I'm sure backpacking used to be different to this...

We got back to Hanoi abut 2pm. It was slightly warmer but still dreary and we were glad to be leaving. Hanoi just never grabbed us.

We've been staying the Demantoid Hotel - unfortunately named but very nice four star hotel. I had booked a comfort trip with Intrepid mostly because it had the itinerary I wanted and sometimes found it strange that I was staying in such high end accommodation.

On my way back from Halong Bay, we stopped in one of those warehouses that provide employment for people with a disability and I bought myself a $1000 painting. I mean, it was large and beautiful and covered with gold and silver leaf but still... I've never bought something like that in my life and I had a bit of a panic attack afterward.

When we got back to Hanoi, it was still raining and so we headed over to a spa where I got a fabulous USD30 facial.

And there was a point... after the painting and on my way back to the four star hotel after my 75 minute facial that I thought... backpacking just seems different to me. Can't quite put my finger on it...