There was a really good article in Sunday's New York Times travel section about Hanoi. Made me want to go back, and described what I remember from my visit about five years ago. http://tinyurl.com/2uzdu

Also, if you are going to Vietnam and have the opportunity to visit Siem Reap and Angkor, do not pass it up. I have not heard of any recent problems there for tourists, and it is one of the most amazing archeaological sites I have seen.

Lisa in Chicago