Comrade Challenge

5th annual minsk olympics at Thac Da resort.

Thac Da v Minsk XI

A physical game complete with an own goal and a missed penalty that resulted in a 4-2 loss for the visiting team.

Half Moon

Last light over Ho Tay, courtesy of Sigma 10mm.

Fire

The sun finally being extinguished in West Lake as the temperature hit 40C in Hanoi today.

UNIS

Swimming event at Hanoi's premier international education centre.

School must be the only place in Vietnam where you can't smoke. Had to go behind the bike shed.

Wednesday

Sunset over West Lake...

Lai Chau

...is now called Muong Lay. Tam Duong has been renamed Lai Chau and Tam Duong has moved 34km away.

Confused? We are.

Sin Ho

A scenic village nestled in the mountains of Lai Chau Province. There is a colorful market on Sunday, when many ethnic minorities gather to buy, sell and drink.

Muong Muon

Between Muong Lay and Dien Bien lies this peaceful village with a small supply of ice cold Halida Beer.

Dien Bien Phu

In the 1950s, the town was known not only for its famous opium traffic but more so for a fierce battle that would result in a major realignment of world geopolitics.

Vo Nguyen Giap's victory ended the United States-backed French involvement in Indochina and led to the accords which partitioned Vietnam into North and South.


Having a school that starts at 6am outside your hotel window guarantees an early rise....


....and then it poured with rain.

Homestay Oasis

Half way between Dien Bien and Son La on a small road that hugs the Laos border.

Son La

Son La's notorious prison was built by French colonialism in 1908. In 1930-1945, it was expanded and detained the revolutionary soldiers.

Mai Chau

3 hours South West of Hanoi, lying in an idyllic valley, Mai Chau is a welcome break from the heat and noise of The Capital - Home to The White Thai people with their stilt houses and noisy dogs.