Hanoi Tips

Hanoi – Not just another crazy Asian capital

Had a great time in Hanoi and highly recommend it.

FLEW with Tiger Airways. Great flight times that leave in the evenings giving you maximum time there. SQ also fly. Both are relatively expensive compared to other Asian destinations costing all in SGD500-700. Airport is 45 minutes in a taxi – hotel organized it at USD15 each way

STAYED at the Hanoi Boutique Hotel. Now, don’t get confused with the name. It’s not boutique!! But the staff there (Miss Moon) are simply amazing and it’s rated Number 1 B&B on Tripadvisor for a reason. Great location in the old town, basic and clean and for USD30 per night you can hardly go wrong. The only reason I wouldn’t stay there again is if I wanted to impress a special someone (Sofitel supposed to be lovely), but otherwise, I’ll definitely be back

DO go to Ha Long Bay. Hotel organized the tour, which starts with an early morning pick up for the 3 hour minibus drive, then 24 hours on a junk boat with all meals included, kayaking, swimming, caves etc. Very relaxing and all in for USD70. It was basic and there are more expensive ones around, but I’m at a loss to see what else they’d offer. This junk was called Legend Cruises.
Lots of DVDs, ceramics etc for sale in the old quarter which is buzzing.
Plenty of lakes to walk around and relax by.
Didn’t do, but hear it’s interesting is to visit the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum (open most mornings from 8-11) and see a Water puppet show

EAT locally. Had a look at as we passed it and it came recommended was “Green Tangerine”, but we didn’t eat there. Similarly, “New Day”. “Ca Cha” was a good place that only serves one dish (fried fish) and is worth a go

DRINK at the local bars that “supposedly” close at midnight, but if you hear music, just walk to the closed doors/shutters and someone will let you in. Some names I remember are “Hair of the Dog”, “Funky Buddha” and “Half man, half noodle”.

TAKE both USD and Vietnamese Dong. It depends on the type of place as to which you’ll need to pay in

Enjoy!!

I Love House Music...

…well, not really, but the song is quite fun!!

Well, it's been a fair few weeks and since i've had so many complaints about the lack of updates (!), i thought i'd put you all out of your misery and let you know what's been going on!

I'm just on my way back from 10 days in Hong Kong. Headed up norf initially for a spot of gambling in Macau - the miserable weather was a pre-cursor to my performance at both the blackjack and poker tables. Friday, left on the ferry for HK for a weekend of debauchery and booze based around the Rugby 7s. I disappointed my friend Dave by refusing to wear his poor attempt at a Geisha girl costume and went for the tried and tested Fred Flintstone!! A lot of drinking and singing in the famous South stand on the Saturday and a chilled out Sunday actually watching the rugby made for an eventful weekend. Wales were downright rubbish after coming off the back of the World cup win in Dubai, but all 3 final games were cracking with each game coming within 2 points. Then i spent a week in the office which was productive, but tough.

Had the joy of seeing Dan (Helman) for a night before he went on his Chinese factory tour. Ate some great Thai food and then the following day we sent lots of messages to each other describing our frequent visits to the bathroom!! Seeing him again in a few days. We're heading to Hanoi and Ha Long bay for the long Easter weekend.

It was great to see some of you back in London. And sorry to those i missed. Was a whistle stop tour starting off in Paris for the rugby - we lost, however to make up for it, Oli and I had a free night of boozing at some Parisian nightclub. Then was in the London office for the week and very kindly put up by Nicole and Paul. Following week i hit the ski slopes of Tignes with Nick and Greg. Trip was epic with cracking conditions and 2 of the best days of skiing and apres ski i've ever had ("I love house music" is the new "Please don't stop the music"!! ) This trip was sandwiched in between 2 weekends back in Paris visiting Diana. Had a lovely time with her but alas the distance is too much to deal with and we've gone our separate ways.

Otherwise, life in Singers is good. Saw Coldplay a couple of weeks back who were simply brilliant. And Oasis this weekend. Footy's been a bit poor - despite going for quantity over quality and playing for 3 different teams, my goalscoring and MOTMs have been few and far between.

Here are some pics from Skiing and Hong Kong

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=74334&id=512991087&l=a5a9fb809e

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=74337&id=512991087&l=f3de106803

And if you’re still reading, some pics from my mountain climb

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=65901&id=512991087&l=720fad5cd6

Hong Kong Tips

FLEW into Macau and out of Hong Kong. Recommend doing this if you want to do both. It's a 1hr ferry ride in between (or you can spunk 300 bucks on a helicopter ride)

STAYED in Macau at the Wynn which was lovely. Sorted it out in the airport through one of the agents. Worked out cheaper this way. In HK, stayed at the Intercontinental - great hotel and famous for its views, so make sure you get a Harbour view

Personally wasn't that fussed on Macau. Weather was miserable, food was poor and i lost at gambling...so won't be in a hurry to go back!!

HK however is great fun. It's like Singapore but with atmosphere and character! Taxis are cheap and plentiful as is the MTR subway system. Lots of good bars and restaurants. Trendy area is Lan Kwai Fong (LKF). More seedy, but still fun is Wan Chai. A trip to "The Peak" on the tram is a must. But time it right - we got to the top as it completely fogged over!!

Was there for the rugby 7s. You must experience the South stand at least once in your lifetime!