Hanoi was a platform for the Halong Bay cruise (on the ship not dissimilar to the picture!) Halong was lovely, we bonded with our mutual dislike of our tour guide, vodka and cold weather. though the vodka was much adored, unlike the other two. It was fun, though very similar to me to Kho Phi Phi, but bigger. Then again, maybe i just lack the imagination. Coming back to the city was a shock. Partly my hotel was dodgy with a twist of dirty bathroom and smashed wind...

Hue presented itself to me in a flurry of paddy hat sellers and a riverside not so dissimilar to South Bank in London. The sunset by the bridge on the Perfume river was a classic Asia moment, complete with a million motors competing to get to their destinations regardless of any traffic rules. I have since learnt that in Vietnam, that traffic lights are more to break the monotamy of the road rather than serving a purpose. On the second day we took a cruise down ...

Wondering around the streets of Hoi An fills one with a sense of antiquite joy that comes only from crumbling buildings, beautiful handcrafts and whispering lanterns. What can I say, Hoi An, see you again soon!

The journey from Phnom Penh to Saigon was one of long reflection, though thankfully we were on time so the thinking only lasted 6hours. As I imagined, I saw ladies in white Ao Dai cycling straightbacked with green paddy fields in the backdrop. This is a country I have heard so much from travelers as being unfriendly and aggressive yet, for me, Vietnam exudes a spicy sensuality and sophistication. I was not disappointed. I found Saigon to be clean and a wonderful ...