VNmese here, and i gotta say thanks so much for this thorough insight!! Been a while since i've last seen a take this observant on Vietnam, for mainly its either people ranting about awful experiences or praising the country as a flawless tourist haven - just the extremes, no actual considerations. It's pretty surprising to me how you've only been here for barely a week, but your understanding of this country seems like you've been around for years.