The Shortcut to Cat Cat Village @ Sapa in Vietnam

To save money For a healthier lifestyle and to slowly enjoy the crisp mountain air, we decided to walk all the way to Cat Cat Village, putting ourselves in danger from the vehicles travelling up and down the narrow vehicular road.

Not a decision we regretted since this was what holiday should be all about; on a relaxed, unhurried pace, with our faces brushing against the morning mists, and the chance encounter of docile animals in the great outdoors. 

Like the water buffalo, known as Vietnam's "unofficial national symbol revered for strength, diligence, and prosperity"; to the extent it played an important role in the country's culture, agriculture and history.

And there was a second one coming up to greet us! 

The sisters were excited to bump into the two gentle giants! Less so for me as I have had experience with buffalo riding at Hoi An, as part of our participation in the Hoi An Village Experience Cycling Day Tour.

That's when we saw the sign; shortcut to Cat Cat Village! According to Google Map, this would likely cut short the walking distance; from over 300 meters to less than 100 meters, albeit a climb-down. 

Coming to a platform for photo-taking.

Pity we couldn't see beyond the clouds. 

Picture with and of the entry arch before we took the shortcut. What's in there for us? Would there be a booth halfway through asking us to pay for the shortcut? Or some shops that would accost us to die die buy some souvenirs?! 

Nothing happened.

It was really just a shortcut. 

Dewdrops on spider webs are so mesmerizing, although I do have an ignorant question. I don't usually see the spiders around; did they freeze to death after completing their master art piece?

More photo-taking moments along the way. Definitely recommended for visitors as you don't even have to pay a single cent, whereas Cat Cat Village was ticketed. p.s. Cat Village would be much more beautiful though, so treat this as a bonus. 

Climbing down to this spot with its highly contrasting red tiled flooring, with a red Vietnamese star in the center! Guess what would be good at this location? I can imagine a cultural performance.

Sadly, our family can't dance.

So more pictures for the photographer! 

Singaporeans hate the heat but when it comes to cool weather, the Singaporean soul in me shall make a hasty retreat and would draw closer to the pile of embering charcoal whenever I see them at Sapa! 

Back on the main road leading to Cat Cat Village, which was less than a hundred meters away. According to the distance calculator on Google Maps, I think we saved around 200 meters by taking the shortcut. 

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Click here for my summarized itinerary of my 3 days trip to Sapa