SAPA is STRANGE (Mixed Emotions) 🇻🇳 VIETNAM by MOTORBIKE Ep:9
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 27 сен 2024
- Get the COMPLETE 🇻🇳 Vietnam Travel Guide here 👉 - tinyurl.com/3r...
USE CODE - VIETNAM5 for $5 OFF whilst stocks last ✌️
Today we venture further North and further up into the highlands of SAPA. It is a very popular tourist destination for locals and foreigners alike because of the beautiful surroundings and as it's home to Vietnam's tallest mountain, MT. Fansipan (3100m).
However as I tour around I want to share with you why I am NOT the biggest fan of this place, yes it is beautiful, but it's also home to some touristy practices that leave me feeling sad and frustrated.
If you ware deciding on whether to visit Sapa or not, this video should hopefully answer that question.
This series was filmed in June 2022 ✌️🇻🇳✌️
🎥 LEARN RUclips with me - - - tinyurl.com/yp...
✅ -- HOW TO FILM video for RUclips
✅ -- HOW TO EDIT video for RUclips
✅ -- HOW TO UPLOAD & RUclips Masterclass
✅ -- 💲 💲 Get a $100 discount code here - tinyurl.com/yb...
👉 Ways To Support Paddy Doyle -
🤙🏻JOIN my QUIZ NIGHTS on Patron to support the channel and WIN PRIZES
🔗 / paddydoyle
☝🏻 UNLOCK the next episode RIGHT NOW by becoming a channel member
🔗 / @paddydoyle.
💕 Contribute Directly
🔗 tinyurl.com/uu...
💪🏼 Support the Channel Here -
🔗 www.buymeacoff...
🙋🏻 Get Next Level Adventures MERCH
🔗 paddy-doyle-me...
🇹🇭 My Southern Thailand Guide - tinyurl.com/82...
🇹🇭 My Northern Thailand Guide - tinyurl.com/4w...
🇹🇭 The COMBO North+South Thailand Guide - tinyurl.com/3k...
🔔 Subscribe here - tinyurl.com/5f...
make sure to hit the 🔔 notifications bell 🔔 and never miss an adventure!
🎧 Where I get my music (FREE TRIAL) - www.epidemicso...
✈️ Where I get my TRAVEL INSURANCE 👉 - safetywing.com?referenceID=24896498&Ambassador
🇻🇳 The VIETNAM Tour Playlist (Choose Your Destination) 👉
🏙️ HANIO CITY 1 - • FIRST DAY in HANOI 🇻🇳 ...
🏙️ HANIO CITY 2 - • HANOI We Have A PROBLE...
⛰️ North East 1 - • BLOWN AWAY by Ban Gioc...
⛰️ Hi Giang 1 - • HA GIANG LOOP Is INCRE...
⛰️ Hi Giang 2 - • DANGER on HA GIANG LOO...
⛰️ Hi Giang 3 - • HA GIANG LOOP is INSAN...
⛰️ Sapa - • SAPA is STRANGE (Mixed...
⛰️ North West Vietnam - • BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS (My ...
🇻🇳 Ninh Binh - • NINH BINH is MAGICAL 🇻...
🛳️ Halong Bay - • Was it worth it? 🇻🇳 $3...
🏝️ Cat Ba Island - • STRUGGLES on CAT BA IS...
🪖 The Ho Chi Minh Road - • BROKEN DOWN In PARADIS...
🏞️ Phong Nha Caves - • 72 HOURS IN VIETNAMS L...
🪖 Hue and the DMZ - • ALONE in the DMZ 🇻🇳 VI...
🏍️ The Hai Van Pass - • the INCREDIBLE HAI VAN...
🏖️ Danang - • DA NANG was a DISAPPOI...
🚣 Hoi An - • the BEST of HOI AN 🇻🇳 ...
⛰️ The Road to Dalat - • 3 BEAUTIFUL DAYS to ge...
🌵 Mui Ne - • MY LOWEST MOMENT IN VI...
🏙️ Saigon - • FIRST DAY in SAIGON 🇻🇳...
🐃 The Delta - • AN UNFORTUNATE END 🇻🇳 ...
#PaddyDoyle #Vietnam #Sapa #vietnamonmotrobike
More videos from Vietnam every 3 days this summer! Perfect time to SUBSCRIBE ✌
excellent video Paddy, but not the one we wait for. you were so tired less energetic you were in Sapa but you did not visit Lao Cai village? common Paddy, you might had a bad incident or something. i agree with downside of Sapa because of theme park look and child forced labor thing.
awaiting for more.
Have a nice day in Sapa.enjoy the views great journey.Paddy
Totally understand what you are saying about the working children Paddy. Great video though! Maybe on your next level you could Malaysia 😊. Look forward to your next vid.
Paddy whats the situation with the drone, I'm planning a trip there and want to bring my dji?
