Left Hoi An for a further stint on the beaches down south. First stop Nha Trang - apparently Phuket of Vietnam, after a seemingly painfree 6 hour train ride. Temperature definately creeping up a couple of degrees, god bless ice creams!
Nha Trang was a relatively quick three night, two day stopover but we made the most of the beaches and a few extra beachside luxuries (manicure/pedicure - i was sick of the ridicule, and a massage for colin). We did a half day snorkelling which was amazing, beautiful clear water and soo much to see. Spent a good few hours in the water, we were definately prunish by the time they made us get back on the boat. Had to giggle at our Chinese friends on board with us - not sure when high heels became essential sea faring attire.
Next beach stop - Mui Ne a 6hr bus ride south, according to the guide books the best beach in Vietnam. First experience of a sleeper bus, which are long enough for locals, who funnily enough don't look like 6foot plus bearded ginger bloke. The driver was mad and we think in training for the Paris - Dakar. Made it safe and sound but a little frustratingly realised that we again managed to time out arrival with a major festival/celebration (35th anniversary of the reunification of Vietnam)which saw prices of accomodation more than double.
We stayed for four nights and spent a good while working on the tan, reading our books, getting our fill of seafood and watching the windsurfers and kitesurfers as we knew it would be our last beach stint for awhile. Did a day trip out to see some dunes for sunrise, a fishing village (and watched an eastenders worthy barny between some local fisherwomen), and a random place called fairy springs - amazing colours. Did also run into Simon and Marie - friends from london who were randomly in Mui Ne for a couple of days on their way back from a trip to NZ, very spinny.
Sadly we said goodbye to the beach with an arduous post holiday drive to Ho Chi Minh city along with every Tom Dick and Harry (or Tong, Dong and Hong). Arrived to the bright neon lights and heaving mass that is District 1 of Saigon. A little overwhelming for us and soooo hot and sticky.
Next day we visited Cu Chi Tunnels. We thought it was hot above ground, try adding another 4 degrees in the tunnels - sweaty and not to mention claustrophobic. We both braved a short walk through the tunnels however we did pass up the chance to fire M16's, rocketlaunchers or throw grenades at the firing range (sorry shaun!). Spent a harrowing afternoon at the Vietnam War Remnants Museum which outlined the atrocities of the war from the Vietnamese perspective. Continued our sweat fest with a wander through some markets and back to the hotel for a shower and regroup.
Headed out for our last night in Vietnam, can't believe it has gone so fast. Did manange to bump into the brits we meet on our Halong Bay tour which gave us a chance to share the various tales of our respective journeys south and enter into some last minute watch barginning - got to love team casio.
Note: We have decided that the Vietnamese penchant for pyjamas is something that should be adopted worldwide. These people do not care when or where they wear their pj's and they look so cute and damn comfortable!
Next stop - Cambodia. Phnom Penh by bus from Ho Chi Minh.
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