Dennis,
I had a fab time in vietnam - I flew thru SIN and got service charge in thru HAN and out thru Saigon.
We stayed in a hostel queens cafe in the old quarter of Hanoi for $8 a night, the hostel also could organise trips and transportation.
If you can get on the boat trip out in halong bay.
A great town to visit is Hue.

If you want more info let me know
Mark