Well it is farewell to Vietnam and on to Cambodia. It has been an amazing journey from the North to the South. The food has been excellent throughout, Adam and I both agree, we have probably had just a few average meals in a month and that was due to the fact that we were stuck on either a boat tour without a choice of menu or too tired to go in search for something interesting to eat and just settled for second best.
If you do find yourself in Vietnam, the most important tip I can give you is eat where the locals eat, which doesn't include where all the tourists eat. The food will be of better quality, tastier, cheaper and above all else you are amongst it all and mixing with the locals. The menu won't be in English but as long as you have the basic words for duck, chicken, pork, fish and vegetables you can't go wrong - well you can but it will still be tasty.
The worst that happened to us - sitting in a bia hoi and one of the locals came over to share with us some of his grub and, yes, it was literally grub on a cracker, an entire plate of them all soft and chewy. And yes, we couldn't refuse - that would be impolite - so we both tucked in (Adam with relish)and it turned out to be quite tasty actually, and what an experience.
There are a few things I will miss, Hanoi for a start, it is now one of my favourite cities. Look beyond all the hassles and there is a lot of substance and character there, if you do visit give it more time than just a stop off along to Ha Long Bay. Have patience, you will need it, there are many touts and scam-artists but it is all worth it.
Secondly I will really miss all the yoke-ladies, they truly are amazing the way they lug all there wares about, strong, tough women, they add so much colour and character to Vietnam. If you get the chance buy something from them, a cup of tea, a meal, some fruit.
And lastly Bun Cha and Nem Cua Be, Caramel Pork and Bahn Mi would have to be the top dishes we had in Vietnam and they all happened to be in Hanoi too, I am salivating now just thinking about it. (previous blog for locations)
Here are a few of my favourite photos that Adam took of our journey, they may just inspire you to visit.
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