Mai Chau

Yesterday we left Hanoi for Mai Chau. The drive was approx. 4 hrs. but it was nice to leave the crazy traffic in Hanoi and enjoy the peacefulness of this beautiful area.
Mai Chau is north east of Hanoi.  When we arrived at the Mai Chau Lodge we went for a lovely lunch then met our guide Ban for a walk to one of the villages near by.  The people here are the White Thai and the Black Thai.  We stopped at a kindergarten on our walk and the children were so cute and well behaved.

  After our walk we returned to the lodge for dinner.  We decided to take advantage of the Spa facilities so booked a full body massage.  First we had a refreshing swim and then met two young men who gave us both a great massage.  Poured ourselves into bed and had a great sleep. The next morning after breakfast we went on a bicycle tour of the area.  This was a hi light of our trip so far.  Riding through the rice paddies and taking lots of pictures.  One lady invited us into her home which was great.  These people are very poor but happy.  They were harvesting the rice so it was good timing on our part.  The stay was too short and we left Mai Chau at noon.  Stopped at the Ho Chi Minh Trail Museum on the way back to Hanoi.  A bit intimidating as we watched a 20 min. film which was full of propaganda. The driver accidentally locked the keys in the car so we had to wait over an hour for him to go home in rush hour traffic to get the extra set.  By the time we got back to Hanoi the traffic was unbelievable and we were both so stressed.  Had dinner in the hotel because we couldn't face the chaotic streets one more time. Being picked up at 8 am tomorrow for another 4 hr. drive to Halong Bay.  I hope the weather is good. Forecast is thunder"