26th through the 28th of August. Halong Bay. Ever since I set my eyes upon that gorgeous pink hued photograph of this archipelago I've wanted to go here. The highlight of Vietnam! No, the highlight of all of Asia! A lot of time has passed since that fateful day in February, and I have seen a lot. Still, the expectations remained... These high expectations are probably the reason why I didn't like Halong Bay as much as it should deserve. That and the weather. A...

Before leaving for the Ho Chi Minh Trail we say our goodbyes to Michel. He's going back to Hong Kong earlier for his cousin's wedding. With my suit all packed in my shiny new suitcase we say farewell as well to battle-worn Lee, Tali, Ngoc, and grab the taxi to Đà Nẵng Airport. How different the area is now, all sunny, silent. One hour in the taxi, we check in. Another 30-40 minutes on the plane, we land in Hanoi, team up with two Norwegian girls and share t...

Tali shows up in the morning. Is she stalking us? She's nice to talk to though, but a chain-smoker. Horrible. As soon as she finishes one, the next cigarette lights up. Instantly. Only when she's busy do the puffs stop, so I ask her to accompany me for the second fitting of my suit on Tuesday morning. It's always good to have someone else's opinion. It also never hurts to be told how absolutely stunning you look all dressed up, especially by a lady! The suit lo...

The big trip. The single most exciting trip I've wanted to do in Vietnam. Known as the 'Top Gear' route since a few years, but before just 'Ho Chi Minh Trail'. On Sunday, the 22nd of August, we leave. The hotel receptionist girl Ngoc allows me to use her bike, Remko and Lee hire one. Around ten in the morning after filling up we set out. I have the whole trip planned, all the sights marked. We just have to pick what to see today, and what on the way back tomorr...

After a night's worth of good sleep the train pulls into Danang about 6 in the morning on the 19th. We will need to take a one-hour bus ride south to Hội An. The damn taxi driver taking us to the bus station scammed us I am sure of it, it can't cost $5 to drive four kilometres. a******. We are well prepared though for the next stage. The local bus costs 10.000 dong on paper, but they always overcharge tourists. And yes, we are no exception. We get on the bus...