If talking about the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam, people cannot bypass the stunningly beautiful rice terraces lying on gigantic mountains in Vietnam, especially in Sapa. Possessing 1,000 hectares, Sapa rice terraces particularly Vung Lung Sung field with the famous stair of 121 steps are one of the most amazing landscapes in Vietnam. In Ha Giang, it's best to drive a motorbike to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the loop, but in Sapa, you have to trek for kilometers of trails between indigenous villages to take in the mesmerizing beauty of Sapa rice terraces. From July to September every year is the best time to visit the stunning bright green rice terraces in Sapa. However, the rice terrace fields reveal their most captivating beauty in the early September when the bright golden yellow rice fields are spectacular and magical completely covering the grandiose mountains under the blue sky. Just like a 3 - 4 day tour of Ha Giang Loop, to enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of Sapa rice terraces requires the same amount of time 3 - 4 days. Just go and see this place ... It's beyond your imagination.
You can actually ride your own bike down some of the trek routes in Sapa given it's a good bike, tho I would not recommend doing that. Accidentally did that in 2020, I got stuck in the middle of nowhere with the views then 2 trekking guys just saw me and be like "whatttt?". Saw some of the local ride into the path & I be like "they can do it, I can do it", well turns out they can, but I can't lol.
Its a shame you didn't actually go to the villages up in the mountains with the rice paddies and incredible hikes/views. I completely skipped Sapa town and just found myself a super nice homestay in Lao Cai village for a week and it was one of the most beautiful and relaxing times I had in Vietnam. I agree with you about seeing the kids working but unfortunately I think that's just a cultural difference us westerners are lucky enough to not have to do. I'm sure all members of their family are working every day to keep money flowing and I'm sure they are grateful that they at least have the possibility of a tourist town nearby that can provide the villages with more money, albeit not being the best situation.
Was going to be my exact comment! People that loved 'sapa' normally actually mean they loved Lao cai. We only started in sapa town for bussing in and out and the rest of the trip in Lao cai and still after 3 different trips to Vietnam and 6 months living there, Lao cai is a highlight
exactly!
Hi, what is the name of the homestay you stayed in Lao Cai Village? I'm planning my itinerary now and based on your comments, I will skip Sapa town and head out to the villages. thanks
@@mymotosai5036 Hoang Kim Homestay was the one I chose but there are plenty of good ones to choose from in the villages :) try not to go in down season, it’s more fun when you meet new friends than being alone - enjoy!
How quickly people forget kids in the west used to work as well until maybe the 40's/50's?
We skipped Sapa town and went on a trek and overnight stay with a local tribe the Red Dao (organised by Phil and Hoa at their amazing company called Ethos based in Sapa) - it was the highlight of our trip to Vietnam! ✨ Anyone heading that way, don't miss it. Loving your vids Pad!
Thank you so much for the tip!!
Thanks for recommending us :)
“do the Ha Giang loop every day of the week and twice on a Sunday!” outrageous and glad to see your honesty of the heart versus this is great and everything is hunky dory…looking forward to your next vid!
I think you are experiencing a culture and generation gap - in the past it was the norm for even the youngest children, 4-5 years old, to help with farm chores. I’m 65, my grandfather didn’t go to high school he started working in a coal mine at 11 years old. My husband’s family was a subsistence living farmers in Romania who immigrated to the US in the 1950’s. My husband was 8 years old when he and his family worked as farm workers in the US harvesting crops. Its still common place and necessary for children in poorer countries to do chores to help their family . This is nothing to get upset about. Some of these traditions are passed down even in well to do families where kids are expected to do some chores - clean their room, help with dinner of the dishes. If you want to help the locals then take a picture with the kids. They are in the same business as you.
Am very shocked to see so many negative comments here and so many supporting child labour as a cultural right! Child labour is a consequence of extreme poverty and no one in any culture is going to support this as an ideal, except those who benefit from this form of exploitation! Any parent in any culture wants safety, security, health and education for their children and the situation Paddy is illustrating does not provide these things. Please do not romanticise poverty but read the comments here from people living in this region explaining how education, child labour and poverty interact and research what is actually happening in regions you visit then support projects that aim to make education and healthcare more accessible and reduce exploitative labour patterns. Thank you Paddy for your informative episode, and also all the more rural ones you have already made showing other ways of life different from those in this episode.
❤❤
Always be honest and transparent with your experiences. It’s so easy to sugarcoat everything as a RUclipsr. Much love ✨💛
Always!
Yes I agree! I’ve stopped watching a lot of the other RUclipsrs as it just looks so fake and inauthentic and like a video put out by the tourism board. So I appreciate your authenticity and your narrative! You’re a great storyteller as well.
Visiting Sapa, Vietnam, and immersing myself in the vibrant culture of the Hmong tribe was an experience that left a lasting impression on me. From the moment I arrived in this picturesque region nestled in the misty mountains of northern Vietnam, I was captivated by the beauty of the terraced rice paddies, the colorful traditional clothing of the Hmong people, and the warm hospitality of the locals.
