It doesn't take long to realise that you are in a very different country. Our first contact with Vietnam was the very stern customs officer that checked our passports. I thought I saw a hint of a smile after he had processed the four of us but I coudn't be sure.

It was dark when we arrived at 6.30, reminding us that it is technically winter here although still hot and humid. We had a taste of Ho Chi Minh with the cab ride to the hotel from the airport. Now I know why they say that westerners should never drive or ride for themselves in Vietnam. The scooters are amazing. We saw whole families mounting up on one bike for a night out. We saw all manner of things including industrial equipment being transported on the back of a scooter.