Day 23 - Vang Vieng

Decided to go cycling up to the blue lagoon last night however we've got our first day of rain so unsure of what to do now as this is an outdoor activities place.

A few have decided to brave the rain and cycle to the blue lagoon. Me and Sandra went a bit later by tuktuk. Was a very nice scenic drive there but bumpy and unfortunately wasn't very impressed with the blue lagoon but it was a nice trip out. Picked up a stranded traveler on the way back who's bike had broke down and she was 30 mins away from missing her bus.

Out for lunch and beers at Gary's Irish Pub, a horribly overpriced Guinness ($5!) and a steak and ale pie, it doesn't get much better, everyone already a bit tipsy. Everybody back to the chalets for a nap except Steph who I think made it her mission to keep everybody awake.

Out again tonight for food and drinks but back early as I know my limit (ish) and food took about an hour to come (Laos is definitely a laid back country).

Day 22 - Vientiane and Vang Vieng

Unfortunately something I ate last night hasn't sat well so confined to the hotel for most of the day, gutted as I would have loved to have seen more of this quiet City.

Checked out and not particularly looking forward to the 4 hour drive to Vang Vieng but hopefully can last the drive.

The drive went very well, feeling much better and very happy with our accommodation, some lovely chalets on the riverside.

Signed up for kayaking tomorrow but then found out from other groups that they had been tubing ayer or guide had told us it was illegal. So spent an hour trying to find our guide to talk to her about cancelling kayaking and going tubing. Also saw them walking around in vests and swim wear after we were told we had to cover up to respect the culture, however this is a complete tourist town, so the group got a little bit angry as some had actually gone and bought clothes to make sure they were covered up. And also according to out guide the whole town closes down at 10.30pm but the other groups are going out at 9.30pm because places are open until 4am. So unfortunately a bit of a confrontation with the tour leader.

Ended the night with some beers on the patio and chatting about our lives back home, a nice end to the night.

Day 21 - Hanoi to Laos

Not much to tell about today, everybody's pretty tired and basically just waiting around the hotel to leave for our flight to Vientiane in Laos.

Sarah and Sylvia left us bright and early this morning, Sarah to go on to China and Sylvia finally going home after an epic 19 months of travelling, somehow I don't think she'll be staying at home for long.

At the airport completely forgot I had my leatherman in my bag so that got confiscated, lucky it didn't go further than that I suppose. Enjoyed possibly the best burger king ever, fast food Oh how I've missed you. A quick 1 hour flight to Vientiane on a propeller plane, my first time and it was incredibly smooth.

Arrived at the hotel and it's very nice and I should be able to sleep in my own bed for a change ;-).

Vientiane is so much different to what we've been used to. Went out for dinner and this city is so much quieter and considering it's the capital of Laos that's surprising but we were told to expect a much more laid back experience and that's definitely my first impressions.

Day 20 - Ha Noi

I nice relaxing start to today after last night's frivolities. Up early as I stopped in a different room to give my roommate some privacy only to find out there was no need.

Back to bed until lunch at 1.30, went walking and got so lost, this city is so easy to get lost in, every street looks the same. Only managed to find our back by pure luck.

Out for dinner and celebrations tonight as it's actually Sandras birthday today and also to say goodbye to Sylvia, Sarah, Gary and Aliss who leave us today. Sad to see them leave, the group has become a family over the past few weeks. Only 8 of us going around to Bangkok now.

Back to the hotel to watch the Germany game for the German contingency in the group. Oh and suck the helium out of the birthday girls balloon. All in all a good day.

Day 19 - Ha Noi

Day 19 - Ha Noi

A relatively short 3.5 bus ride this morning to Ha Noi.

Straight in and straight out for a walking tour of the city. Saw stone beautiful sites including the lake and Japanese Bridge, before stopping for food (Bun Cha), and our first taste of Bia Hoi (draught beer which only costs about 20p), very good considering the price.

Out to see a water puppet show which was, shall we say interesting, our guide got a little bit lost on the way and we ended up walking around the whole Lake to where we started. Then out for food and drinks to celebrate Sandras birthday, an absolutely awesome night, happy hour kept getting extended and it was 2 for 1 on buckets which was dangerous. Unfortunately the place closed at midnight otherwise I think we would have been there until sunrise and for some reason the police are used to empty the bars.

Day 18 - Boat tour of Ha Long Bay