After a very early start, and after collecting and paying for our laundry, it was a 280km bus journey to Hanoi.

We stopped in a small town for lunch, where we actually had pizza and chips. The vegetarian pizza was a little different to normal.

The drive was very scenic through forested mountains and remote villages.

After around 7-8 hours of driving, we arrived in Hanoi. Some of the group went on a guided tour around the city with Nhan, but as we were staying a few more days in Hanoi, we decided to take the time to refresh and get ready for the celebration meal. At the hotel, we met up with Tracey. Tracey is a friend of Karen’s who was joining them for the next 3 weeks travelling around Vietnam.

Just round the corner from where we were staying was a rooftop bar, so we started the evening off there with a couple of cocktails.

We then met the rest of the group back at the hotel and headed off to the restaurant – Highway 4. The food was delicious, and Chris and Nhan both made lovely speeches.

It was our last evening together as a group, and it was sad to say goodbye to everyone else.

The group members were:

• Tim and Jackie (couple)
• Stu and Alex (father and daughter)
• Jason and Lee (uncle and nephew)
• Maxine
• Larry
• Karen, Mandy, Zoe and Gill
• Chris (DA leader)
• Nhan (local guide)

As everyone else made their way back to the hotel, we decided to go for another drink.

We headed down a few streets and found a bar called the jail pub. There was also a resident cat there.

On the way back to the hotel, we stumbled across Beer Street, so we decided to stop and have a beer.

And then it really was time for bed!