Today we started the day with an early start and breakfast in the hotel before heading out for the city tour of Hanoi. The weather was hot, 30 degrees by 8am. We started off by heading to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, to see uncle Ho's body, it was a very amazing and unique experience, we had to cover our knees and shoulders before entering the Mausoleum which was largely protected by guards. We got to learn some of the history around Ho Chi Minh and what he did for the country. We then went around the area to see the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh residence and saw where he lived and the cars he had and where the next presidents lived. We then had free time and a look around the One Pillar Pagoda.

Our day trip then continued to the Temple of Literature- the first university. The history of the university shocked us all as it was so different from NZ. Getting into the university was incredibly hard, and took many tests to get in. Only few people managed to pass all the tests and finish the university. These people then became royal or very high up people.

Next stop was the Hoa Lo prison (Hanoi Hilton) we got to see how the male and female prisoners were made to live, many managed to escape but through small tunnels and gaps, no way to escape over the top, they used broken glass on the top to stop people getting over and guard towers on every corner. The way prisoners had to live wasn't pleasant but was very interesting to see what it was like and the sort of things they endured.

Lunch was next where we had many typical Vietnamese dishes brought out to our table to try some of everything. It was a nice chance to sit down in the nice air conditioning and have a wee break!

After a nice relaxing lunch, and a chance to refuel we headed on the bus to the National History Museum. Many people were in their element getting to see the war history and the old antiques from the past.

The last stop on the day tour was the traditional Vietnam water puppet show. None of us knew what to expect and were in for a surprise. We went into a indoor theatre that had an amazing set up where big water puppet were dancing and acting around while Vietnamese music and storyline was being played. It was very different, very impressive and a nice way to finish the tour.

The night was then ours to explore Hanoi and get to see more of the city and try new foods for dinner. We got to see some very cool shops and a lot of us headed for the crepe shop where we fell in love! But fair to see we all also loved the New Zealand home made ice cream store! We could do what we wanted for the night, whether it was relax in the pool or head down the streets. It was a very relaxing night with a bit of freedom for us. We were all tucked up pretty early for a 6am start to head to Ha Long Bay.