We are close to finishing our time in Vietnam and have had a great time. We started up in the north in Hanoi. It was our first experience of the cold in a very long time and we did not like it. Cold and rain! When it rains in hanoi, the streets are so dirty, it became like one big muddy puddle. My feet we completely black by the time we came back after walking to dinner. It was trousers and jumpers all week long.

As soon as we arrived we got the public bus from the airport for about 20p for an hour long journey. People would stare, then look away, then stare again, asthough we might have majorly changed in the last 5 mins...Then we were dumped on the side of the road for the motor bike taxis to grab us. Massive crowds shouting their cheapest price, pinching and wacking our arms for attention. Its crazy! Then the motorbike taxi weaved us through the small streets along with the other thousands of bikes on the road. With our massive backpacks and rucksacks each! Dinner was in someones local lounge/restaurant, Then it was straight into our backpackers hostel bar for a quick and quiet drink which ended in free drinks and sombraro hats on a pub crawl around the streets of hanoi! What a first day!!

From Hanoi we visited Ninh Binh and got to experience the real countryside of north vietnam. The flooded lush green rice paddies and bif rock / cliff formations. Locals riding around of classic bicycles. It was really cool. We went on a boat trip at tam coc and then a bike ride through the countryside. On the way to the bus station, we were lost, but befopre we knew it, massive groups of men come running at us down the street, to go on their bus. We guessed we had arrived at the bus station with out even knowing.

back in Hanoi we had some mad motor cycle drivers that you could definatly smerll the alcohol on their breath, and got me and my sister on the back of their bike to save money!

From Hanoi we flew down to Ho Chi Minh...it was either the choice of a 35 bus hour which worked out more expensive than a 2hr flight. No choice when we are tight on time!! So Ho Chi Minh is even more busy and noisey than Hanoi...

So far here we have explored the city, which we all seem to prefer to Hanoi. The war remnants museum was horrific but a real eye opener. the photography but the war photographers were awesome. Incredible. Me and my sister came here a few years ago with family but being older now it means more and hits hard. The reunification palace had great design. I would love to live in a place with that kind of design! :) I wish! :)

The weather now is back to the high 30's so it makes each day alot more exhausting. But of course we love the heat...we now just need a nice cool sea or pool...thats all to come in south thailand after cambodia and we cant wait!!! Vietnam has been great, full of so many experiences. We dont get a minute left alone, except in our guest house. They clap or whistle to get our attention, those old tricks dont work anymore!

Next is cambodia. A 6 hr bus journey over the boarder...