Hi all

Well we have a bit to cover since the last entry. Managed to catch the overnight train to Sapa - bit of a stop start journey but managed to get a bit of sleep!! Sapa was fantastic, cooler than Hanoi and the cloud was amazing, one minute you could hardly see in front of you and the next minute it was clear, then the cloud rolled in again!! Had 2 full day there which we spent trekking into local villages, one was down hill for 3 - 4 hours, luckly we manged to catch a ride back out!! The village people were very friendly - of course they wanted you to buy something for their kindness afterwards!! The township itself was very quaint and you could see the french influence. After 2 days it was back on the overnight train to Hanoi - arrival time 4am and we were surposed to be collected from the station and taken to a hotel for a break before we started our Halong bay tour. Not surprising no one was there to meet us but we managed to sort it out and get onto the Halong bay trip!

The bay itself is made up of over 2000 island and most of the year is couldy and often rainy - we managed to get lovely days with clear blue skies. Had one night on the junk boat which was pretty neat and one night in a hotel on the island. On the island we trekked stright uphill to a viewing platform - didn't climb the platform itself as looked rather doddgy but good view none the less.

Had a big day yesterday as returned to Hanoi the straight onto an overnight bus to Hue, not the best night sleep but have a very nice hotel here in Hue so going to stay a couple of nights to have a bit of r and r. Hue so far looks pretty nice and alot more relaxing than Hanoi, less scooters and tooting!!! Anyway will update again soon.

Luv Nicky and Ben

ps bens phone is not constantly working and mine isn't working at all so to the parents if you don't get a text in a while that is why!!