I recently returned from Vietnam. Very impressive place considering what it has emerged from in its recent history.

Leaving the noise, dirty streets and unbelievable motor bike traffic of Ho Chi Mihn City (certainly a place I don't need to return to in a hurry), we travelled to Hoi An. Very pleasant but sadly, we were the first guests in the hotel after the typhoon from which the town was still recovering. I would go back again though. Coincidentally a work colleague was on the last flight out of Hoi An before the Typhoon hit.

If you've seen the Forbidden City in Beijing, then Hue is a bit of a disappointment. However, they are actively refurbishing the site and in a few years, if they do it well, it should be quite an experience.

Loved Hanoi. They say it's the French/European influence: tress, irregular streets, wonderful buildings, great food - is quite true. Although very busy (you take your life in your hands crossing the street), it is "quieter" that Ho Chi Mihn City - but not by much.

Travelled by overnight train to Sapa on the Chinese border. Interesting but I don't recommend it for a 2 day visit - even if you travel in a sleeper. You need at least 3 days there - just to recover from the train trip. And watch our for the goats - my wife was headbutted into a ditch and then the goat tried to mount her. Was it merely being over friendly or did it bear a grudge?

Had the sobering experience of visiting the Hanoi Hilton (i.e. jail run by the French). No wonder the Vietnamese hate the French more than they hate the Americans. The French were brutal and arrogant colonialists- true arseholes. Somethings never change.