From Lao Bao to Hoi An

We have been in Vietnam for a few days now and the contrast is incredible! Right after the border, the architecture changed. No more wooden houses on stilts and garage-like restaurants. There are a lot more stone houses, which will be more comfortable for the residents, but not necessarily nice to look at. The weather is also very different, cloudy to rainy and a pleasant 25 degrees. But the most extreme thing is the traffic. Yesterday in Hue and also in Danang, it felt like being in Ho Chi Minh City or Bangkok. I have to admit that I quite like maneuvering through the traffic. It's fun to make your way with all the mopeds... There are very unique rules here, and honking is exhausting in the long run. Honking instead of using the turn signal, honking instead of looking, honking instead of braking.... Everyone honks constantly, even without a reason or just to say hello. A convoy of 10 trucks passed us happily and deafeningly honking, and everyone waved so nicely that you can't even be mad.

After a day in Hue and an impressive imperial city, we are now in Hoi An. The old town and the night market are really beautiful and car-free. But it's almost as crowded as the Cranger Kirmes... Sometimes I wish the Laotians were a bit more reserved. Kai says it's not as bad as it was 20 years ago, but you can't just look around.... It was especially crazy on the Hai Van Pass, which is between Hue and Hoi An. First, 4 people were talking to us, 'Coffee, Cola, Mango,' and then we were scolded because we didn't buy anything from the woman, but our bikes were parked next to her stall, and where we did buy something, we were told to leave because a fresh busload was coming... Luckily, it's not always like that, and so far we have only had nice accommodations with very helpful and friendly people.

We send you lots of greetings and wish you a Happy New Year in advance! 🤩