Hi, yestravel. Mr. Dung (a really nice guy, but as you said, limited English) was our no. 1 guy, the other guy didn't speak any English at all -- never said a word the whole day! Same guy had the bike without back support. Maybe he was a rogue driver Glad you had a good time.

As for the Hanoi Elegance, my post was meant for aussiedreamer. Of course I know you had your trip (originally) planned before we went.

Hi there sf7307 I think you did, getting very excited. A few restaurants booked, lots mapped, I know there is more to Vietnam than the food, but I am soooo looking forward to it.

Oh, but the food is sooooo good!

Can't imagine having Mr. Dung as main guide! Very nice man, but English skills leave much to be desired. Also forgot to mention, loved the view from the bunkers, so once again good advice.

And must agree, food is fabulous! aussiedreamer - I wouldn't worry about booking in advance too much. We had one night where we couldn't get a table at Secret Garden in Hoi An. we got there fairly late and we ended up making a res for the next night. We noticed the next night, at the same time they just kept adding tables as folks walked in so not sure why they didn't do that the evening before for us. Have a great trip!

Thanks yestravel,I've actually booked a couple of places in Cambodia that I absolutely don't want to miss out on, a couple in Vietnam I couldn't get a response, so will just book on checking in to our hotel.

Thanks, I know I will love it all.

Thanks for a great report! It's helping me plan for our trip to SE Asia next year. I also live in the Bay Area - did you find a good bun bo place here yet?

Ha - good but not even close to what we had in VN. The best so far is a total dive on 6th at Market called Tu Lan. Let me know if I can be of any help in your planning. I saw on the other thread that you asked about the Hanoi Elegance (we stayed there) What kinds of hotels do you stay in usually (motel 6....Courtyard....W....Ritz-Carlton?). For example, if you go to NY, where would you stay? That'll help me help you!

I go to Tu Lan quite often because I work closeby. I agree it's a total dive but I like some of their dishes a lot. I'm trying to find some better restaurants in the Little Saigon section too. Regarding hotels, I like the Marriott and Hyatt and of course would love the Ritz but I know it's pricey. I've read so many great things on the forum about the Hanoi Elegance hotels that I know I want to stay there. Any advice you can give me on hotels, guides and flights is greatly appreciated!

topping to say thanks for the trip report - just what i needed.

I'm so glad it was helpful!

Gotta come back and read all this if I decided to go!

me too, been reading, reading and reading, off to Vietnam in 4 wks!!! Thank you so much for all the info.

Actually I meant to say thank you........

You're welcome! I'm so glad people are still finding this useful. Have a great trip.