Have spent a quiet few days in Hanoi. It's really cold at the moment which is restricting what I'm able to do, I just have not brought enough clothes to cope in this weather! I bought myself a better map- yes Katie you were right! And have spent the past day planning the first part of my route. I now know which boarder crossing I want to take into Laos, the only problem is the guide book describes all remote crossings as 'a set menu from hell' so really looking forwards to that! the other travellers I have spoken to don't think it's that bad tho, so I'm positive! The 2 map and the guide book don't seem to correlate which is causing a little confusion- more than normal levels. I'm hoping it will all become self explanatory as I set out. I have planned a 4 day cycling trip with Roo and someone from the hostel out to Halong bay, if we can get bikes for them- fingers crossed! The tourist industry here in Hanoi is pretty basic, service provision is limited and going off plan- like hiring bikes is not welcomed! One guy told me I could hire the bikes no problem, I just need to collect them from his office in Bangkok!!! (About 3000 miles away). Hopefully it will all get sorted. I'm looking forward to getting out of hectic Hanoi!