Exploring the villages of the Hmong tribe allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of their rich traditions and way of life. I was humbled by their strong sense of community, their intricate handicraft skills, and their deep connection to the land. Walking through the lush green fields dotted with wooden houses and meeting with the friendly Hmong people gave me a glimpse into a lifestyle that felt both ancient and enduring.
Interacting with the Hmong villagers, trying local delicacies, and participating in traditional activities like batik dyeing, embroidery, and dance performances helped me appreciate the heritage and cultural significance of the Hmong tribe. The genuine smiles, genuine interactions, and genuine bond that I formed with the people made me feel like a part of their community.
Moreover, the breathtaking landscapes of Sapa with its terraced rice fields cascading down the mountainside, the fresh mountain air, and the serene beauty of nature all around added to the magic of the experience. Trekking through the hills, visiting waterfalls, and witnessing the simple yet fulfilling way of life in Sapa was truly a rejuvenating and soul-stirring experience.
In conclusion, my visit to Sapa and encounter with the Hmong tribe was a deeply rewarding and enriching experience that I would rate highly. The authenticity, the cultural immersion, and the natural beauty of the region left an indelible mark on my heart and mind. If you are seeking a meaningful travel experience that allows you to connect with a unique way of life and appreciate the beauty of Vietnam's countryside, I highly recommend a visit to Sapa and an exploration of the Hmong tribe.
WOW, your talent with prose! TY for this "essay".
Weird how experiences are different.. I found it like a theme park in the mountains. Not enjoyable
cant rmember composing this .. must have been hacked by chat …
What a shame, Sapa has grown so much since our visit 8 years ago. We didn’t stay in Sapa itself, choosing a two day trek and a nights stay with a family in the rice fields….soo beautiful and something I will never forget. Loving your Vietnam travel Paddy and look forward to each video
THE INTRO DRONE SHOT IS PHENOMENAL !! Vietnam is sooo breathtaking! Love from Thailand 🇹🇭🙏❤️
I'm currently in Sapa having spent the last 4 days here and you missed the best thing about the area. It's not the town itself which in general is just visited by Vietnamese from other areas such as Hanoi who come for the cooler climate. The real beauty of Sapa is the local villages surrounding the town that make up the Sapa region. And I do not mean Cat Cat village which is also purely a tourist trap. I spent two days trekking with an ethical company who invest in the Hmong tribe, to provide education and a way out of poverty. We trekked through rice fields, met a 95 year old shaman, slept in a local's house and ate with their family. We had a life changing experience and it's a real shame you didn't see that side.
So true... For a more down to earth experience it is the less trodden paths. I wish to travel to that area before it is gone gone... THere are amazing bamboo groves near that area and Laos, which has the most amazing species of bamboo (largest in the world dendrocalamus sinicus, which grows 150 ft in a season). If you take pics.... i love see many.
He did a video on Sapa not the surrounding villages of Sapa. Well done for spending a few days there though, you’re almost a local yourself
@@paulcregan4647
All I'm wishing to show to people who have watched the video is that there's a really beautiful countryside around the town that is well worth the visit and to meet the wonderful people who live there, spend time with them and ensure the money spent in the area goes to that need it. Rather than to the town, give money to investors from outside who don't actually contribute to the welfare of the tribes and not actually see the majesty of the area. But naah you thought a snarky comment was in order.
Oh and Sa Pa is both the town and the 16 regions surrounding it.
Yes, this is the Sapa I know too! We did the same trekk (well, may not have been the same company) 8 years ago, but did an overnight stay with a family in one of the villages. Always best to keep away from the main tourist areas 😊 although I have to say Sapa appears to have grown from what I’ve seen.
Absolutely agree! I think Paddy expected Sapa to be like Ha Giang Loop. However, they are totally different, which makes Vietnam's landscapes unique. During the wintertime, Sapa looks like a beautifully misty and foggy little town in Europe, but during the summertime, Sapa rice terraces are spectacular and mesmerizing with the bright golden yellow color covering the gigantic mountains. Sapa rice terraces are one of the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam.
i'm Vietnamese. I can explain to you what you're seeing
Those children are children of Vietnam's ethnic minorities. They have a tradition of working very early. Don't be surprised to see kids making money after school, that's their culture. They also have a tradition of early marriage. Those kids might get married at 13 and you might think they're brothers but they're not. They can be mother and child. Children 14, 15 years old are married and have children in their arms. Although Vietnamese law is very strict with lewd acts with children under 16 years old. If you have sex with a child under the age of 16 even with the consent of the victim, you can be punished with up to 20 years in prison. But the law cannot interfere with the child marriage and earning money of ethnic minority children because Vietnam must respect the democratic freedoms and choices of ethnic minorities
@Ryan Stop talking about what you don’t know about.
