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Vietnam is insane! There is other way to put it.
Our flight from Laos took just over 45 minutes to get to Hanoi and then it was an hour in a very packed mini bus into the city. The traffic is just crazy and we learnt today there are 8 million people in Hanoi and just over 4.5 million motorbikes/scooters. No one obeys traffic lights, cares which side of the road they are on, weather they are on the pavement or not or weather it's a 1 way road. It's just simply chaos! The city is amazing though and has a great vibe about it. We are staying at Hanoi Backpackers Original which is in the old quarter of town and the main hub of the city. Last night we managed to arrive just in time for happy hour and then went to meet our friend Sarah who was staying at another place nearby. All the "bars" here at night spread out literally into the road and you sit on small plastic chairs while cars and scooters drive around you. It's 50p for a nice pint of beer while a questionable one costs 5000 dong which is roughly 17p.
Today we did a free 1 hour walking tour the hostel puts on every morning which takes you through a few of the food markets and down back streets you wouldn't even realise were there if you were walking past normally. The tour was great and afterwards we walked around the big lake in the centre of the city which was beautiful.
The heavens then opened so we decided to head to Hao Lo prison which originally was built for political prisoners when the French ran Vietnam but then was used to house American POW's during the war including John McCain who ran against Obama in 2008. The prison was excellent and really well put together. We are now back at the hostel relaxing for a few hours before we head out tonight on a street food tour of the city. We decided that as we are going to be here a month we might as well know what the hell we are eating!
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Nana and Grandad Sounds very interesting! Take care love you xx
Lisa Wow! Sounds incredible. Would love to visit there too. Take care, stay safe and have fun! Much love to you both. Mum/lLisaxxx
Nicola Pritchard What an experience! It sounds amazing! Please be careful and have a wonderful time. Lots of love Mum/Nikki and Brian xxxx
Pat Nelson Jonny & Sarah What an experience you are having.Take care when you are sitting having a drink.Looking forward to pictures. Love to you both Nan/Pat