Glad for a sleep-in before breakfast and our final few hours in Hanoi .

We had just enough time to wander back to the lake area savouring all the sights, sounds and scents of the old quarter enroute. On every venture out you notice different things amongst the maze of streets and the narrowest of alleyways. Mesmerised by the men making rice noodles and wonton wrappers or pork buns; the barbers; women carving pineapples, peeling water chestnuts, drying herbs as well as cutting keys and repairing glasses - all on the street! Not to mention the men working on that intricate entanglement of electrical cables - apparently they are not actually repaired or replaced but constantly added to!

The lake, Hoan Kiem or Lake of the Restored Sword, was another hive of activity and quite picturesque in the daylight. Walked around part of the perimeter (too hot to venture a great distance) crossing a quaint narrow red bridge (The Huc Bridge) to a temple on an "island". Overhanging trees and flower beds together with street artists and local vendors added to the ambience.

Stopped in at a cafe on our way back to the hotel for a Vietnamese iced milk coffee -yum!

Were on our way to airport before midday for our 2.10pm departure on Vietnam Airlines for Da Nang. Glad we had allowed plenty of time for check in as the airport was nothing short of organised chaos!

Met a lovely couple - Lorraine & Col ....from West Wyalong! The world really is a village!! Made us feel like novices in regard to our Vietnam knowledge and experience as they are up to their 6th visit and totally enamoured of the country and its people.

After only an hours flight our driver, Dong, was waiting to collect and transport us to Hoi An - about 40 minutes away. Da Nang is the third largest city in Vietnam and is popular for Asian tourists in particular due to its casinos and golf courses. Following a beach route there is a continuous line of upmarket resort properties though many are merely fences and framework due to lack of funds for completion.
Hoi An Riverside Resort appears to be on the outskirts of the old town area, an incredibly bustling hive of activity. Our room is comfortable and spacious, set in pleasant gardens overlooking the river. After a beer (Hoi An local beer - Larue) and snack in the bar we wandered a little in both directions to try and get our bearings - difficult as now dark and constant stream of traffic (push bikes, scooters, cars and buses) on the narrow roadway - no footpaths of course! Stopped at Paddys bar for a cocktail then found our way back to "Son Hoian" for a delicious dinner - specialising in slow cooking in clay pots. Even managed (French) wine tonight! A cocktail on return was a perfect nightcap. Looking forward to exploring in daylight and some relaxation time!