Back in Hanoi

Since there is no connection to our next destination from Mai Chau, we are going back to Hanoi for now. Our accommodation this time is called a 'capsule hotel' and is actually quite funny, and contrary to Max's fears, we don't have any claustrophobic attacks. We had a similar accommodation in Yangon, but this time each of us has our own capsule.

Unfortunately, the weather is no longer on our side. Cold and wet. But since we have to 'get through' 1.5 days, we put on everything our backpacks have, put on a rain jacket, and go out. First, we go to the train station to buy the train ticket for the next day. We buy two tickets for the sleeping compartment on the train to Dong Hoi. The journey takes 10 hours and takes place overnight. The lady tries to convince us to get an upgrade, but we stick to the second-class beds. Then we have dinner. On the way to the hostel, we walk over the tracks again and arrive exactly on time for the 7 PM train. This time I have learned and no longer let myself be surprised by the evil choo-choo train!

The next day, the weather has unfortunately not improved yet. But since it doesn't rain all day long, but only a little bit from time to time, you can still explore the city with a rain jacket and down jacket. This time we explore the neighborhood around the Red River and the wealthy neighborhood around West Lake. The footpath that leads across the river is particularly exciting. It is an old railway bridge that has been converted into a sidewalk. And 'converted' is the right word. We have very little confidence in the construction (a 3cm thick concrete slab resting on a steel beam on the left and right. In between, there is air and lots of already broken off pieces).

In the afternoon, we are finally freezing and settle in a small café. Hot tea and reading.
Our train leaves at 8 PM and we are totally surprised when we see our compartment. Clean, with a cozy blanket and pillows, new covers, and WE CAN STRETCH OUT. Now seriously. Who would have thought that even Max can stretch out in an Asian sleeping pod? We are totally happy and glad that we didn't book an upgrade. Especially when it turns out that we have the entire compartment (designed for 6 people) to ourselves. I sleep wonderfully :-)