Vietnam

Vietnam was a country we considered missing... for most of the places you go you get advice from fellow travellers, and the advice seemed to be either dont go or if you do, don't expect too much. Because our expectations were quite low we were pleasantly surprised. There is a bit more hassle than other places in the region... people trying to sell you things and ripping you off, but compared to India it's minimal... and there is 3 times the number of people here than in Laos all needing to earn a living. To counter this negative we had greater shows of kindness than in any other country so far.

Vietnam is not as photogenic as Laos... maybe the rain in the North didn't help, and it's quite developed. Almost all the evidence of the war is gone... unlike Laos, Vietnam got money to rebuild. There are quite a few tourist attractions relating to the war from the tunnels at Cu Chi to the War Remnents Museum (formerly the Museum of Chinese and American War Crimes!).. the latter being rather hard to stomach.

Vietnam is a great place to buy things, from DVD's (we're now the owners of a decent collection) to clothes... we spent 5 extra days in Hoi An (not a bad thing.. it's a beautiful little place) getting a new wardrobe made.

Other points of interest... they are totally flag crazy - fly them everywhere. The food is really good, although strangely I had the best spring rolls ever in Laos. You are welcome to get me to make them when I return.

Hue
Hanoi
Halong Bay
Hoi An
Da Lat
Saigon

Visits so far: