What a reasonable amount of time for a visit to Hanoi? 4 days? 1 week?

A week is too long. I think 3 to 4 nights would be ample. My favourite area is Halong Bay and I recommend staying on that big island, Cat Ba is the name from memory. Sapa is the other destination I would recommend but it's not easy to get to. We went on an overnight train. You'll see different hill tribes going about their business in colourful costumes. The children will try to sell you trinkets and can all speak English.

Thanks Cilla, exactly what I was looking for.
So hard to know unless you've been there...

I would say a week if you want to visit Sapa and Halong Bay as well. Hanoi itself is good for a couple of days I think, then three days in Halong Bay perhaps the same in Sapa.

http://www.travelsinasia.com/Vietnam/Vietnam.htm

Agreed, a week it is. 3-4 days in Hanoi and 2-3 for Halong. Still undecided about Sapa, might be a bit cold in Jan.

Any other "must sees" in the area? After Hanoi I'll head down to Laos & Cambodia. I'be been researching like mad but always better to hear from fellow travellers.

Would recommend 2 days in Hanoi. Crossing the traffic was interesting. I also took the overnight train to Sapa and stayed there for 3 days. It was beautiful.
I regret not travelling to Halong Bay...didn't have enough time!

I spent a week in Hanoi and it was the right amount of time for us. There is lots to see and do, wonderful food, interesting shopping. We did a day trip to the Perfume Pagoda.

It really depends on whther you enjoy cities. if you do, you can easily spend a week in Hanoi.

Just got back from my first visit to Hanoi a couple of weeks ago. I think 3-4 days would be enough. Didn't get to Halong Bay though everyone mentions it.

Found a great Vietnamese restaurant called "Le Tonkin" which I'd highly recommend.

Sorry I forgot to recommend the hotel too! We stayed at the Sofitel Metropole. The room had wood floors, a ceiling fan and was completely charming! Not at all like your typical hotel room...

This is a little off-track but I'll be grateful for your opinions:-

Is it too much of a rush to travel from Hanoi down to HCMC in 6-7 days?

Any idea how long a minibus ride would take from Hanoi to HCMC? Or that it's even plausible without feel like it's a waste of time?

We're thinking of travelling to Vietname around X'mas to New Year's Day