We've been in Vietnam now for 4 days and are trying to get used to the change from Thailand. The biggest change is the huge amount of motorbikes on the roads, well some stick to the roads and some use the footpath. There are very little road rules, with some cross roads being a complete free for all, people driving on all sides (supposed to be the right) and big things give way to little. Us pedestrians being the littlest!

Our Visa for here went smoothly (it has however been the most expensive at about 50quid), we paid extra to get it in 24hours and then booked a flight to Hanoi. We had read about Vietnamese scamers in the lonely planet, also when we booked our accommodation the hostel sent an email to be aware of duplicate hostels with a similar name but charge huge amounts, and then when we got off the plane a woman gave us a leaflet to be aware!! After all that we didn't know who to trust......but we got to our hostel easily and all has been great.

The past few days have been spent wondering around the old quarter and visiting some museums, learning about Vietnamese history. It certainly seems to be a country that doesn't give up easily. With the previous French colonisation there is some great French architecture and lots of cafes in this area. The streets are narrow and buildings are slim and tall (due to taxation on shop fronts). Learning about the Vietnam war has been harrowing, realising the extent that the US went to, to try and stamp out Communism. Ho Chi Minh, the founder of the Communist Party is held with huge respect as being responsible for freeing the country. He is even preserved for all to see in his Mausoleum. We also spent some time in Hanoi Prison which housed the US pilots when they were captured, some being a POW for 8 years.

Yesterday we went to a restaurant called KOTO, "Know One, Teach One". We had fantastic food with great service. All staff are previously disadvantaged kids who are enrolled and taught basic skills along with working in the hospitality trade.We think the project is great and it has given us an idea to try and do some volunteering if we can.

I must add that due to the Czech making a brief visit, Vietnam has a number of micobreweries, where the Pilsner is great and the price is even better (10p a pint)!!

Plans for tomorrow? At this "well seasoned" stage in our travels!, we know we can pay a premium to do tours, but instead, because time is on our hands we try and take public transport and recreate the tour for a discounted rate! We're heading to Halong Bay, which from all reports is breathtaking. Take care.