A day full of adventure today as we headed into the countryside around Hue on motorbikes - a few of us left at 8am so that we wouldn't be in a big group and would have more time to see around. Our drivers took us through back alleys, along rivers, through villages, up through forest to stunning views over the Perfume river and lots of historic buildings too. Our first stop was a village market where we wandered around and took in all the smells and sounds - from live chickens and eels to durian fruit and fresh fish, clothes and lots more besides! The village has a beautiful ornate bridge and so we sat in the shade - 37 degrees today - and 'chatted' to a few of the locals. After tea in the square we headed on to our next stop - lots of wee craft shops along the roadside. At this stage we joined the rest of the group and made our way via the summer residence of an ancient king to our lunch stop at a buddhist nunnery. They only eat vegan foods so think lots of fresh vegetables and fresh fruit for lunch! Back on our bikes and more travel up through forests and tracks, via buddhist cemetaries, to an amazing viewpoint over the Perfume river. A short stop at a colliseum and then our final stop was at a pagoda- home to trainee buddhist monks and located high on the hillside overlooking the Perfume river. Time to say goodbye to to our motorbike drivers ( the whole trip cost less than 6 pounds) and relax on a boat as it took us along the Perfume river.

After all that activity time to relax in a posh hotel for tea and cake before relaxing in our hotel and then we're off to an imperial banquet!!