Tribasia Blog

We spent the rest of our stay in Laos in the western part of the country.
Time and time again, we used our legs as tools of mass discovery by trekking through hilly rural sceneries. Dirt roads, jungle trails and field paths often lead to hidden treasures of ethnic life and nature. We thus killed two birds in one stone by keeping fit and being eco-friendly. :))

We came across new groups such as the Lahu Musur but also refugees such as Hmong people. The Musur (also called Muser) appear extremely shy but good-natured while the Hmong seem secretive and proud. Both groups live at higher altitude.
The Laho's appearance (physical features and traditional dress) reminded us of some ethnic groups in southern China, which can be easily explained by the fact that they initially migrated from this part of the world.
We also met again various sub-groups of Akha and Thai people as well as Hor.

On our last day, we ditched walking for hitchhiking to make it on time to cross the border. We found ourselves at the back of an open-roof van tucked between bags and veggies. We enjoyed a 360-degree view of mountainous landscapes while going up a winding road and being driven through sharp turns. Many of those... but nothing better than some fresh air to prevent road sickness ;0)

As our visas expire today, we've had to cross over to Thailand and leave Laos behind. We would really have loved to extend our stay there but we have to prepare for our next destination in the coming days.

More on the forthcoming entry ;0)

Labels: Black Hmong, ethnic diversity, Lahu Musur, Laos, Trekking

Northern Vietnam is full of surprises. When you think you have come across all the minorities in one given area, you quickly realize that you are short of a few.

The official number of ethnic minorities recognized by the authorities (54) falls short of the real-life picture. One grouping often hides many different sub-groups and cultures.
Although they might not exist in the official eyes, these minorities still lead their day-to-day life.

Before leaving Sa Pa, we ventured north, towards Lao Cai. We were convinced that we had seen all the minorities in Sa Pa's immediate vincinity: Black Hmong, Red Dzao, Dzay and Xa Pho.

We were proven wrong when we came across a different sub-group of Dzao people living in a hamlet, 18 kms north of Sa Pa. As they do not speak English and we do not speak Dzao language, we could not establish the name of this sub-group.

These Dzao people use different stitching patterns and headdress from the Red Dzao.
They wrap their head in a colourful material adorned with flowers and arranged in a conic shape. We were happily surprised to come across this village and be kept on our toes in our tribal quest :))

Sa Pa region is not only full of 'ethnic' surprises but also surrounded by magnificent landscapes. Every curve on the mountain road unveals landscapes more spectacular than the ones you previously saw.

We leave Sa Pa with great memories of its ethnic diversity and natureal beauties. Soon it will be time for us to leave Vietnam altogether.

Labels: Black Dzao, ethnic diversity, mountains, nature, northern Vietnam, Sa Pa