Sunday, 30 January 2011

Northern Vietnam part 2

Day 3 of our tour was about 350km across the mountains. First we headed north and up into the clouds then down to Bao Lac, about 40km south of the border with China, for lunch. Then another 150km to arrive in Ha Giang (pronounced Harzan) after 10 hours. Good food but hard to find a bar here.

The roads were mostly single-track tarmac and some dirt, but always holes and ruts. No straight bits, no flat bits, just wonderful scenery. Past small villages, people with oxen, women carrying firewood, some in traditional dress. Markets everywhere because Tet (New Year) is coming on 3 Feb.

Travelling with a small group of great people.

Next day wet and another long-ish drive over roads varying from muddy to serious mud and stalls selling tea and oranges. Wonderful countryside again. Arrived in Sa Pa in the clouds and cold. All Vietnam preparing for Tet so bright stuff in all markets like Christmas at home. Ended in a bar with local girls (black Hmong tribe) playing pool in native costumes - bizarre!

Next day trekking in Sa Pa - don't do this in winter! Sa Pa is 1600m high and in cloud for 3 months. We walked through mist and have never seen so much mud. Locals sensibly wore wellies and we only had walking boots. About 1km from 10 was not deep and steep mud. Some got supported by 2 local ladies most of the way. No pics of this bit. Spent night in village house, walls 1/2 inch planks which sometimes met. Heating was a bowl of glowing charcoal. Bed early.

Last day at Bac Ha market with lots of ethnic costumes (and tourists). Then back to Hanoi on overnight sleeper train, sharing a cabin with our 2 French friends. A great trip through bad weather but the people were lovely! We travelled with Ethnic Travel and they were really good.

Off to Halong Bay for 2 nights next.

Thursday, 27 January 2011

In northern Vietnam part 1

So, we've managed to arrive in the worst winter in northern Vietnam for 50 years - cold and cloudy but no snow. Spent our first two days in Hanoi booking tours and wandering the streets.

Visited the Temple of Literature and watched the Water Puppets. Ate lots and enjoyed plenty of beer. Hanoi is mad with all business on the pavements, scooters and mopeds everywhere and no space for pedestrians. But buzzing. The overriding sound is horns - ignored by all.

Now on a 6-day tour in the mountains north of Hanoi: Ba Be lakes where we are staying in a village homestay (pic) and trekking, then Ha Giang, then 2 days trekking in Sa Pa. Have personal guide (the mad Hien) and driver (Mr Phong who talks to keep awake) for 2 days, then being joined by 2 French people. Countryside from Hanoi changed constantly so the 7-hour drive was really interesting. Could only do about 50kph because of traffic first then road quality and obstacles - oxen, goats, ducks and chickens. Quick boat trip on Ba Be lake which is really beautiful, even in winter.

Great walk on day two. One hour straight up into the mountains then a couple of hours through small farms. Lunch in a small town where we became the main attraction. Judy took lots of pics of the local people especially kids. Back after 6.5 hours.

Friday, 21 January 2011

Once more unto the beach...

A lazy few days on the beach to recover from the hurly-burly of an Aussie wedding. Staying at the Hotel California (such a lovely place...) in Cha Am 200km south of Bangkok. Sun, sea and sand, no snow. It's quite a Scandinavian enclave and I think we lower the average age and even have fewer wrinkles. At least we can swim here 'coz no stingers or crocs, and no biting things in the evening. Temperature of air and water and beer all ideal. Leave tomorrow for Hanoi.

Tuesday, 11 January 2011

Aussie wedding

Got back to Oz with no problem. Plans for the wedding were a bit more serious than jeans and t-shirts after Jacko saw a dress he thought would be ideal for Donna. (We had to buy stuff in Bangkok as nothing we had was appropriate, life's so hard!).

The ceremony and reception took place in a hotel about 500m from Donna and Jacko's house.  It was all very nicely done in 30-degree heat.  Family and friends had travelled over flood-damaged roads but all the really important ones made it through.

It was a fabulous day, light hearted, friendly - we met some lovely people from all over Oz but mainly outback.  Donna and Jacko were just so happy - he got really emotional when she came out all dolled up, it was quite sweet! 






Can they drink!  Never seen anything like the amount of ale that goes.  Puts Brits definitely in the back seat even Chris!  There was a little pool there as well which kept the kids amused, I was on lifeguard duty which suited me cos it was cool out there and kept away from the tequila slammers etc that was going on.





Good day had by all, a happy, social occasion.

More floods now down in Brisbane, so we're hoping the airport will be open for our flight back to Bangkok on Sunday.  Can't believe the weather they've been having here, I guess you've seen it on the news.  Fortunately it has mostly missed Mackay, but because of flooded farms and roads there are some food shortages and prices are sky-high.

Monday, 3 January 2011

Leaving Cambodia

Have spent a relaxed few days back in Siem Reap, including New Year. Chris spent yesterday cycling while Judy played games with Debbie. Flying to Oz today via a night in Bangkok (hotel) and Brunei (airport). Booked flight from Bangkok to Hanoi for when we return. Next post from Oz.