@Ryan If you don't know then keep quiet. In remote and underdeveloped places it is a bit difficult for them, but in places like SAPA they are very rich. Among the ethnic minorities, the Hmong are the richest and most developed. Minority Vietnamese hold many important positions in the government, many generals are minorities. President of Vietnam Nong Duc Manh is an ethnic minority.
@Ryan First, you shouldn't say stupid things when it's in the past. Like you said all should get out of the Americas and give it back to the Indians.
@Ryan You must remember that although Vietnam has developed in recent times, it is still a poor country. In Asia, the Vietnamese Hmong receive the most care. They get free education, free medical care, even their criminal records are very light compared to the vast majority of Kinh people. They often live in remote places and choose a nomadic lifestyle. The government tried to send them to industrial areas and farms, but they all left. They also got married very early. That culture prevented them from growing, but the government couldn't intervene. You must respect their freedom. You cannot force them. You should remember that Vietnam gave them autonomy before but after 19 years they gave up to reunify with Vietnam. Different from other countries in the world, Kinh people account for 80% of the population and 53 ethnic minorities, but they respect and love ethnic minorities very much. That is why Vietnam has never had ethnic conflicts.
@Ryan Do you want to verify what I said Kinh people and the government protect minorities? You attack the Kinh and other ethnic minorities. You attack the Kinh and you will be taken to prison. You attack the minority and you die because the Kinh will kill you.
The Sapa Town is touristic. Outside in the hills and mountains is refreshing with the view of rice terraces and tea growing sides.
Well... I've visited Sapa (three days) and my impressions were completely different. I didn't even know there was a cable ride and a waterfall close to the village. Imo you didn't show Sapa. Sapa is about hiking through rice fields from village to village. I didn't see one rice field in this video. Still enjoy your videos a lot. But you missed it on this one imo.
The water fall is from the other part of vietnam. He just highlighted and show a few nice destinations in vietnam at the beginning of the video. I don’t think it’s meant to be any where close to sapa
@@hp4415wrong... he was talking about Silver waterfall that is 5min from sapa
Sapa is nice, bit to touristy for me. Wow, that cable car ride looks scary, had some beautiful views of the mountains. What, I love about you and your channel Paddy, I always leave with a little more knowledge and a bit more educated. Great video! Looking forward to more.
Glad you enjoyed
@@PaddyDoyle.
Name of the magnificent big French building at Sapa?
Looks like you’re copping it here Paddy! I visited Sapa probably four years ago. Went with a trekking company for two days down through the valley staying in homestays and like everyone said, it was amazing. You’re usually so good at researching places it’s just a shame you missed out on the best that Sapa has to offer. 🤦♂️
It`s school summer holidays now in VN , so the Hmong kids try to make some money by selling stuffs to the tourists , but they are not allowed to do it during school time . It`s a kind of summer job for them . Only adults are allowed to do it all year long . About the Fansipan , 6 or 7 years ago a young adventurous British guy tried to climb that mountain in solo without a local tour guide `s help . He fell down in a waterfall and died . His girlfriend who stayed in an hotel in town did not even call the police for help . Only after 3 days of absence , she decided finally to ask for help . The Sapa authority had to mobilize over 200 policemen , local volunteers , sniffer dogs and drones to look for him . Unfortunately , after 6 days of search in the jungle , they found his dead body with a broken leg in a ravine next to a waterfall . His father and his uncle flew to Vietnam a few weeks later to repatriate his corpse to the UK . Just want to tell you it`s not easy to escalade alone the roof of Indochina .
Be careful and drive safely Paddy , because we do want to watch your full motorbike ride across Vietnam from North to South
Paddy - I love the fact that you are not afraid to tell it how you see it, even though it may stir some debate with some subscribers. You don't sugar coat everything, which I appreciate. I agree with your sentiment that it may not be the best but still worth a visit to get the full Vietnam experience. Sad about the working kids though, but that's reality.
@Ryan The Hmong in North Vietnam was left untouched by the American war. They were involved in the previous French war, which ended with the battle for Dien Bien Phu valley in 1954. The Hmong in the south bore the brunt of the American war especially for those who chose to join the CIA and the Green Berets to fight against the communists.
Visiting a tribe via hiking and live in a tribal home certainly would be a much different experience than riding a modern cable car and staying in touristy western style hostel.
Let's see...there are groups called boy scouts and girl scouts in the west selling cookies in front of Walmart or the likes for their affiliations. Nothing new. On the same note, there are a lot of people out there who like touristy places like Disneyland, Vegas, etc. Having a place like Sapa is great for people who are in the nearby countries to experience without having to visit a western country. Things are designed like that for a good reason!
Those boy and girl scouts are raising money for different reasons than mere survival. The money they raise is invested into making the girls more successful and other useful life skills. Those Hmong children are very young and many are not in school because the parents are making them pander to the tourists.
