I finally managed to sort out my visa in Bangkok and flew to Hanoi on Saturday evening. I was hoping to find some cable TV at the airport so I could watch the Sprinboks, but no such luck. Instead I decided to fork out a few extra dollars for a taxi, rather than the bus, so I could at least catch the last half hour or so. In the end that didn't work out so well either. The taxi driver picked up a mate and together they tried to rob me! They were adamant that I owed them over a million Dong (about $60). I managed to persuade them that I only had 200,000 on me (which is the correct fare) and that the rest was in my pack locked in the trunk. Obviously as soon as the trunk was open I grabbed the pack and made a dash for it... Welcome to Nam.
And at least I got to the hostel in time to see Francois Steyn sink those pesky Aussies.
Hanoi is actually pretty cool. The French influence is still very obvious, with some large churches, French architecture, and baguettes for breakfast. I spent the first two days just chilling in the city, the hostel I'm staying in is very nice. Beer here is insanely cheap too. The local draft, Bia Hoi, is sold at street stalls in the evenings for 2000 Dong a pint. That's less than one Rand! Its pretty rough stuff though.
Tranport in Hanoi is pretty hairy...
The last three days have been spent on an awesome trip out to Ha Long Bay. This involved a 3 hour bus out to the coast, a day trip out on a junk to a private island resort, great accomodation, and all meals included. Life has been tough. The scenery there is spectacular and the small group of people I was with were fantastic. I think we'll go out tonight for a few Bia Hoi's to celebrate before we all go our separate ways.
Junks on Ha Long Bay
"Hi mom!"
I've just managed to organise a train ticket to Da Nang for tomorrow night. From there it's a short hop to Hoi An, and the cheapest tailors in the world...
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