Bangkok to home

Having had a very early start for our trip back to Bangkok, we arrived back in Thailand to be greated by the oven-like heat and heavy traffic we had experienced almost two weeks before. After a very slow drive back to the hotel, we left our bags in reception and headed out for lunch.

On returning to the hotel, after what was one of the best meals of the entire tour, we had some free time to explore the city a little more. We decided to use the incredibly efficient Skytrain to the large shopping centre and the centre for art. After deciding that we had seen enough temples, we headed back to the hotel to prepare for the trip to the Baiyok Tower for dinner. This huge tower, the largest in Bangkok, provided incredible views over the city. The revolving platform allowed us a great chance to be out in the open and see the city from above. However, this was billed as an excellent way to finish the tour. Unfortunately the bland and cold buffet food on offer was a poor excuse for a meal and was a real disappointment. The views were excellent though and this experience in no way overshadowed the entire trip.

So all in all what an amazing trip. We saw some beautiful natural sites and got to experience some amazing culture. To be given the chance to see each of the countries by going slightly off the beaten track was just what we wanted. I have to say that I was not sure what to expect from some of the countries, especially Vietnam, but was pleasantly surprised by all of them.

Some observations from our trip:
· to get anywhere by car in Bangkok takes an incredibly long time
· crossing the road in Vietnam requires nerves of steel
· the people in all three countries are some of the most welcoming I have ever encountered

Hanoi and Ha Long Bay

We arrived in Vietnam's capital from it's cosmopolitan southern brother to be greeted by much more visible signs of Communist rule. Granted we were here on the eve of a large holiday, the 38th anniversary of the reunification of the country, but the Vietnamese, hammer and sickle flags and Communist propoganda posters were far more evident than they had been in the South.

We met our Vietnamese guide and were taken on a walking tour of the city. This was another fascinating way to explore the place in the short amount of time available and it was interesting to see the Opera House, the guest house for foreign dignitaries and Ngoc Son Temple, which sits in the middle of a large lake in the centre of the city. As with HCM City, you take your life in your own hands crossing the road, but I am yet to be clipped yet, so must have managed to crack the technique! We then went to a water puppet show. This slightly odd, but very charming show, was a highlight of everything that makes Vietnam, from the people's jobs to the multi-cultural make up. It was slightly bizarre though. I have never been a huge fan of wooden puppets, but the skill involved in making them move in time with the music was very impressive.

The next day had us bound for Ha Long Bay. However we detoured via Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum to see the nation's hero lying preserved in state. Some 30,000 Vietnamese and foreign visitors were expected during the day, so I was relieved we were there early. Having viewed the surrounding grounds and hearing how the man shunned his expensive palace for a more modest three roomed house, made you realise why he is still idolised by so many.

Our 4 hour coach journey brought us to Ha Long Bay and we boarded our rather damp, thanks to unexpected heavy rainfall, Junk boat. This floating hotel took us out into the Bay to explore some of the 3000 islands. Now I know I said in an earlier blog that Ta Prohm blew me away, but the natural, if slightly cloudy, beauty of Ha Long was just as impressive. It is no wonder it is one of the new 7 Natural Wonders of the world. The huge limestone islands tower above you and truly make you feel small. We investigated the area around our mooring for the night by kayak and then headed back to the boat for a sumptuous seafood dinner. The following day, after a decent nights sleep on the boat, had us heading back to shore and although it was raining, some of us hiked up Tri Top mountain to take stunning pictures of some the bay from the vantage spot.

We are now back in Hanoi and head to Bangkok for our last day on tour tomorrow. It has been an amazing, cultural trip and I will be sad to return to reality!