This Vietnamese beef stew is one of the country's heartier soups and can be ordered for any meal including breakfast. It is usually served with a loaf of Vietnamese bread, which is perfect for soaking up the rich and tasty broth. When ordering, make sure to ask for only beef shank if you can't eat tendon.

You will recognize thot not or coconut palm fruit by its bulky husk on which several black fruits are clustered. The edible part is clear and gelatinous, a lot like Jell-o jigglers. Usually served over ice and sweet water, thot not is quite nice and refreshing if the texture doesn't bother you too much.

One of the fastest and most efficient ways in and out of Vietnam is via air transportation. A budget airline carrieir that flys to Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, prices from 30 - 140$. www.airasia.com

Easy Riders is a group of Vietnamese war vets that have large proper American style motorcycles and can arrange tours anywhere in Veitnam. A great way to see the true countryside of Vietnam. A little bit more expensive (about $50 a day) but definitely worth the money. They also have pre set tours but can arrange anything you would like. Reliable and safe, I highly recommend this experience if you have the money.
http://www.easy-riders.net/index.cfm

Vietnam has one main train line connecting Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi. It is convienent and cheap and tickets can be purchased at rail stations for 1st or 3rd class depending on price you are willing to spend. You get the class you pay for though.