Thanks for your replies. I've decided to fly with Singapore Airlines. Bikes are free up to 20 kgs. 7 kgs of hand luggage allowed. We're hoping to work with these constraints. Each additional kg over 20 is prohibitively expensive! We're also hoping to use smaller roads and avoid the manic bits.
I found that money wise you get a better deal on the black market, which is often the only way to get money exchanged, but just make sure you get a good deal. Also you will find it easier if you refreash your french, as I found away from the main crowd, often the older people spoke french.
Its great country, and I found the people so friendly.
If you are heading for Hanoi area a visit to the river caves at Tom Coc is ok
If you have a long turn round time in Changi airport, then they do a free coach tour of the city while you wait.
Also if you are planning a short stop over in Singapore, there is a small problem regarding cycle access to the airport, as the road outside the airport is a normal road Airport Blvd, but after awhile it becomes a Expressway for aprox. one Kilometer to the Tanah Merah Junction where you can leave to pick up Xilin road. they really like you to Put the bike into a van taxi as you are not allowed to cycle on an expressway, but I normally act innocent and cycle like mad along the hard shoulder to the Junction., only been stopped once now, and got a gentle bollocking by the policeman.
