Thanks again to everyone for their thoughts and opinions. FlyterTalkers are the best! ^

craz: In regard to the schedule, I am not able to adjust my arrival time into SGN to an earlier flight. Nothing to do with Economy versus Business Class for that leg, just I am not able to leave BKK any earlier. When I mention the upgrade flight, I am referring to the SGN departure on Monday Morning. That United flight had confirm-able upgrade space all they way back to EWR. That is what prompted the whole overnight layover in SGN instead of taking the non-upgraded ANA flight out of BKK directly. My BKK->SGN leg is in paid J/C.

And I am pretty locked into the Renaissance as I have a VERY good rate (due to LNF claim) and a need for Marriott nights to renew Plat status.

Anyway, I am not looking at the trip as "Darn, I only get a brief visit". Instead, I am excited to see a new country (even briefly) and assume I will be back at some point to really do a visit to see much, much more. Glass half-full kind of thing.

I had researched a bit, so I was aware that Vinasun taxi is the safe option (along with MaiLihn if needed). I was glad to hear that Vinasun runs the taxi stand next to the Renaissance as it will be easy to grab a taxi to Bui Vien if it is raining. I would much prefer to walk though, to be able to see as much as possible. That was my rationale for choosing Bui Vien as a "destination" since it seems easily walk-able from the Renaissance. By the way, if anyone has a better / alternate "destination" for my late night wandering, I am open to suggestions. Just looking for someplace lively with beer/food available, with a preference for outside venues unique to Vietnam.

One last question, if I may...I assume that I should pull some minimal amount of cash (Dong) from an ATM to fund my beer and food purchases, as well as any needed taxi (including the taxi back to the airport).

Any suggestions for how much I would need? My inclination is $75 or so, which would include some extra for "emergency use"...or any knick-knack I happen to buy. Seem reasonable? I am not overly concerned about having some amount left over as I always assume I will be back and have the opportunity to use it on the next trip.

Thanks again. Cheers.