Featuring the mountain town of Sa Pa, known for its local tribes people (generally called Hmong but known by other names such as Dzao, etc) plus Bac Ha Market. Sa Pa is about 38 kms SW of Lao Cai. Bac Ha is east of Lao Cai, the end of the railway line in Vietnam, where it hits the border with China. The Bac Ha Market is on Sunday, and is attended by the Hmong group known for the wonderfully bright costumes of the women. I don't think the Flower Hmong really appreciate being the object of so much curiosity. Some do respond well, but others seem to subtly turn their backs the instant they see a camera. It is hard to interact well, with such a limited exposure ( a short tour time of 1.5 hours) and no language. The colours? Stupendous! Can we in the West please dress with such verve?! Photos by Alwyne, processing by Ron LaCroix.