Honghe Trip II 

As soon as the port is open, the Vietnamese vendors and business people started to rush over. Time is money. That鈥檚 the golden rule. Even one second saved could make a difference. But the procedure to get across is quite simple. They could apply to stay for one day in China or as long as one month. They do both imports and exports, bringing what鈥檚 rare in China to Vietnam and vice versa.

It is the season of lychee and these are fresh Vietnamese lychee, which sells well in China. In return, some brought vegetables back to Vietnam.

Here in Hekou you can obtain a visa to visit Vietnam. The feeling is queer. It鈥檚 still the same climate, same weather, even similar looking people, but somehow, when you walk on the street, you know it鈥檚 a clearly another culture and heritage.

Sa Pa is a popular destination in the country. Northernmost point in Vietnam. The only place in the country where people have ever seen snow. Many people travel over here for the cool weather, but I think it鈥檚 still very hot.

Sa Pa is the place to see many Vietnamese ethnic groups. They could easily be spotted on the street. It鈥檚 not only a top choice for Vietnamese, but also foreigners. On the street, you can see almost as many locals as the travelers from all over the world.

Interview with traveler about feeling in Sa Pa.

The little town features European style architecture. The ambience is remarkably exotic in both senses, looking from a point of view either East or West. The thriving tourism business has English speaking vendors and tour guides on the streets.

Having resisted the overwhelmingly enthusiastic vendors, I couldn鈥檛 resist the temptation of a popular activity here, hiking in the countryside.

This is how much we could go, the rest, we walk.