Ok, Vietnam: I stayed in Ho Chi Min for a while and in the jungles 150km from the city the rest of the time so this is limited to my experience in the South. I visited Hanoi but only quick in and out for meetings.
The first thing you have to do in HCMC is go to Thai Van Lung street and have a drink at the Red Rhino. From there go up the road to the Wild Horse Saloon and have a proper meal with Pocohantus. The restaurant is owned by Mr. Doung, he speaks English and will guide you to the following and more:
Kucci tunnels: Well worth a visit to see how the VC hid underground, offices, hospitals, kitchens, barracks as well as to see the traps that were set for the yanks at the entrances etc.
Mekong Delta: Also worth a visit to see how people live on water, rice paper and rice pasta industries thriving on bamboo boats, like Kucci, this can be arranged through a tour guide in HCMC.
Vung Tau: is a short boat (hydro plane) ride down the Saigon river to a beach resort. Take suntan lotion it gets blistering hot.
PhanThiet: is a golf resort on the coast (Soffitel hotels) fantastic course if you play. But you can also just chill in a little luxury compared to the hustle and busstle of the Vietnamese world.
Take your karaoki voice where ever you go.
A cyclo ride around HCMC is also quite a treat, the cyclos used to hang around the Wild Horse and will give you an open air tour. Hang on to your camera and valuables, there are a million and one motor cyclists and plenty who will pick you pocket.
A walk around HCMC is also an education, the silk garments are phenominally cheap, there are artisits painting with their feet, French cafe styled eating spots (prawn and noodle soup was good because the prawns were alive when you order). Beware of the meat, take a trip through a market and you will see what I mean. Vung Tau has a prawn farm if you are interested.
If you want cheap designer clothes, shop on the side walks, i remember buying PalphLauren golf shirst for a $1.
Don't stress youself out by going to the zoo. It is really a terrible shame how the animals are looked after.
Can't think of much elsse, except of course if you are interested in hydro power, there are two dams Ham Thuan and Da Mi about 150km from HCMC.
I'll let you know if anything else comes to mind.
Travel safely
LOve Mark
Shongi
Howzit cous, when are you leaving and who are you going with.