Hi, it's a real trek down from Hanoi, 12 hours on a sleeper bus, it's ok if your 5 7' but some of the guys were well cramped up. There was over 20 of us from Hanoi backpackers so we all knew each other, theres around 26 beds on the bus. We did pick up a fair few locals on the way and at one point i rolled over to go cheek to cheek with a local lad, not too good for the heart at 01.00am - not a sight both of us expected (or wanted). Decided to kick on through to Hio An at the Hue stop, another 3 hour trek so the total journey took 16 hours. Said goodbye to a few friends as we look to do different stuff.

Found a decent bed for a couple of nights, Hoa Binh, It's $10 a night for a shared room, you can get cheaper but you have to work out how much you save vs how important your time is!. Sharing with Matthew, a leeds lad on his way to Aussieland, just come from Japan and got some good stories to share, in fact a big crowd of us decided to book in here as it's a good base, the town is small anyway.

Hoi An is a great stop to chill for a few days after the hustle & bustle of Hanoi and just before the party town of Nha Trang. It's a really peaceful place, clean, lots of great architechture and a really comfortable feel to it. Had a few beers at Mango's, well overpriced by the setting on the lake is the best, you get local trademans cycling through the water inches from your feet - one of the best spots in town. It's easy to see why this is 'the place' to get clothes made, there are literally 100's of tailors, more than bars & restaurants - luckily i have a recommendation from an Aussie guy i met in Hanoi. The night lifes a bit low key, more a wine / cafe culture which is fine after a hectic week.

Got to watch some footy last night with some sound Irish lads, good to have a few beers and watch a bit of telly, it's the same rules as Hanoi though, lights out and bar shut at midnight so we miss the Man U game.

Fresh as daisy on day 2, breaky at the hotel, the Vienamese coffee is great, thick and strong and kicks start the day. Head straight for the tailors (Dong Duong), order Khaki shorts and a pair of combats - lets see how they come out after being measured up?. Decide to check the place out on foot but over the footbridge i get offered a motobike for $5 - why not - it includes gas and a helmet so what can you lose!. Turns out to be a good move and fun trying to miss the potholes and small trucks heading for you - it's a free for all at junctions but it just adds to the fun of it. I head towards Red Bridge & Cua Dia beach, it's not sunny, in fact starts raining buts it's hot and liberating to be on the popen road. I find the most amazing bar called SON, if anyone comes over, you musy go, its a bamboo house on ther Bon river with views to die for, chill out loungers and plump cushions, cheap beer starting at less an dollar. I had the local dish, cao lau, delicous and cost less that a Euro. Spent an hour and a half soaking up the views and met Jess & Penny from Australia, great company. On the way out i bumped into Kyla & Elena from Canada - how bizarre - what a small world, they have been overbooked and stopped over for the night. It's short ride to the beach, must be great when sunny but i take a stroll anyway.

Back in town it's back to the tailors, it took 4 hours to make the pants and they fit like a glove -just the job - decide to get another pair and a suit, lovely material, get measure up and go back for the secong fitting tomorrow - everyhing made for 100 Euros !?. It would be rude not to.It's so cheap that one of the Aussie boys has hade an orange suit made for 'bad taste' and a p-ss take, could be a fun and colouful night tonight!?!