We drove by private car from Hoi An to Hue stopping of at Marble Mountain (Da Nang) on the way where we took a lift up a mountain to visit a complex of temples and pagodas. One of the temples was situated in a huge natural cave with a large Buddha statue and was most impressive. The drive was spectacular across the Hi Van Pass with sweeping views of the coastline, fishing villages and US bunkers used in the Vietnam war.

Our hotel in Hue is very comfortable (4*) with a pool which is great for cooling off as the temperatures are very high (about 36 degrees). The room is opened by flashing your key card which generates a peculiar bleeping sound that reminds Roger of CP30! He is persona non grata at the moment here at the hotel because the last time he used the gym he left the water fountain running and emptied several litres of water all over the carpet! The hotel staff were all rushing around trying to mop it up with pool towels.

Hue is set on a lovely clean river (Perfume River) and is the site of the old Imperial city of the Nguyen dynasty and the royal tombs. We took a city tour to see all the sites and were amused by our guide who seemed to have very little interest in marshalling his group. After a brief whistle stop tour of the Citadel our group of 20 had reduced to 4 and he seemed totally unconcerned, although we had to wait in the coach park whilst the others made their way back to the bus (2 even had to catch a taxi back!). The bus itself was a site to behold as it was painted a lurid shade of pink decorated with splodges of other lollipop colours - Rog insisted on calling it Mr Blobby! We also visited the Thien Mu pagoda which was situated in a beautiful spot by the river and was home to a monk who self -immolated in 1963 in protest against the excesses of the political regime of the day. His blue Austin car is still proudly displayed. The tombs were all very different and beautiful in their own way and set in lovely tranquil spots. The Tu Duc Mausoleum was actually used as a royal palace before his death and apparently he composed many poems whilst enjoying the serene lakes and views.

We spent the rest of our time in Hue revisiting the Citadel and Imperial Palace, cruising down the river in a dragon boat and walking along the banks of the river. Walking anywhere seems totally incomprehensible to the locals who cannot understand why any westerner would choose to walk anywhere and are convinced that we need either a boat or cyclo. "Where you go?" is a question continually ringing in our ears and we are constantly being told that it is too hot and places are too far to walk.

We have to return to Da Nang tomorrow to catch a flight to Hanoi as Hue airport is closed for several months while a new runway is built. Having tried the train we are risking a bus. Since the journey should only take 3 to 4 hours we reckon we should be able to cope!