@@doodahgurlie it happens to every country, developed or not. The reality is that there are kids who don't have an opportunity for a better education. It's sad but it's not new. It sucks, but it's reality. Also, we cannot assume the kids are unhappy just because of their action. Plus, not everyone is cut off for education. We should not judge the book by its cover. There are kids on the streets begging for money and not in school in the U.S. My point is it's nothing new. Regardless of who will benefit from the sales, the action is still the same - kids selling stuff on the street unsupervised. I hate to say it, but that's life. Besides, I would think it's an excellent trade skill acquired that education might not be able to provide.
Love how you’re not afraid of running out of fuel on a deserted backroad in Vietnam (something that would freak out a lot of people!), but a cable car has you quaking! 😂 Really enjoying your videos, it’s really getting me excited for a trip to Vietnam in November 😊!
You basically summed up Sapa perfectly! We were there 4 years ago and we had the exact some thoughts / feelings ☹️
I spent 3 months in beautiful Vietnam. I would say Sapa was the only place we were severely harassed, by the locals. Paddy summed this place up really well. I am looking forward to returning in August to ride the Ha Giang Loop. In saying that definitely visit Sapa. We went hiking and saw the local villages. The hike started as a downhill climb through mud to end via a steep incline to reach the peak. My wife and I both fell. If you are over 40 and not fit, active and maybe experience, think twice about going hiking here.
The Americans apologised to the Vietnamese for their war.
The French during their occupation, reoccupation and subsequent war(which they had coming they'd no right to be reoccupying Vietnam after WW2, after all, they didn't like the Germans occupying France) have never apologised, that's the bone of contention with the Vietnamese.
@Ryan Yes and the world turns and today it's the Ukrainian's turn for persecution and so many other ethnic groups.
My point was and is as Paddy pointed out the neglect of the ruins of a French monastery,I was stating Vietnam's position on the French from their past.
And yes violence begets violence as we all are aware.
It's tough. This happens all over the touristy places of SE Asia - I remember it being particularly bad in Cambodia and Myanmar. I would imagine that it's even worse now given the recent state of the world. I feel so bad for those kids just like you do.
So true!
It's their culture, and the kids seemed to be fine.
These children live in villages far from town (sometimes they have to walk for 3-4 days), it is sad to see the children have to participate in making money. Partly because of the views of the Hmong, they give birth a lot (have a family of more than 10 children) and the way to raise a family at the present time cannot be enough just to grow crops and go to the forest to hunt... and the resort is how these kids feed themselves and help their parents
But giving them money or buying stuff from them will encourage that behavior and the cycle will continue. Don't buy from them and don't give them money so they girls can stay in school and get an education.
@@doodahgurlie Have you ever been to a remote village in the northern mountains? Each family group in the clan (5-7 families) lives in a large mountain, and only a few groups or dozens of groups have a school. To get to school you have to go from the top of the mountain to the valley and cross the trail, climb another mountain (sometimes 2 3 peaks) to reach the school. I've been to Sapa and participated in trekking in the villages.... and it's really hard for them to go to school at the moment!!!
@@NguyenHai-vx2kn They are already trekking to the city to sell stuff, which doesn't invest in their education nor set them up for a better future.
@@doodahgurlie The only option is to stay at school. Schools up there are free. And there’s teachers who are staying at school and taking care of the students. But it’s really difficult because many of the kids have to help their families since Hmong parents usually have a lot of children. And if they don’t go to school, they’ll probably end up getting married at an early age and having many children.
@Ryan I don't agree with your saying the Hmong are a suppressed minority in SEA. Please prove it.
Awesome videos, Paddy! The views are truly next level. I have to say, I'm glad you removed the flagpole thingymajig that you glued onto Super Dreamy. It was obscuring the views. Looking forward to the road trip to Ninh Binh.
Ahhh thanks Patty. So much for Sapa! I have watched other travel vlogs on Sapa and thought it looked so picturesque and quaint with the French influence BUT I really appreciated your take on the “actual” reality of the experience there. Cheers
I will be going to Sapa in 9 days time, but I pre booked a 4 day trek in the valley allready. This is why you should come to Sapa, not to hang around in the town. Places like Kathmandu in Nepal are the same. You should leave to city as soon as you can and do some trekking in the mountains!!!
Hey Paddy, my wife and I, are very obsessed with your Vietnam videos 😅.
We are currently in Sapa and we feel the same way you felt, with mixed feelings.
And the weather is not helping us either to record our RUclips videos 😢
Thanks for sharing your journey with us! 😊
Very good to see this honest take which can be hard to get from some RUclips vloggers. This is the information I want and wouldn't stop me going there just good to know these things otherwise it can be a downer. Keep up the good work Paddy.
I agree with Paddy, but also agree you should go to Sapa if you have the time. I know I am going to enjoy the Ha Giang Loop more when I get there in August.
I can’t believe how sapa has changed. I was there 17 years ago. It was a small village.
