Here since Sun 21 Dec, went to Dalat Mon to Wed, in HCM since. Thanks to Techadd for arranging stay in Elios Hotel. He & his staff have provided smooth reliable service!
Have benefitted from this thread, so here's my two cents contribution:
(1)rained very heavily yesterday and today late afternoon onwards. Hotel staff says exceptional weather, doesn't normally rain in Dec, nevertheless those who are coming please be prepared;
(2)changing S$ to VND$ is easily available and the dong has been weakening: Sunday was VND$11300 (@ airport), today changed at VND$11932 (@ a bank near Liberty 3 Hotel next to Highlands Cafe). At airport, once u r out of customs, look left and u will see a row of money changers with different rates. Now be careful of the changer two shops to the left of Elios: they charge commission. Display rate states VND$11600 but u get effective rate of VND$11400. BTW, denominations are in 500k (plastic notes), 100k (plastic); 50k (plastic), 20k (plastic), 10k, 5k, 2k, 1k, 500, 200 (coin), 100 (coin). Oh, just a thought, when u change S$100, walla, u r now a millionaire!! Of course, u will return S'pore dead broke.......
(3)HCM is a LOUD place. Whew, can't believe so much noise generated. The cacophony of horns blasting from buses, cars & motorbikes forms a constant backdrop to this city. Hmm, does this make the Viets “horny”?

(4)On the other hand, Dalat is a beautiful place with a temperate climate. Nights are very cold. Went on a 3D2N package with Sinh Cafe and realised that it would be more fun to go on a bus ticket (8 hr ride), book hotel of your choice (there are MANY hotels in Dalat) and go on day tours or rent a tandem bike (VND$10000 per hr) or motorbike. So many cafes to have a cuppa, chit chat and enjoy the cool air and scenery. Prices here are cheaper too;
(5)Taking cab in HCM – just stick to Vinasun and Mailinh cabs, insist on meter and u can't go wrong. They r newer and cleaner. From airport, took a Vinasun cab at the departure level to Elios Hotel, meter showed VND$87000, driver wanted VND $92000 in total because of an airport toll we passed.
Nice country, nice people but they are highly street smart, so enjoy yourself but be careful of your wallet.