Day 133: Friday, April 9th, 2010. Hua Shan to Liuzhou, China. Per Intrepid Notes, "Day 15 Liuzhou On day 15, we have a long journey ahead of us. Leaving Hua Shan in the morning, we transfer back to Ningming (approx. 1 hour) and board a public bus to Nanning (approx. 2 hours). From Nanning, we board another bus to our destination for the night, Liuzhou (approx. 4 hours). We have the afternoon and the next morning free in Liuzhou to explore the local markets or head to the centre of town for a more up-market shopping experience. In Liuzhou we stay in a comfortable and centrally located hotel. We will take an afternoon stroll near our hotel for a short orientation walk to find the nearest bank, internet cafe and local eateries." Should have doped myself ... read more

Day 131: Wednesday, April 7th, 2010. Cat Ba, Vietnam to Hua Shan, China. Per Intrepid Notes, "Days 13-14 Hua Shan On day 13 we again board a chartered boat for a direct transfer back to Bai Chay, then onto a private bus for a drive to the border of China (approx. 6 hours). Be prepared for some long waits at the Friendship Gate border crossing into China. We then travel on by bus via Pingxiang and Ningming to Hua Shan (approx. 1 hour). We spend two nights in a charming guesthouse, set near a little village of wooden Dong and Zhuang-style houses. Quiet and isolated, this is a great base for uninterrupted explorations of the magnificent mountain scenery. On the day 14 we meet with a local guide and explore the local villages and countryside by ... read more

Day 129: Monday, April 5th, 2010. Hanoi to Halong Bay, Vietnam (Deja Vu anyone?) Per Intrepid Notes, "Days 11-12 Halong Bay On the morning of day 11 we travel to Bai Chay (approx. 3 hours) by public bus, board a chartered boat and embark on an overnight cruise through majestic Halong Bay, where 2,000 limestone peaks emerge dramatically from the sea. Halong Bay has been declared a World Heritage site and is the perfect start to our journey. While on board, we have the opportunity to visit spectacular caves, crammed with stalagmites and stalactites, as well as enjoy a scrumptious seafood feast on board. In warm weather, we can swim around the boat or even to nearby beaches. Our small boat on Halong Bay is basic but comfortable with private twin-share cabins and shared bathroom facilities."
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Day 127: Saturday, April 3rd, 2010. Halong Bay back to Hanoi, Vietnam. Per Intrepid notes, "Days 9-10 Hanoi We catch a bus to Hanoi and hope to arrive by lunchtime. The afternoon is free for you to explore this delightful capital city. Why not stop for a bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer) at one of the microbars in the Old Quarter or relax at a cafe by one of the city's glassy lakes before meeting up with the group for one last dinner together? Our fully equipped hotel in Hanoi is centrally located near the historic Temple of Literature and has modern twin and double rooms, ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning. Day 10 is free for your own explorations but please be at the 6:00pm meeting where you'll get to meet your new travelling companions ... read more

Day 125: Thursday, April 1st, 2010. early morning train arrives in Hanoi, Vietnam. Per the Intrepid Notes, "Day 7 Hanoi We arrive in the morning in Hanoi. After freshening up at the hotel, we visit KOTO youth training restaurant for breakfast. This inspirational place, run by the energetic Mr Jimmy Pham, gives street kids a chance to learn skills in hospitality so they can build a brighter future. Following breakfast, you can take an optional tour of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, which includes the One Pillar Pagoda, the stilt house Ho lived in as well as the Ho Chi Minh Museum. The rest of the day is free to explore the rest of Hanoi, one of Intrepid's favourite cities. We strongly recommend that you venture into the atmospheric Old Quarter to see the Vietnam ... read more