Going into the mountains however is stunning. Stayed at a homestay with a family and was wonderful. A real highlight, the meal was utterly magnificent
wow beautiful landscapes
I really didn’t appreciate your judgmental commentary about street peddlers. Consider the viewpoint of the people you’re criticizing who are from a third world underdeveloped country. They see “backpackers” like yourself who are as focused on a pretty scene being equally focused on when beer-thirty is going to happen. You’ve disrespected their flag in a couple of scenes and just been pretty disrespectful about their culture. If you’re a travel vlogger then travel and report on what you experience but forgo the judging.
damn, you spoke for me. I've watched a lot of his videos and I'm so annoyed.
I think if you want to enjoy SaPa you should stay away from the town and go to one of the villages on the slopes of the mountain. I stayed in TaVan and it was great. Really beautiful, so peaceful and no busses/trucks and noisy restaurants. While SaPa town is just too crowded and noisy. And the views from it are not the best, you just have get further away from it.
One way to avoid the tourist traps and hounding. Don't get off the bike. 😂. I've been to sapa twice. Thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. Partly because i don't have a motorbike license and sapa is really safe to ride a scooter. But i would recommend it only if you're good at cycling. For me sapa is the perfect place for a non planner like myself. Heck you can book your accommodation on the day you arrive. Tons and tons of cheap accommodations from home stays to eco lodges.. From the train to the buses. Everything can be done in the spur of the moment. even my scooter was just a random boy riding pass me and asking if i need a ride. Dont be afriad to say no if you think the deal sucks. But don't be afriad to say yes too! You'll be met with many plesant surprises! Many tried to push samples down my throat. I just take them and if it stinks i won't hesitate to not pay a single cent for it.. but on one encounter. I tried an authentic hmong apple fruit wine. Its the most amazing drink. And its only 100,000 dong ($4usd) per bottle and very nicely packed. I bought a dozen of them and it made one of the best souvenirs ever. From Paddy Field trekking to crazy glass bridges (100 times scarier than fansipan but 1hr away) Sapa never fails to disappoint. Who knows i might come back the third time. (;
I'm Thai Sapa is one of my point that I'll visit in the future.
Vietnam is still developing, and the veneer of glossy tourist attractions/skyscrapers will be mired by the underclass who are exploited by government corruption. Therefore, these people will do whatever they need to in order to survive/make a living. One of the hardest element of visiting Vietnam, for me, is reconciling my fabulous holiday experience with the experience of the people I meet/see on the streets.
Another great experience Paddy! Thanks for allowing us all to experience this vicariously through you. Beautiful!
Exploitation of the locals are less in Vietnam than Thailand, no red light district attractions any where. KUDOS to our Vietnamese friends.
Whereas red-light districts, sex shows, massage parlors, go-go bars, and sex-focused karaoke bars are publicly common sights in Thailand, they are illegal in Vietnam. Sex work is strictly forbidden in Vietnam.
@@Windtalkerzz well sex work might be officially illegal but it does exist. I remember getting a haircut in a very fancy hairsalon in HCMC. I REALLY needed a haircut and they had problems to find someone who actually could cut my hair. As the 25+ dressed up hot ladys couldn't even hold a scissor. Took me a while to understand what's really going on in this saloon.
@@Bretzelbaer Countries have same social evils but difference in level and how law enforcement by country. Sex work still exists in Vietnam in hidden and stealthy underhand way, but not public, openly, commonly, widely like Thailand. Though prostitution is illegal in Thailand, but the laws are ambiguous and often unenforced. Sex tourism is particularly prevalent in Thailand. Bangkok’s red light district is arguably the most infamous in the world. Wild sex shows are openly advertised. I took a Thailand tour package several years ago, the TG asked if our group wanted to watch sex show in Pattaya. It is like a kind of common entertaining show there.
I Definitely will visit this place for my holidays in Vietnam.
I've watched a few of your videos in prep for my tour of the north and this was particularly enlightening. It's good to hear (and see) an honest review of a place, warts 'n' all. Thanks 🤗👍🏼
Finally a new video is here :) that was a long wait. Great video. Thanks for keeping it real.
My pleasure 🥰
Paddy, the good news is, there aren’t too many places like what you witnessed in Sapa. Ninh Binh and Tam Coc are stunning, with you all the way mate 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Paddy, you are adoringly entertaining. Even just looking at the photos my legs would wobble so absolutely certainly not going on that long cable car ride. Best of luck with your enviable adventure.
Thankyou for your honest review too many people are payed to do a review of things that end up biased because a positive review is payed for. Your channel is amazing i am hooked. Love the honda dreams you should get an oil change chain and sprockets done at a workshop and make a video of how much that costs in Vietnam. I may be wierd but i like that stuff
@Ryan yeah he was just saying he didn’t like seeing kids working the streets alone so young and i agree it’s terrible. Obviously the reason behind this is complex and you seem to know alot more about it than me and probably most people. But as a westerner its a bit hard to see and he didn’t hide it from the camera which is good for viewers wanting to know what a place is like.
