Nha Trang - 7th-11th August

So we left the incredible town of Hoi An, leaving suits, shirts, dresses and who knows what else to be flown back to London.

Once again we opted to fly to Nha Trang on a 40 minute flight, as opposed to the 12 hour bus journey that some of our fellow "travellers" have decided to take. In our defence, these plane tickets cost 25 quid each, so well worth it.

Nha Trang is a bustling city right on the beach. Far noisier than Hoi An; but far more life too. It has a similiar feel to a European beach resort. We stayed at the best hotel we think we will stay in on our entire trip - the Novotel. Just for some background to this hotel, we initially were going to stay somewhere else (more expensive), but decided to save money and stay somewhere less elaborate. So I (sam) booked to stay at the Novotel online, for a great rate, which could not be cancelled, changed or moved at all (under any circumstances) - I think you know whats coming next.

I accidentally booked to stay on the dates we are in Saigon (11-14th) - oops!! I tried to speak to Agoda (who were about as helpful as Emma is in giving financial saving advice), but finally got hold of the Novotel (through our reception in Hoi An), who were able to change our dates, subject to an upgrade of a room. So basically in the end, I think we could have stayed at the plush hotel for less - just shows our parents that in fact, it is better for us to stay in 5* resorts.

Anyway, back to Nha Trang.

We took a cyclo tour around the main part of the city, with its bustling markets and (at last) a supermarket - where finally we could buy proper food (such as oreos and pringles). The beaches in Nha Trang are not as golden sanded as in Hoi An, mainly because the locals have not learnt how to keep them clean.

After dragging ourselves away from the amazing airconditioning in our amazing room we decided to go to The Sailing Club for dinner - a gorgeous restaurant right on the beach. We sat down right on the sand, admiring the beautiful view and surroundings. Our food came and it was delicious (something you cannot take for granted in Vietnam!!!) There we were, excited about how wonderful the next four days would be and Sam froze 'Emma dont look' he said (of course i was gonna look - silly boy!!) Right across from us there was an enourmous rat!! Emma screamed and insisted on moving back to the saftey of the restaurant!! The australian waitress told us that at sunset the rats come out onto the beach. Emma spent the rest of the meal with her legs up on the seat looking around in fear!

We spent the next few days at the Sailing Club and Louisiane Brewery. These two restaurants/beach clubs were awesome and perfect for Sam and Emma. Sun beds are under a pound for the day, and drinks/food/alcohol/ are brought to you when required - we settled in quite nicely. Although Emma insisted on going back to the hotel pool at the first sign of the sun going down to avoid the rats!!

The second day was much the same as the first, but this time we went back to our hotel to check out the swimming pool, which though small, was perfect to chill in after a heavy day on the beach. Going back to our room, we spotted someone who was on our Halong Bay Boat Trip, and got chatting again. We ended up meeting them later for a drink at the Sailing Club which also had a massive beach party with vietnam dancing, judo, sword fighting, fire throwing etc. The show was awesome (and we got some great photos to show you all). We learnt that the club is a hotspot for the rich of Vietnam, mainly those who work for the gvnt, or city boys, or mafia (no joke!)

Our third day was much like our second (and first). We lazed around on the beach drinking fresh juice and having a pretty stressful time!! We met a nice girl who was travelling on her own so we went for dinner with her which was cool and ended up clubbing (yes like proper students) with her, the mafia and other rich vietnamese who just wanted photos with us, and boughts us drinks - we could get used to this!!

We were both pretty upset at leaving our beautiful seaview room with a HUGE walkin shower but Saigon was awaiting us (Emma booked the hotel this time so no mess ups!!)

Again we flew, this time the flight was only around 30 mins as opposed to an 8 hour bus journey - we know you understand!

We will write about Saigon in a few days time when we arrive in Kuala Lumpur!

Missing (an ickle bit) and loving you all

Em and Sam
xxxxxxxxxxxx