I caught the overnight train from Hue and had 15 hrs of international sign language conversations with the other 3 people in my carridge. I've had just one day in Hanoi but it's a really beautiful city and i wish I'd planned a bit longer. Lots of parks and trees. Cant think of anywhere else where I've seen so amny butterflies in a city centre. Wandered round the old quarter this morning and went to a few temples this afternoon. Still found time to get a...

I arrived in Hoi An last night in the middle of an almighty thunderstorm. I've decided i've had enought of buses and cant face the thought of an 16hr overnight one to Hanoi. So i've booked a sleeper on the train instead. It takes about the same time but will be much more comfortable. Than i'll be awake for my day in the capital. Hoi An is a beautiful old village, the best preserved in all Vietnam. It's also the centre for fabric and cloths production. Resist...

I've spent the day lazing on the beach, reading my new book and generally being pampered. Despite the irritation of all the vendors on the beach constantly pestering you to buy. It does mean that anything you'd ever want is right at your fingertips. Have decided to stay here another day and just make do with 1 in Hanoi.

It's really great being up in the mountains. The air is much clearer and it's quite cool. That combined with the rain and midges makes me feel like I'm back home in sunny Scotland

Arrived in Saigon this afternoon after a long stuffy bus journey. Have found a really nice place to stay. Hoefully meeting up with a friend tomorrow then spending the next two weeks heading up towards Hanoi.