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I have yet to be disappointed by Vietnam and its culture. Meeting the people seems to be one of the many highlights of this trip allowing us a better understanding of the culture. After a grueling bike ride out of Sapa up what felt like a mountain, we came to a village, Ta Phin, where we were given a tour. They brought us to a cave, had us meander through rice paddies, and answered any questions we might have had. Perhaps the biggest appeal to this village was the … Read more

Hey all, This is Alex Woodcock and I am currently on the Vietnam summer trip and having the time of my life! Been avoiding getting hit by crazy little vietnamese dudes on motos, jumping off junks, and making friends for life! Just some amazing memories to talk about: 1. Night trains (you really don't sleep on them) - a sleeping pill is advised. 2. Hannah got stung by a JELLYFISH in Halong bay - CRAZY stuff. 3. "You buy from her, but why don't you by from me." -… Read more

Thought I'd better do another blog entry because it may be the last chance I get. Ever. We're just heading out to a Karaoke bar across the road from our guesthouse and I'm not sure that we'll be allowed out alive. If only more parents sent their children to singing lessons... Here are a few noteworthy morsels. Alex: As the tracks got steeper and muddier and the weather became muggier and muggier, and litre after litre of sweat rolled down our faces, her grin just g… Read more

Our group have just returned from the muddiest trek they've ever done, from near Sapa (northern hill town) down to the little village of Thanh Phu. Unfortunately the much looked forward to swim in a warm spring In Ban Ho, our lunch stop on the way, was thwarted by an earlier landslide. But at least the monsoon rain was warm !! And to think that some people pay a great deal of money for health-enhancing mud wraps..we could enjoy head to toe mud for hours on end at no ex… Read more

We are in Saigon / Ho Chi Minh City, and all is good. I am writing this while the rest of the group are off at the water park - the curse of my job. We have been here for one night and it has been quite an experience after arriving from Hoi An. We went from a small town, with World Heritage status to a city of 8 million and probably twice as many motorbikes and neon lights. It is crazy but pretty amazing. It feels like we have done so much already in Saigon - cyclo rides… Read more

Owen belatedly joined the group and has fitted in easily - like he has always been here. Our small group is great, relaxed, easy going, inquisitive and always up for a challenge. After picking up Owen in Hanoi we made our way to Cat Ba Island, northeast of Hanoi and situated within Halong Bay. We were met by Mr Hack, a good guy working with the National Park Service on Cat Ba Island, who was our main liaison during our 5 days on the island volunteering to help the envir… Read more

Well this is a hectic country full of lush beauty and contrasts, it challenges your mind, beliefs and your nerve, while all at once being relaxed, friendly and safe. We are only at the very beginning of out trip but already have experienced so much.   At present there are 5 of us,including the leaders, while we pick up Owen, our 6th tomorrow. We started off in Hanoi, straight into the old quarter and the hustle and bustle. Small narrow streets, choked with vans and wha… Read more