Nov 20, 2009 - Hanoi - Nov 16-20

Once at Hanoi, we had to queue for our visas, a process which was remarkably inefficient and time-consuming! Rather than get our visas ahead of time, we were “informed” that the quickest way was to get an online approval letter and queue at the airport. ... Having gotten our bags quite quickly and left the airport, we found our pickup waiting for us and we ventured off into the Hanoi traffic which was an experience in itself. ... The scooters and bicycles were everywhere and the road seemed to have a hierarchy – buses stopped for no-one, cars only stopped for buses, scooters stopped for buses and cars and pedestrians stopped for everyone! This resulted in a few close calls as the cars just pulled out without looking and expected the bikes to stop, which they generally did! We checked in at the hotel and headed straight for the room and pretty quickly we fell asleep – we didn’t have much time around Hanoi and 2 of our 3 days we were going to be out in Halong Bay so we wanted to be fresh for tomorrow for a full day, especially as we had to visit the US Embassy, too. ... Our hotel is in the Old Quarter of Hanoi and the streets here and narrow and compact. ... Even a stop at a tacky tourist place didn’t help ease the pain on the buttocks much! We arrived at the Halong City to catch our boat around 4 hours after leaving Hanoi and once our passports had been checked we boarded the junk boat. ...

Nov 20, 2009 - Delightful Da Lat

Pretty much everything grows well in this climate and Da Lat is the de facto 'Garden of Viet Nam' which is pretty obvious once you make your way out of the town. ... Next stop was the old Railway Station of Da Lat (called the Cremalliere) which is a museum like place. ... (There are no longer any trains running to Da Lat. ... A part of the old line is now in use for tourists so took the train to a small village close to Da Lat called Trai Mat. ...

Nov 19, 2009 - Da Lat - Le Petit Paris of Vietnam

Nightmare long bus ride from Nha Trang to Da Lat (and this was a daytime one!) There were a number of unexplained stops so the trip seemed to take an eternity. ... Somebody had warned me the mixtures can be potent in Viet Nam but did I listen?? Anyhow arrived about 2 hours later than predicted to Da Lat which is inland and high (about 1400m) in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. ... It has a similar feel to Sa Pa.Nightmare long bus ride from Nha Trang to Da Lat (and this was a daytime one!) There were a number of unexplained stops so the trip seemed to take an eternity. ... Somebody had warned me the mixtures can be potent in Viet Nam but did I listen?? Anyhow arrived about 2 hours later than predicted to Da Lat which is inland and high (about 1400m) in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. ... It has a similar feel to Sa Pa....

Nov 18, 2009 - Nha Trang - by Day and by Night

After the downpour and mixed weather yesterday, I was in two minds about taking the boat trip.After the downpour and mixed weather yesterday, I was in two minds about taking the boat trip....

Nov 18, 2009 - Good Morning Vietnam

Hello there.Hello there....

Nov 17, 2009 - Sunshine and Rain in Nha Trang

On arrival in Nha Trang at 6am there was a wonderful red sunrise across the 6km beach. ... Nha Trang is a backpacker favourite (meaning there are loads of places to drink, eat, dive etc) but in fact the place has a surprising amount of 'haute culture' things to do too. ... With a few hours of daylight to spare I decided to head to the Nha Trang port, about 4km away. ... Fetching don't you think? So so far haven't quite been able to appreciate the magical beach atmosphere of Nha Trang. ...

Nov 17, 2009 - Miss Saigon; I don't think so

After our few days at the beachside town of Hoi An we flew to Ho Chi Minh city (aka Saigon)for another dose of fast-paced city life.After our few days at the beachside town of Hoi An we flew to Ho Chi Minh city (aka Saigon)for another dose of fast-paced city life....

Nov 16, 2009 - The Colour Purple

Well took the plunge last night at the local beauty salon beside my guesthouse.Well took the plunge last night at the local beauty salon beside my guesthouse....

Nov 15, 2009 - STILL Hanging out in Hoi An..

Decided to stay another night in Hoi An before moving on to Nha Trang (that's the main backpacker party beach town further south. ... ) Hoi An is quiet (for Viet Nam that is) and I feel I need the rest from travelling (if anyone still in the working world can understand THAT contradiction in terms!). ... Hoi An is a mid point between North and South Vietnam. ... That said the food here in Hoi An is great. ... This morning early risers caught the Sunday morning boat races here in Hoi An. ...

Nov 14, 2009 - Hoi An - A Hassle-Free Haven (well nearly..)

Started the day with a 3 mile run to the local beach - Cua Dai (took a slightly different route to the one I did yesterday afternoon). Hoi An is a busy little spot. ... I've bumped into lots of travellers I've met along the Ho Chi Minh trail.Started the day with a 3 mile run to the local beach - Cua Dai (took a slightly different route to the one I did yesterday afternoon). Hoi An is a busy little spot. ... I've bumped into lots of travellers I've met along the Ho Chi Minh trail....

Nov 14, 2009 - Where are you; My Son ?

NOTE: I have added my own photos to the previous log entries- please go back to see a smattering of shots of my beautiful wife in Vietnam. Hello from our last day in Hoi An . ... After some aggressive bargaining for souvenirs Dacia and I ended the day drinking 18 cent beers on the sidewalk watching the local women try to coax tourists into their restaurants.NOTE: I have added my own photos to the previous log entries- please go back to see a smattering of shots of my beautiful wife in Vietnam. Hello from our last day in Hoi An . ... After some aggressive bargaining for souvenirs Dacia and I ended the day drinking 18 cent beers on the sidewalk watching the local women try to coax tourists into their restaurants....

Nov 13, 2009 - Southern Journey to Hoi An

Hello again- sitting comfortably in Hoi An . ... Just amazing.Hello again- sitting comfortably in Hoi An . ... Just amazing....