The Vietnamese roads are not a place I would choose to drive, despite my recent efforts over in Europe driving on the left. Here they drive all over the road and trucks are always on the wrong side of the road overtaking.

Vinh is located South of Hanoi and a 7 hour drive . Our hotel turned out to be in the middle of nowhere and I was informed by our leader that it is too dangerous to go out, so we resorted for a terrible meal in the hotel restaurant.

Day 2 involved a 5.30am start, but at least the 12 hours on a private bus meant plenty of sleeping opportunities.

The road from Vinh to the border is very picturesque and a nice change from the hustle and bustle of the cities. In between falling asleep and reading my guidebook I spotted water buffalo and farmers in their paddy fields.

If you plan to cross the border independently, prepare for delays on both side at Cao Treo/Nam Phao. Its also necessary to walk a few hundred metres unless you have transport waiting for you in between.We had to pay a couple of extra dollars each for our visas in Laos due to it being a weekend, but at least no bribes were needed.

With 2 days of this tour spent travelling through Vietnam I have seen a church and the airport, disappointingly my photos are even more pitiful. I am sure this will improve as we head into Laos however.