Thank you for a fascinating and detailed report. I have made two side trips to HCM from LOS in the last 6 years and want to go north next time I am looking at late september as an option. I am assuming the monsoon has past through by then.

I have heard the train trip from HCM around the coast is beautiful. I will not have the time to do the inland route so will have to fly one way. I am considering staying at least two nights at one of the beaches but have not considered which one yet.

Thanks again for kick starting my plans