Topping the list so far as the place where we have been most happily surprised is....Hanoi! Reading online and talking with some travellers about Hanoi had us prepared for an overhwhelming city with not much appeal, but we found that we really enjoyed it.

Yes, the motorbikes and traffic are shocking at first. The little streets of the Old Quarter are absolutely stuffed with transport and we found that closed toed shoes and razor sharp concentration while walking worked best, but amidst the chaos, the strolling around was a fun experience. Lots of shops selling all sorts of things, cafes, restaurants, street food, night market, people playing games in the square by Hoan Kiem Lake - it all adds up to a crazy sensory experience!

The highlight for us in Hanoi was seeing a water puppet show - a traditional theatre performance that originated in flooded rice paddies. The puppets dance across a flooded stage guided by the performers behind a screen while live musicians enact Vietnam folk tales. It was one of the most charming and enaging performances we have ever seen, and an absolutely must-do in this country!

Clare had a coconut coffee (a Vietnam delicacy) and really loved it. What. Is. Happening.

And that is the end of Vietnam! Fantastic experience overall and we would definitely go back! We only saw sights in the north end of the country as we didn't want to rush, and would like to take time to explore the south. This is the thing about travelling - every time you cross something off your "to-do" list, you encounter three new ideas to take its place. But for now we move on to Laos!