I understand your concerns about this place. Your a good person Paddy🙏
Thanks mate
It is illegal in Vietnam for a child to work for a company however. a child helping parents earn money is completely normal. this is Vietnam, not Europe You should respect the difference. In Europe, it is illegal to eat dog meat, but in Vietnam, there is a festival to eat dog meat. You should respect differences and cultures. If you don't eat dog meat, don't criticize people who eat dog meat. Thank you for sharing about Vietnamese culture to the world
I'm Vietnamese, and I oppose against people eating dog meat. They are domestic pets.
We actually did hike Fansipan and took us 2 long and painful days 😂😂 it was INTENSE to say the least but the view was stunning❤️ but yea we felt the same with the kids when we visited. We also visited back in April so some people haven’t seen tourists in years and we had so many Hmong women all over us and even had a day where one wouldn’t leave us alone for 3 hours. So yea I’d recommend only driving through sapa town 😂
Ninh Binh is beautiful, less touristy and definitely worth checking out. When I was there it was compared to an Inland Ha Long Bay.
Let me guess its a hugeeee tourist trap
haha quite possibly!
@@PaddyDoyle. love it, keep up the work mate fellow brits here who also love to adventure away from all the crowds, keep enjoying it 🇻🇳
Beautiful Sapa thank you
Enjoying your videos as you now travel through Vietnam. Living in Thailand myself it has been very informative as you traveled around. Gave us new places to see ourselves, and I have lived here for over 10 years. Thank you for your professionalism.
yes awful cheesy Sapa, you got it but you are more diplomatic, Ninh Binh on the other hand is spectacular and more authentic when i was there 6 years ago, breathtaking, awesome video again bravo
It looks like Sapa town has been designed to look like what a Chinese tourist would expect an ex-French colony to look like. Maybe that's were the theme-park atmosphere comes from.
You are so funny… I love how you narrate your experiences in Sapa.. I never laughed so hard to a video
Nah, "it's a wee bit nippy, aye" is Scottish for, "Aye, a Brit just walked into the pub".
We are Chinese born in Vietnam and my mom was very excited to visit Sapa years ago when she went to Vietnam. She was also turned off by that scene of all the kids and adults selling things. She mentioned there were mothers with a good number of kids.
I am not scared of heights as I used to have, nowadays I am very much way more Brave Boy.
It makes sense now. Sunworld Is also the group that runs Ba Na Hills. Same incredible cable car ride. Same random imitation Europe and theme park ambiance
The government has warned tourists not to buy goods from children in Sapa. They are used to enrich their parents who have no conscience.
Not only that but someone mentioned that giving the kids money encourages that behavior and keeps the girls out of school so they can make money instead of in school getting an education.
The tallest mountain in Malaysia is Mt. Kinabalu and it is 4,095 metre.
So sad to see how sapa has changed in twenty years.
When I was there with my x partner we were two of probably less than a fifty tourists in the town.
The streets were gravel no power in sapa in the day time.
I remember asking why the power didn't work in the hotel and she just said no power in sapa.
It became a joke between us when we ever got a power cut.
We would just say no power in sapa.
We did go trekking with one of the local mon girls who was great and stayed in amazing place in the mountains.
But it's not going to be the same now.
I fully understand with everything you said at the end.
And I didn't recognise anything in the town at all.
Very sad 😔
gift shops are a must
About the kids… I asked why the kids were there by themselves unattended when I was there last year. I was told the families have no real way to make real money other than let the kids go out and make money for the family. In ha giang, they recognized how utterly awful greed has destroyed sapa and actually beg people NOT to give the kids there any money. They don’t want ha giang to become like sapa. I am sure in time, the garbage company sun world will destroy ha giang like they did sapa (and several other tourist locations around Vietnam). See Vietnam while you can.
Paddy I have been there and you made the perfect description regarding this place, it is nice but so touristic, has really no culture as it is all mixed up business, the area is quite nice, but it is by far not the place I loved in Vietnam there so many other, not even mentioned in the travel book places who get me hooked, who put me in a good mood, but same as for you - it was not Sapa, by far not...
hard to describe, some may even love it but I did not...and I worked in Vietnam for 2.5 years so I traveled a lot too, with the locals, but to tell you the truth the best experience I always had traveling alone without the locals, as they have a quite different opinion and got taught in a way, we westerners do not understand, as it is still a communist country, and it exactly this difference of feeling freedom and making you own choice in mind and the way which separate us from Vietnamese,
I would not say it in general but it is the way you grew up, it is the way you feel freedom and get the impression and feedback from nature and mother earth...maybe I used the wrong word, Vietnamese people are wonderful, humble, and friendly, they just grow up under different circumstances,...that's why I loved to go my own way, to find my own Vietnam and my own wonderful contact with the lovely people who are living there, I enjoyed it the most without a guide or Vietnamese friend who wanted to show me a special place in his country...
