Things to do in Vietnam

“You always read about the main tourist attractions. But there are a lot of other places that are so special, and a lot more authentic. Around Sapa there’s a colourful culture that’s remained intact from the outside world. It feels special and real and spiritual. You just have to make a bit of effort – the roads are bumpy, it can be a full day’s trip just to get to a market, but it’s so rewarding. It’s not just about what you see, but you can sit down and interact with people. It gives you long-lasting memories. The way they dress, the colours of the clothes, all the jewellery, what they sell, what they eat, the culture... and the markets. There are hardly any brochures that highlight those. Yet there are over 50 ethnic minority groups, each with their own culture, and a lot of them have their own spoken and written languages. And it’s something I would like people to know about when they are going to Vietnam.”