J.J. The Frugal Traveler

05/31/2026

This time it is not beaches and big cities, but the picturesque mountain countryside, filled with century old terraced mountain rice fields. An experience of a way of life few of us get to experience. This time we see the breathtaking mountainous area around the town of Sapa, with it's quaint little villages and homes, eco-farm tourism, trekking, quiet venues, and mystical atmosphere, you will enjoy this fascinating northern spot of Vietnam.

05/31/2026

Although Bruce wrote a powerful song (Born in the USA) It was for another time. Today you will see that history as well as the charming people and culture that now is Vietnam. Just an enchanting and captivating country you will love. Book a room at a boutique hotel for 20-30 dollars somewhere along Vietnam's approximately 2,025 miles (3,260 km) coastline, you will not be disappointed. Vietnam has some of the worlds best beaches. I have never been disappointed in booking a room as low as $12.95 USD plus taxes (a couple of dollars) at any one of the 5 beaches I have visited.

05/31/2026

Send me off to a Foreign Land, well almost. I have been to Thailand and Vietnam a few times already. They are just amazing places. Amazing Culture, Amazing Scenery, Amazing History, and Amazingly inexpensive (frugal). If you have the chance you should go and see the Far East

05/31/2026

I have Visa's and I am ready to go

05/03/2026

https://www.facebook.com/myshomestaysapa/ $7 USD Unbelievably Frugal.

Black H'mong indigenous family living in Mường Hoa village, local homestay, trekking, homemade liquor

05/03/2026

I think the best way to travel to Sapa from Hanoi is the overnight luxury train. You have to sleep anyway, why not book the VIP cabin for two. When you get there in the morning it is just a short Cab ride from Lao Cai (the town right at the Vietnamese China border) to Sapa . You will get there refreshed first thing in the morning ready to see the mind blowing sights and inspiring culture of this historic city.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DScldH4DKrV/

05/03/2026

Self driving from Hanoi to Sapa for most part is on a modern highway, but the last 30 km are mountainous steep winding roads. Landslides do occur, fog is common during the rainy season. At times there can be very heavy traffic on this 5-6 hour drive. If you can deal with this long ride and the conditions, the views along the way are amazing.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAVnEllSbE1/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

05/03/2026

04/30/2026

As I am always looking for great values. I have found a little quaint hotel that looks pretty nice. At $13 to $17 USD that constitutes a bargain and fits with My Frugal Travels philosophy.

04/29/2026

What an amazing trip this will be. I have never seen how coffee is grown, or harvested, let alone witness the process behind gathering and preparing the weasel coffee for market.