So, here we are again - time for an update.

We left you in Vientiane (for our second stop there). It was very clear that by the end of our stay there it was well past time to leave and we left with the feeling that we should have headed to the south of Laos. But, despite this we left with a feeling that Laos was definitely worth the visit. Although - we were arriving in Vietnam wondering if it really was going to be?!

Just to add here - I think it's quite possible we had our best plane journey ever with Laos airways from Vientiane to Hanoi. Comfy seats, plenty of leg room, food (despite it only being a 50min flight and touch screen TVs. All for 90GBP (no pound sign by the way!).

We decided to take our Hanoi the hotels offer of their own driver to bring us to our destination after landing in Hanoi. I'd not recommended sorting yourself out - especially if not too adventurous.... like us! It's a fair distance from the airport into the centre of centre of the city.

So anyway - things didn't start off well with first impressions whilst driving through Hanoi but the friendly receptionist fella (and owner of the hotel) made us feel welcome with a lovely cup of tea. We simply spent 3 nights in Hanoi and decided the best thing for us was just to walk around exploring and getting to know the Old Quarter of Hanoi and the potential experiences of Vietnam. We took in a water puppet show (like a fancy punch and Judy really), sat in coffee shops watching the crazy traffic and many people walking in front of it and generally just absorbing the strange yet intriguing atmosphere of the place. All in all we thought Hanoi was worth a visit and probably worth taking in a city tour. Which leads me t to say - we decided against any tours whilst in Hanoi and wanted to head down to central Vietnam sooner rather than later (mainly for the weather I must admit). This was much to the disappointment of out 'friendly' hotel owner. When we explained we're not spending long enough in Vietnam to justify trips to too many places he then, from that point onwards, refused to talk to us or even make eye contact. All that despite us tolerating a bathroom that had water leaking everywhere and a damp room in general. So, it's true what they say about people from Hanoi - we just hoped it hadn't spread south!!

Finally, after having to waste 8 hours before our night train left Hanoi, we made our way south on a hard sleeper (they're not kidding)! With 8 people packed into a small room with 6 cramped, hard beds we managed to get a huge 2 hours sleep each. That's the way to live I tell you!

We then arrived at Hue nice and early in the morning and with a short 45 minute walk and a few "no thank you's, we have a hotel booked (and no we're not telling you what it's called so you can tell us it's full), we arrive north east of the city (with the station in the south west) and to our hotel. I should at this point tell you that the hotel is called Hanh Dat Hotel - there is good reason for this - by far and away the best hotel we have ever stayed in and all for 11.50GBP per night! We had a plasma TV, a bathroom decorated as modern as you could expect from a hotel bathroom with pebbles around your feet whilst you take a shower, amazing staff, everything clean, free water, a great rooftop breakfast, 2 evening meal invites with the hotel staff, extremely comfy beds, a balcony, free sweets whilst you sit at the PCs provided and only a 10 minute walk to the main restaurant area.... did I mention the great staff?! To top it all off we went on the Hue City Tour which was worth every penny. Visiting tombs of emperors, martial arts demo, buffet lunch, an occupied pagoda, and an insightful visit to the forbidden city. I think it's safe to say that Hue is worth the 4 night stop for sure.

On departing Hue by coach we felt and hoped we would get more of the same from our next destinations in Vietnam and we were not to be disappointed with our next stop.

Hoi An - has to be one of the most perfect places to to be in SE Asia. We originally booked 4 nights and after only a few hours of being here it was extended to 6! This place can only really be experienced by coming here so I won't try to tell you about it (that and I'm getting hungry!!). Basically it's the sort of place you could happily come to live. Put it this way - our hotel had a pretty good pool yet we didn't use it! I'll just leave the photos to do the talking (when I get around to putting them on). Oh - the beach is great by the way very long with a fairly warm sea too Great food, better locals and visually a great little town. If you ever decide to come here (and you should) bring an empty suitcase!!

As things stand right now we are waiting for this evening when a taxi takes us to the train station for night train to Nha Trang - soft sleeper I should add though! For now I shall leave you to go hunt some food and chill whilst we wait for the next leg of Vietnam. Long may the enjoyment continue!

Chat soon - Mark and Zoe