Sa pa Hill Tribes Tour

You Will

Famous Sa Pa's mist hovering above rice paddies in the morning when you rise, the greens of the fertile land juxtaposed against the bold, brilliant indigos and reds of tribal clothing and textiles.

The echo of bronze drums through the valley thought to be the vessel that saved the ancestors of the Dong Som tribe from a great flood thousands of years ago. Listen for the rustling of leaves as the wind sweeps through the valley. Delight in the lively exchange of diverse tribal dialects, a symphonic babel of tones and articulations that envelopes you in the markets of Sa Pa, known for being the melting pot of languages in this region.

Gain hands-on experience weaving local cotton and linen, and working with textiles and natural dyes. Fully absorb the process and feel the delicateness of garments with your touch. Learn the pleasure and intrinsic spirit of indigo clay, and what it means to create from the world around you.

The lingering refreshing aroma of rice plants that blend with the array of local ginger dishes in various stages of preparation through the valley, accented by the savouriness of fish sauce, the heat of the chillies and warmth from the garlic.

Develop a palate for the subtle nuances of Vietnamese cuisine and remove the shackles of western stereotypes of oriental food. Learn the intricacies of the local spice mix, soups and cooked meals that are delicacies the world over.

History

Sa Pa lies amongst the most magnificent mountains in Vietnam, secluded from the rest of the world, accessible only by a few high mountain passes. It is, however, a cultural hub; home to some of the most diverse convergences of ethnic minority peoples in the world. Sa Pa has existed for centuries as the epicentre for travelling communities from neighbouring China, bringing with them language, religion and, most noticeably, traditional textile-making practices. These practices have remained at the core of life in Sa Pa since, and the 30 different ethnic tribes in Northern Vietnam can still be distinguished by their clothing styles today.

Sa Pa's unique geography is a testament to its diversity. At the end of the Himalayan range, the area is surrounded on all sides by soft, green peaks that dominate this land, a region the tribes call home. Sa Pa is a haven for nature, all around is the apparent harmony between humanity and earth.

Since French colonists built Sa Pa as a healing retreat for first the army and then expats who preferred the cooler climate, new fashion trends have been introduced to Sa Pa, yet the old ways remain. Many environmentally and ethically conscious fashion brands in Vietnam now turn to Sa Pa to learn about sustainable weaving techniques, and ethnic influences can be seen in modern designs around Vietnam and the world.

This tour begins and concludes in Hanoi, where travelers will initially spend two nights absorbing the city’s local markets, museums, and textile workshops, all designed to inspire and unlock the creative mind and allow the initial design phase to commence.

Available Dates

• January 2020