Hanoi Hilton

It was an early start for the journey back to Hanoi. It was going to take 2 boat trips and a coach and around 7 hours of traveling. Fortunately the first 2-3 hours were on board and were sailing back through Ha Long Bay. They even paused to allow us to throw ourselves off the top deck once more. 

The scenery was, once more, stunning. 

Nail Island. Can't imagine why it's called that. 

It's been a wonderful few days in a truly awesome location and the company organising the tour have certainly done a brilliant job looking after us. 

We managed to get back to Hanoi in time to view the prison, or Hanoi Hilton as it was affectionately known by the American pilots who called it home in the 70's. The shackles, the sloped floor of the punishment cell and the huge guillotine are all stark reminders of what humans are capable of doing to each other. 

Our hotel in Hanoi for this one night was the cheapest of the trip. In a small street the doorway led to a narrow, steep flight of stairs and a compact reception area. The rooms were of a decent size. It was adequate for a night and all for £11 a room including breakfast. 

There was a difference of opinion about our evening meal. John, Eileen and Elena set off for local street food, Marc went Walkabout. The other 9 set off for Jaspas. It turned out to be a little bit posher than I expected, but hey, Hanoi is a foody Mecca. A man needs a colossal T-Bone steak, large cold beers, starter and desert sometimes. The Hanoi Ladies Wine Appreciation Society also convened their meeting.

 

The bill was a disconcerting and buttock clenching 8.4 million dong. I fumbled to find a calculator. About £245. Close to £30 a head. Pricey for out here but it was a classy looking restaurant and fabulous food. It was a chance to get rid of the rest of my dong as we won't need it where we are going. 

Next destination has been duly announced. Siem Reap in Cambodia. A chance to see Angkor Wat once more for Jo and me. Truly a jewel in South East Asia and in my humble opinion a brilliant climax to an awesome trip. 

Jo and I visited there back in 2004. We got engaged at sunset on one of the temples of Angkor. It's almost poetic that we shall be back in the same spot for Jo's significant birthday tomorrow. Sad that we are going to be entering our fourth and last country of the trip but really excited to be going back to Angkor.  

Lucas wants to watch the sun rise over Angkor Wat. Jo, strangely, wants to have a lie in and will admire the photos.