After re-uniting the team in Hanoi, we set about the task of negotiating adequate transport to some of the more remote parts of Northern Vietnam. This in itself was no mean task, trying to convey the concept of kayaking in general is hard enough without the added confusion of going to destinations which are very rarely visited. Meanwhile the planning of exactly which rivers to paddle commenced, with some of our more detailed maps having been confiscated in Hong Kong (Long story) this involved some serious speculation as to gradient and general topography.

With destinations decided, we headed for the market to stock up on supplies and generic tat. Stu H turned out to be a very useful haggler, his confident and purposeful technique fitted in well.

After all the work was done, we were set for the first couple of weeks. This left us a day or so to get the feel of Hanoi, a fantastically vibrant and busy city with some real character. 

More pictures from our time in Hanoi can be found in our gallery here...