Thanks for the very interesting report Kimbo. I had a similar trip to you but the planes were pretty much on time. We stayed at a half star hotel in Hanoi (-my rating) but clean and good with adequate air con and basic breakfast. A family run place and they couln't do enough for us. But run down. Our guide who we hired was a freelance person told us the hotel we stayed at was more for the locals than western travellers. In Saigon we stayed at the Best Western all Suites hotel which was fine and food good. Not too expensive but in need of a good overhaul A great location for us and easy walking distance to the markets. We found a good dressmaker in one of the back streets and the work was good and cheap.- No english but we got by and the dressamker delivered the goods we expected. We ahd a great time and will go back.