Just got back to Hanoi after a 2 night stay in Ha Long Bay. Very dramatic scenery and had a great time. Had one night on a boat and then one staying on Cat Ba Island. Full descriptions later. It is really quite cold by the way and Sapa where we are heading tomorrow is likely to be even colder. Looking forward to heading down South at the weekend and the start of some warmer weather.

Have got to the end of day 2 in Hanoi! What a completely mad and busy place. The first essential skill that you need to acquire is how to cross the road when the stream of traffic never stops. There are thousands of motorbikes zooming around and they don't stop for anyone. Luckily they want to avoid pedestrians. Have had a good look round the city and have liked the Old Quarter best. Food is great so far and incredibly cheap. My lunch today cost about 80p and di...