I’m too tired to plow through the 800 pics I snapped today at Tam Coc and Vietnam’s ancient capital of Hoa Lu, but I have to put in a good word for Duc, my motorbike taxi, or xe om, driver the past few days. He’s now officially The Prince of Hàng Bè Street.

Motorbike is the best way to get around — at 10,000 to 50,000 VND ($0.50-2.50) a ride it’s cheap, and it’s a rush. And it’s difficult to walk more than 30 seconds without being offered a ride. Take note: If you’re not comfortable riding on your own, Hanoi is probably the worst place on the planet to learn.