We were dreading the night train from Hanoi after the gross experience of China which was essentially like being in a stinky coffin for 18hrs with travel companions who thought fermented eggs were suitable train snacks. #actualtripadvisorreview #ifanythingimbeinggenerous.

But it was actually relatively manageable. We didn’t get invited to the “party cabin” of our tour where all the “top lads bants” was kicking off BIG TIME, im talking they had at LEAST 3 beers guys so kindve a parrrrtaaaaaay. Instead played cards and drank tinnies with Anne in our cabin wondering in what parallel universe we are the rejects as Glaswegian accountants and a brummy insurance officer are the cool gang. #areweintheInbetweeners #youcantsitwithus

Another classic shot of Liz for the family album.

Arrived in Hue, after a touch and go visit to the train toilet, where we played our new favourite game of try not to touch anything and manage not to pee on your own leg whilst on a moving rickety old carriage #limitedsuccess #thighsofsteel

“Survived” is suitable description for the journey ….enjoyed is too strong a word but let’s say an “experience”.

Experience, noun definition: an activity that is basic and all round quite shit but that you convince yourself is worth paying thousands of pounds for because you are a backpack wanker finding themselves and it comes with the terrirory!

Couple too many experiences on this tour chunk.of the trip so far, but whatever. We soldier on, safe in the knowledge 7 star luxury awaits once we reach Thailand. #brave #suchemersivetravellers #bringbackchampagneforbreakfast

Hue itself a bit dull. We barely ate on the train and were feeling a bit peaky by the time we arrived at hotel. Place was nice actually. Managed a small breakfast (huge selection!) Including staple ingredient of all great buffets… Sweetcorn. I’ve missed you, little yellow friend. #GreenGiantmustbeamafiafamilyinAsia #thatshitiseverywhwere

Had an hour before back out to explore on our 1 day here. Spent nearly all of it just standing in the shower washing away the trauma of the train #trainstank #unclean #cooties #bestshowerofalltime

First stop was to meet our guide in reception for 3 highlights of Hue…in a day. Boarded the bus (still exhausted after grand total of about 35 mins sleep on night train!) Tried desperateltntonkeep eyes open for benefit of really informative guide…but we were all a tough crowd that day.

Saw The Forbidden City and learned loads about it’s history…. unfortunately standing in the sun for 45 mins straight….everyone feeling awful. #whosgunnafaintfirst

Liz made a few isn’t attempts at tryna do the clicky heel jump with such limited success I am actually still laughing about it…!!! And we saw yet more people on pursuit of the elusive Insta-perfect snap!

Has a little amble round. Beautiful architecture but so hot and tired we couldn’t really enjoy it.

Reckon highlight was getting an overpriced ice lolly in the shade. Only options were phallic ones so embraced it.

Guide was honestly great, so lnowledgeable and so proud of his hoke city. Showed us some great sights and explained how in 1968, a large proportion of fighting in the Vietnam War took place in Hue. Many of the sacred shrines and monuments we saw were littered with bullet holes, shells and landmine shrapnel or pieces of bombs. A stark reminder of the history on such a calm and peaceful day.

Went on to monastery to see some Buddhist monks. Mainly all in Brown robes, men and women, orange Buddhist robes reserved for highest rabking #orangeisthenewbrown #kindveabigdeal #futuresbrightfuturesorange

Casual monks on a moped

Monastery was also home to Thích Quăng Dúc, the Buddhist monk who in June 1961 drove this Austin car to Ho Chi Minh city (formerly Saigon) and set himself on fire in protest of the persecution of his people by the South Vietnamese government.

Starting to feel mega grim, tiredness plus 35 degrees plus 90% humidity meant the group were dropping like flies. Real personal low of the trip airgacwd shortly after, being violently sick in the graveyard tomb of the last ruling King in the Vietnamese monarchy!!! Honestly horrific. Thanks to extensive reconstruction (finally closed for refurb goes in our favour!) they had a western toilet….but it’s not going up as a life highlight, put it that way!!!

Trundled back to the hotel in the actual airline brace position…. #allglamour #alwaysme and rolled into bed. Had to swerve another family dinner in favour of a night in. Felt bad for Liz but her an Anne had a great night knocking back the Steins bybsounda of things so all was well!

Atw dry crackers and watched the Beauty and the Beast remake and contemplated the complexities of fancying the beast when he is a beast…but not when he is a man #beastialitycomplex #isthatjustme? #emmawatsonruinedthenentirefilm

Morning bought with it a 4hr drive through the Hai Van Pass to Hoi An and one of our most anticipated stops on the journey. Feeling horrendous and a 4hr coach trip…what could possibly go wrong?!?

Wish us luck xx