Having ended our epic adventures through Cambodia we left our group in Saigon after one last very heavy night. The next three days we were left to our own devices to explore this crazy city, this all started with a few of us going to the chi chu tunnels that were used by the vietnamese in the war and boy they were small. To recover will decided to have a go at firing an AK47 at some targets and boy that was loud. Having met our new group we also went on a city tour and to the war museum which had some pretty disturbing pictures and artrifacts. On our last day there we attempted to go shopping but this just ended up with us spending the afternoon avoiding traffic and giving up to have a well deserved western meal which we had been longing for, for some time. That night we got to experience our first night train to Nha Trang the beach resort. To recover the group decided to eat the best crepes we have ever had and then head to some mineral mud baths and get a bit dirty. the rest of Nha Trang was ok but laura and i felt like some adventuring so we along with some others decided to go for a trip to monkey island where there are literally hundreds of wild monkeys following you for food, (which scared the hell out of laura after her recent rabies scare). after this we went to Bo Ha Waterfalls meaning three lake waterfalls for a hike. this was amazing we even got to swim under the waterfall and climb up some crazy rocks and then trek our way back through the jungle where we were told to watch our step as we walked over a sleeping green viper. our last stop was a secluded beach where we all relaxed and swam. The next leg of our trip took us on yet another over night train to Hoi an where even though laura got almost no sleep she was already buying things in one of Hoi an’s many shops at 7am, unfortunatly this shopping trip continued until 6pm when she finally ran out of steam. however it all started again the next day and continued untill we left. we did however get to fit in a couple of hours vietnamese cooking class and a bike trip through the country side to the beach and of course seeing the lovely couple Dan and Ed. I hear yourselves asking so what did they have to show for 3 days straight shopping, well the list is too long but lets just say its all tailor made and its all very cheap and you will all be jealous!
After dragging ourselves away from the shopping and amazing food of Hoi an we headed to Hue. Hue did not have a whole lot to offer a bit of same same but same, however we did eat at a cool little restaurant where the owners are a deaf and dumb family and we also got a home made bottle opener which we are supposed to take around the world with us and send them the pictures. We also decided to rent a motorbike and go exploring just the two of us the next day which was a nice break. The next day we saw the forbidden city which was the home to the king and his 400 wives.
After a very long night train we arrived in Hanoi for a spot more shopping and the next day left for halong bay where we witnessed amazing scenery like something off the movies... and luckily we picked a good day as the day before us two boats sank due to the weather!! So now we are back in Hanoi safe and sound doing some last minute shopping before heading to laos in a few days..... hope you are all still missing us and that you have started your christmas shopping as i know we have!!! Let us know what you are all up to.... take care missin you all
love will and laura xxx
