We stayed on Don Det for a good few days watching films,eating and smoking. The island was great for chilling out and doing nothing but if you are looking for more, then it may not be the place to be. I have to admit when i first arrived, i was disappointed but it really is beautiful at night when its pitch black and it is just you and nature. In general though it is a place to meet other travellers so if you are looking to immerse yourself in the culture, this is not the place I was disappointed by the attitude of some of the travellers who had set up bars on the island They appeared very offish to only a select few Come on guys,isnt this exactly the sort of thing people try to ... read more

I have not been blogging for a while as my time got caught up in bus travels and tubing in Vang Vieng. It is so hot over here at the moment, currently 34c today. Leanne and I did the typical backpacker thing and headed to Vang Vieng. We opted out of the actual floating down the river drunk part (i am far to clumsy for risking it)and just stuck to the first two bars at the beginning of the river. These are the main bars people keep to anyway. I really had a good time but was also glad that i was not as wasted as some of the people. We spent a few nights heading to the local bars who offer very strong whiskey buckets at happy hour for a donation. Needless to say, quite ... read more

So getting to Laos was a nightmare! First bus there was a landslide. The border crossing was relatively easy but then the bus that was supposed to take us all the way refused. Thankfully after much arguing we were able to hop onto a local bus (for a little extra). I was fortunate enough to be sat on the floor of the bus. Then when we eventually made it to Laos we discovered that our cards didnt work and any money we did have had been eaten up my the bad exchange rate. Cue random scottish guy who payed for our food and then payed for our nine hour bus journe the next day where we were able to get money. There really are some nice people left in the world. Little can be said for ... read more

We went for a good few hours trek with the local hill tribes women (yesterday). We ate at their family home. It was nice to see family life first hand. One of the village girls took a particular liking to me, at one point even smelling me. I guess i must appear strange to them. Im glad we went with the locals rather that the tours as it puts money straight into their hands and is more of a unique experince. I have developed my mo ped riding skills ie i can even carry stuff whilst sitting on the back, this seemed impossible at first. Note to self: get bike liscense when return home. Heading to the Laos border tomorrow. I shall miss beautiful Vietnam but not the constant scamming and hassle... read more

We arrived early this morning after getting the overnight train from Ha Noi. We were followed by agroup of different people sending us in random (and wrong directions). I actually managed to get lots of sleep on the bus despite the lightning appearing to hit very near us when we were travelling. Sapa is so beautiful.High up and much cooler. I think leanne and I may head to one of the local villages as we have met a few Hill tribe women who have invited us and not for a stupidly high price.More to follow... read more

We spent as few days on the boat. The first day we stayed on the boat and the second was on the island. It was a shame that it was raining for a large part of the journey but it was still beautiful and a great way to meet people. Leanne and I booked the tour through our hotel which seemed to be the cheapest price going. For two nights and three days it cost us 50 dollars (although our friend today said she got it cheaper). Some innocent young guys paid 100+ each. The tour included visitng caves, kayaking etc. Some of it was a little rushed and prices onboard were pricey ie 6 dollars for a gin/no mixer. We both had a good time though and there were a nice set of gals and ... read more

We left Hoi An and headed to Hue, it was very hot there (nearly unbearable). Hue is home to the perfume river so we took a tour along the river and visited some royal tombs and temples. We also met a couple of people that we met at the tunnels on the tour so we hung out with them at the Why not bar in the evening. There are so many Why not bars/hotels etc, i think i may have to get the tshirt if i can actually find one. We then travelled on the over night bus to Hanoi (capital). We spoke to a couple of children at the bus stop along the way. I think they were practising their english. They spoke english very well. They asked what languages i spoke and I had ... read more

We spent a few days in Nha Trang. Lovely beach so we spent a lot of time chillig on the beach and hanging out with some lovely ladies that we met (they know who they are). Drank at the why not bar one night and had a good dance. Nha Trang is a strange place as locals try and start fights so they can steal stuff off of you. I did not experience it myself but I met a few people that had. Apart from that, it is a beautiful place. Leanne and I then got the over night bus to Hoi An. The buses are strange. Loads of little beds fitted into the bus, reminds me of a harry potter night bus. I dont think i slept at all. We headed to a hotel and ... read more

Leanne and I have spent the past few days in Da Lat. It is a beautiful place set in the southern central highlands. The weather is a bit cooler here which i have enjoyed. We shall be heading to Nha Trang on the south central coast of vietnam. Da Lat has been brilliant. I went on a countryside tour yesterday My driver was chilli. The drivers are generally older people who speak english because of their involvement with the war. Chilli informed me he served five years and was lucky to survive. The tour included visiting temples, various farms (silk,coffee,flowers), eating a traditional vietnamese meal (lovely) and drinking rice wine (65%) and crazy house. Da Lat is crazy with all its random lane ways, almost maze like. I spent a large part of today just walking ... read more

So we have decided to head to Da Lat so are setting off tomorrow. I have loved Ho Chi Minh City. Lots to see and do (tourism) but that also means that you have to hold onto your bag tighter. Yestereday we visited the Cu Chi Tunnels. Pretty clever, the underground system of tunnels that they dug out. I managed to climb in the tunnel entrance without getting stuck, much to my relief. Some guy thought i was trying to buy viagra today (god knows what they must think of the europeans) but to be fair i see many old 'western men' with a younger wife/gf. Im sure its all true love but you cant help but be a bit cynical.... read more