We got up this morning and headed to the Museum of Ethnology that the girls had recommended yesterday. Inside the building, it was full of collections of art and culture with explanations about the different Vietnamese tribes. In the grounds outside there were lots of different exhibitions on display as there was some kind of Vietnamese/Japanese festival taking place. There was dancing, people making paper designs, origami and lots of food to try. We wandered aro...

The plan for today was to try and book onto a minibus to the Airport, we'd heard that this could be arranged through Vietnam Airlines, so set off to the head office. When we arrived, we found the office closed as it was Saturday but found another office across the road, which was also closed for lunch! Great start. We decided to have a wander around the city, go for some lunch ourselves. We found somewhere to eat and ordered our usual noodles, Tom ordered his wit...

After quite a good nights sleep, we were up for a quick breakfast, before we went out kayaking around the bay, it was good fun heading around the giant rocks and again more well needed exercise for us. Once everyone was back on the boat we headed back to the harbour, which took a couple hours. When we arrived back, the plan was to go for lunch in Halong city but we had the usual waiting around for 30 minutes until our bus arrived. While we were stood waiting a Ja...

We got up pretty early for breakfast before setting of at 8.00am to the National Park for our trekking. After a lot of waiting around (driving up and down the island) we finally arrived at the park with lots of other tour groups and set off together up the hill.We really enjoyed the trek and the view from the top was great, as this was the first bit of exercise we had both done since we left home, the hour and a half that we were walking for was more than enough...

We have actively avoided organised tours throughout the trip but unfortunately due to time restrictions and cost we had little option with the Halong bay trip. The trip is planned for three days and two nights, including all food, first night on the boat and the second in a hotel. Surprise, surprise as soon as we started, the advertised itinerary was turned upside down and activities and destinations were changed. Not a problem really, as you've got to expect the...