Pioneer Diaries

July 7, 2026

Peter's word-picture snapshots from four weeks on the road in Vietnam. Bridges, buffaloes, scooters and the small scenes that stayed with him.

July 7, 2026

Peter's quick and dirty survival guide to transiting international airport terminals — from booking overnight hotels to surviving security and stress.

May 21, 2026

Independence celebrations in Hanoi, foot-rowed boats at Tam Coc, a 500-step climb up Mua Cave, and a fine-dining cruise around Halong Bay - plus the answer to last week's cliffhanger.

May 12, 2026

Egg coffee on Train Street, a sobering tour of Hoa Lo Prison, a 95p bar bill, and the question of whether to try cooked dog - Arthur's first dispatch from Hanoi.

May 12, 2026

Tailors and lanterns in Hoi An, a cooking school, the legendary Hai Van Pass on two wheels, and a wander round Hue's Citadel - a quieter week before the final push to Hanoi.

July 7, 2026

Peter on packing for forty days away, an economy-class flight to Vietnam via Kuala Lumpur, and the small lessons the journey taught him.