Ok so we got that shitty cliché out of the way nice and early. This week I’m Your Man in Vietnam as I take a break from Thailand. And if first impressions account for anything, I’m very impressed with Vietnam – its the absolute opposite of what I thought it would be.

I expected an oppressive atmosphere with a heavy military and police presence on every corner stopping you to check your documents. I guess we in the west are brought up being told about how tough the poor freedom-deprived peoples of the communist countries have it, but so far (ok I’ve only been here a day and a half) I’ve seen nothing but clean, well-kept streets, and happy, relaxed young couples with big smiles on their faces strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake everywhere you look.

Hanoi, with a strong colonial french influence in its architecture and its big sleepy trees brimming with red and purple flowers hanging over the streets, combined with the easy-going nature of its people make you feel like you could be walking through the streets of Paris. Sure, the weather is somewhat more inclement, and your croissant might be filled with dog rather than ham, but this tiny city in Vietnams’ north is an absolute treasure and almost more european than asian.

Tomorrow we’re off to Ha Long Bay which should be pretty damn nice – not sure if I have enough money for the journey though (6.5 million Dong into a wallet does not go!)