travelling from Hanoi and back on the sleeper train. There are many options to go trekking – with or without the local guides – but Cat Cat is only 2km from Sapa centre – it’s a nice walk along some roads and paths, and it’s easy to do without guides. On the way there’s coffee,

and the view

There are 2 distinct bits to Cat Cat. There’s a shopping / walking area off the main road with some splendid views over the surrounding areas

From here there’s an entrance-way along the side of the building near a ticket desk where you pay 150,000 VND (5GBP/6€) to enter the real Cat Cat. It’s a managed tourist area populated by the local H’Mong population so you pay an entry fee for access to the real deal – too bloody right, the place is amazing and very welcoming. For the next four hours, we ate, drank, wandered and took photos.

After walking through the numerous shopping bits, and viewpoint areas you get to an area where the fun really starts. There’s waterfalls, bars, a stage – and a bit of an afternoon cabaret show – loads of local children and teachers all in tradtional dress doing a variety of stuff, starting with the music and dance.

After the music and dance, the bamboo poles come out for audience participation. I joined in – sadly not on camera, though I can say I maintained my dignity.

Then it was getting close with the longer zoom – some posed and some candids of the locals and the tourists.

And a special mention to Lily – guide, saleperson and an omnipresence throughout our stay in Sapa. I bought a wee bag off her for my recently acquired Olympus Pen half frame – well over the going rate but she deserved it for sheer business acumen. Legend of Sapa.

Sapa was one of the most visual, trippiest, friendliest and scenic spots I’ve visited. I could’ve spent a week there hiking and photo-walking but I’d other places to visit and a job to return to. And Cat Cat was a blast.

Kit: Lumix GX80 with 12-60mm and 45-150mm lenses