- and Vietnam is just a wonderful pearl in this world...- just go your own way, not follow travelers advise or local advice - just take the road you like, the turn you like, the restaurant you find appealing...not follow the hype...and you will find heaven on earth...
- anyway - I love your videos, and they are getting better, and better...some can see real progress in your passion...thank you so much...
Stunning sceneries. Thanks for your video.
I think the "middle finger towards Colonialism" you saw was actually just regular old neglect. When I saw Colonial ruins across Asia, they were often deserted. This place wasn't maintained as tourist location because few of the locals care about visiting that kind of thing, and the maintenance budget goes where the tourists dollars go.
True!
Thank you for sharing this. Been looking for info about Sapa. Hoping this year, I could visit it.
Another epic video coming no doubt 🙌🏻
haha hopefully
@@PaddyDoyle. just watched it and it was epic, but have to say I don’t think Sara would be for me apart from the scenery.
Your quality is so freaking good 🔥
Great one! Did anyone tell you that you look like Michael J Fox when he was young in Back to The Future time? 😅
Thanks for amazing video. Keep up good works. Even I am Vietnamese, haven't got chances to go to these beautiful places in my own country.
The best bit of SaPa is getting out the main town and trekking through the villages. I don’t think you did the place justice
Agree.
Old Paddy getting a bit grim on his travels. Haha nah we understand as everywhere has its pros and cons!
I had absolutely the same impression of Sa Pa. The city itself in my opinion is not really worth it to visit. "The hunting" was wayyy to much for me. But the countryside around, trekking, staying in a homestay on the other hand is an amazing experience.
I'm getting vertigo just watching your video...
Armageddon VS Deep impact hahah Nice
Again another very interesting episode. Never been to Sapa so thank you for the tour. I haven't been to Vietnam in years, can you still find high-quality french style pastry and bread? I recall getting fantastic sandwiches made with fresh french style bread often better than in Paris.
I've been to Sapa in winter. I do not recommend in this time of the year it but it was a nice adventure :D
15 years ago Sapa was beautiful nice and peaceful, with small old houses with garden. It's spoiled now. What's a regret :(
I was there in 2005 and it's fair to say it's changed somewhat. Just a sleepy hill market town.
Nice video! Happy to be here! Thanks!
haha paddy has no problem parasailing over skyscrapers in Pattaya, but cable cars....his heart is racing.
Finally someone who loves disaster movies ✌🏻
Cable car ticket includes a buffet meal
Hi Paddy loving the videos.been watching for a month now. I was in Thailand back in June. I’m back in October for 2 weeks, then again at Christmas for 3 weeks. Unfortunately I can’t move there like you, but the videos really entertain me, and inspire me to reach my goal of eventually moving to Thailand.
I was in Sapa in Dec 2008. Did a lovely hike, but I can't recognize the town in any way. Scenery still stunning though, but a lot more crowded.
I totally get your point about being put off by the people trying to sell you something.
Có 1 kẻ "ryan" đang ra sức bêu xấu Việt Nam. Chủ kênh và mọi người hãy tận hưởng du lịch và bỏ qua anh ta
Tripadvisor has dubbed the beautifully foggy and misty little town Sapa as "the little Switzerland", especially during the wintertime. The French called Sapa, "the Tonkinese Alps." However, most of the public buildings and many residential buildings in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and particularly in Dalat are largely French influenced. Many called Dalat, “Le Petit Paris,” or sometimes "a little French town" with more than 2,000 beautiful French villas dotting the area. The great French architectural buildings can be found predominantly in the modern Ho Chi Minh City. Some examples are the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, Saigon Opera House, the Saigon City Hall, the Hotel Continental, and the Hotel Majestic.
Hi Paddy. I had the same disappointment many years ago when I was at the summit of Matterhorn (Zermatt) and waited for a clear visual to see it’s surrounding mountains and landscape but it just wasn’t my day as I was only left with a heavy snow & thick clouds. Anyhow, still looking forward for your Northern Vietnam 🇻🇳 adventure videos. Safe travels!
Gosh! Thanks a lot! Looks like I'll change my mind and visit Sapa😻
Kids selling stuff on the streets? Wait for Ho Chi Minh city 😁😜 thanks for your content! And have a safe and amazing trip😉
I love your honest review. You are so right about the kids. Kids are not a tourist attraction , it s a shame tourists take picture with those little kids.
Man you look like young Michel J Fox ! 😁this is cool! And you have great content, thank you.🙌
Thanks for your honesty! I just subscribed. No Sapa for me. Can't wait to see Ninh Binh in your next video!
I'm really enjoying your recent videos Paddy!
Definitely a mixed bag there Paddy and very well explained
Thank so much for sharing about sapa.
Thanks Paddy Doyle...