I have now reached the end of my journey by train for a short while. I have spent sixteen nights on board a train and many more days. My most recent trip was the 1726 kilometres from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to all who live there, narrowly avoiding typhoon Haiyan as it headed in the opposite direction.

I have found my brief time in Vietnam to be filled with colour and energy and great warmth (both in humanity and climate). Aside from the brief altercation with the taxi driver (which I think is a right of passage on arrival) and being chased down the street by a man with great intent on fixing my shoes, I have been fortunate to have met so many others of generous and kind nature. Despite its frenetic activity and seemingly chaotic network of streets, I have found Vietnam to be relaxing and easy to spend time in.

I have to now continue my journey by bus, there are no longer any passenger trains in Cambodia. The aftermath of war and destruction has been an ever present shadow since reaching Vietnam, and will be again in travelling through Cambodia. The lack of a passenger train network is just one of the legacies of the Khmer Rouge. It seems, however, that this is also likely to be changing in the near future, with renewed plans of redevelopment by Australian company Toll Holdings.

During my few days here, I have come across several projects supporting those in need and helping communities, from street workers finding training and employment (and hope) at Sozo (www.sozocentre.com) to the Humanity Centres which offer accommodation, employment and training in creative industries for those who continue to suffer from the impact of Agent Orange.

‘Requiem’ (Tim Page) at the War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City offers a very moving photographic account of the war in Vietnam and some of its consequences. The exhibition also charts technological developments from black and white film to the first colour photographs and moving image film footage, made all the more poignant today.

Views from the train, Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City