Sapa to Paso enroute to Dien Bien Phu

Thach Bac a short distance from Sapa is a mandatory stop for visitors to the area and as such is a little overrun. Worth a look though - the falls are impressive during the wet season.

The weather cleared as we visited the falls.

The view from Tram Ton pass - Vietnam's highest mountain pass. The cool moist air of Sapa is left behind from here and the full impact of the northern Vietnamese summer starts to hit.

The drive across the pass in spectacular.

Coming off the Tram Ton Pass - bush fire lookout.

Making traditional costumes.

A small village school.

As we pressed on towards Pa So, new stunning vistas presented.

Landslides are a major hazard in this part of Vietnam in wet season. They cause plenty of inconvenience and from time to time loss of life.

A roadside stall.

And a roadside fruit stalll.

Must be one of the loveliest houses I've come across in Vietnam - in the most extraordinary setting.

A closer look.... with the owner.

Coming back from working the fields out the back.

And another view.

More stunning afternoon scenes.

Arriving in Pa So.

The Lan Anh Hotel - a classic!

Abundant snake wine if sleep is eluding you at the Lan Anh.

And other tonics for men in need of luck.Lan Anh Hotel Pa So.