over here in the UK the situation is not either any better and the pound does not seem it will do any better soon. my partner has been just made redundant and we feel this is the best time to go off traveling the world which will do in only few weeks
I have read many shocking reviews about the Chungking Mansion and altought it offers probably some of the cheapest rooms in HK, which is very tempting, we will opt to stay at one of the Bridal Tea house guesthouse which I hope it will not to be disappointed
I hope your time in Hanoi will be better than your journey to go there, that stuff unfortunately could happen to any traveller, that is part of the adventure.
I am organising my trip around the world now. I will also take a lot of pictures but I am not sure about my skills as photographer:-) However I will do my best as I believe pictures are moment of your life that you cannot forget.