Hanoi

Hanoi's proven to be my favourite city in Vietnam so far. Once out of the peak tourist area, it's possible to see life 100 years ago. The French colonial era buildings stand out unlike most cities, and unlike Hoi An it's a living city rather than a museum (Claire's analysis). Life goes on on the small streets much more clearly than elsewhere and walking around gives the impression of participating.

The central lake in Hanoi has a particularly mystical fell, with its deep green colour, pagodas built on small islands, willows hanging over the edge and completed with mist. It's integrated into the city and you can see Hanoians really use it as part of their daily life - to meet, play chess, or hold hands.

After Hanoi we're going to Ha Long Bay for a few days, then Sapa in northern Viet Nam, after which we cross into Yunan province in China. It might be quite a while before the next post.