Hanoi

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Hanoi

We decided to scrap the 48hr train journey through China into Vietnam and instead went for the 2hr flight option. We arrrived to a friendly reception at our hostel, which was nice - all the bananas we could eat!

We spent the first day walking around the city and learning how to avoid the traffic - not easy when they drive on the pavement and see red lights as a signal to slow down a bit rather than stop. Its a lovely city with beautiful architecture in some parts.

Highlights include: army museum (more for the big planes than the museum itself), Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, cyclo ride at rush hour (video to come at some point), pho eating and friendly people.

Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island
We decided against the guide books advice and bought a tour from our hotel which worked out well (and within budget!). We arrived into Ha Long Bay to the sounds of fire engines and clouds of smoke - cue boat on fire, luckily not ours but slightly off putting never the less. Boat was nice - unfortunately more of a summer activity as it was freezing! Tory spent the entire time in her thermal underwear! We met some really cool people - which included an 8 year old which beat Will at both chess and card tower building.

Highlights include: "surprise" cave, kayaking, sleeping on the boat (in our clothes) and a 2 hour unexpected trek through the national park.

Guilty pleasures: Sofitel hotel and pastries from the Paris Cafe.

Phrase of the week: Why not?! Used when answering most questions.

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Photos

Short back and sides please
Will unsure about what he will end up with - what is that a cut throat razor!! Stop watching the TV and concentrate!

Kayaking
Tory is unhappy, cold wet and wearing a smelly life jacket!

Han Junior
Nails the card tower

Will Senior
I will just put this beer down for the photo - arrrrgh!

Cat Ba National Park
Not sure this ladder would pass health and safety regulations!

Top
Very small ledge, alot of people equals Tory get me the hell down from here!

Sofitel and Pastry
Thanks Mum and Dad!

Comments

[Sonia]

smelly life jacket
Smelly life jacket is a classic regardless of a continent!

[Liz]

Wow
What fantastic scenary. Glad the plane journey went well.

[b and b airey]

great photos
what a great trip you are having, wish we could be there with you, keep safe but have fun love Dad and Mumxx

[Helen]

Noooooo!
Classic. Love this. I can only imagine how chuffed Han was! Hard luck Will.

[pgj]

Having fun
Glad to see that you are having a great time, you lucky people HK & Macau sound good with perhaps Shanghai an interesting experience .... seems right to do Shanghai first :) Carry on travelling ... nothing worth coming back here for and EVERYTHING out there to see peter