The taxi driver went over the top trying to sell me to his friends hotels on the way. This is an instant turn off to me, so I simply asked him to drop me at the Japanese Covered Bridge. From there I will find my own lodgings. I often find the best way is to go around several places asking what their prices are like and having a look at a few rooms. Once you've done two or three you have a very good feel for what the price and condition of the area is. In my case I came across a young french girl near the bridge, and I asked her where the local backpacker area was. She recommended the hotel or hostel that she is actually staying in and even walked me all the way to the door and reception. It was very kind of her.
That place is called Thuy Duong Hotel and while it is slightly more expensive at 210,000 vnd per night it is also in slightly better condition in some regards. The people seem very friendly also. Right now it is raining quite heavily outside I may use this time to unpack my belongings have a shower and even have a sleep and catch up on what sleep I did not get last night. if there are any breaks in the weather i will go and take some photos. Lots of the buildings i noticed as i walked here have quite a unique architecture and colour to them it's a real shame the weather's not better, as it would be a fantastic place to photograph.
