Ha Noi and Halong: Hell and Heaven As you will have read Ha Noi is a busy city that leaves much to think about. The main thing is that it seems richer and more in touch with the modern world than anywhere we have been. Shops have TVs and the modern appliances and there is some advertising to that effect. But the road system and driving is utterly chaotic….and completely mad! Drivers seem incapable of obeying anything like simple signs; red traffic lights. The...

Ha Noi: Night time arrival and Shocks! As we came into land there were lights and a city. Mind you, we had just come from Vientiane the capital of Laos and an unexpected stop no one had thought to tell us about! Phnom Penh International Airport was an odd beast. Few flights, a small terminal and a feeling that we were actually at some minor town was odd for a capital. The drive to the airport was along a route used, I guess by visiting dignitaries. From down t...