Short flight from Hue to Hanoi this morning. We spent the early afternoon wondering among the shops in the old part of Hanoi.

Vietnam has developed quite well since the Vietnam War, particularly since the early 1990s when it began adopting the Deng Tsao Ping (China) economic motto of "It doesn't matter whether the cat is black or white, as long as it catches rats" and encouraged the private sector. It still has a long way to go. There is a lot of road and bridge construction. Many foreign companies, particularly Japanese, have located in Vietnam since it is still a low cost producer. It is very inexpensive to vacation in Vietnam. A good three star hotel can easily be found for $50 a night, a four star for $80 to $100. Dinner for two with beer will be about $25. Add a bottle of imported wine and the cost will be $50. Clothes are a great bargain and many tourists buy tailored suits or dresses and have them shipped home. The people are open and friendly to tourists and service is quite good.

Off to Hong Kong tomorrow.