Boat trip around Halong Bay but not the touristy bit or so the tour guide said to us and the boat load of our fellow tourists. There are 3 bays in Halong Bay. For all we know they have gone around and round in circles as its stunning but basically big bits of rock in the sea with the odd deserted beach. 12 on our tour including us; 2 German, 1 French, 2 Dutch and the rest British including 2 from Cumbria. You'd think that the far end of the world would mean you a...

Sitting on our balcony in Cat Ba Town watching the sun go down over the thousands of islands in Halong Bay. Travelling was the usual chaos but fun nevertheless. Just finished a traditional backpackers snack of crushed and melted minstrels served in the packet. Mmmmm looking forward to the other forgotten snacks at the bottom of the bag. Off out tonight to organise a boat trip around Halong Bay for tomorrow.

It's raining again. Well not true as it's the first time it's rained. Not bad for rainy season. We've put the weather to good use. David has been quizzing the receptionist Emily on how to get to Cat Ba Island and Yvonne focused on reducing the jet lag (went back to bed for a snooze). Had a walk in old town. Strolled around Hoan Kiem lake and the streets of old town today. Well I say strolled, around old town its dodge the mopeds but thats part of the adventure....

Uncle Ho Closed We were told by the hotel that Uncle Ho Chi Minh was away in Moscow having his preserving fluids topped up but we went anyway to see the gardens and found every where shut for a long lunch. Found a rusting B52 bomber and some missiles instead and took refuge from the heat in the best bar so far called Bar Betta. It is 3pm local time Yvonne is looking at culture in the fine arts museum, I am looking at roasted peanuts and two for one pints in Bar...

"We are not in Kansas any more Toto" Landed in Hanoi about 12:30 and after a chaotic visa on arrival process got a taxi to the hotel. First rule on the roads in Vietnam is you must never stop, never!! Second rule mopeds can drive on any side of the road. The third is when you do come to traffic lights which are red you MUST proceed with some caution and that's just about it. This rule is optional; see rule two. Also golf carts are a perfectly acceptable mode of...