After researching flights, accommodations, visas, transport options inside the country, activities, etc., basically everything, I came to the conclusion that it’s too overwhelming for me. I’m taking a retired family friend with me, as he’s not bound by any schedule, so I don’t have to compromise on the length of the trip. Plus, he can drive, so we can rent a car and make the trip smoother. I’ve decided on Vietnam, by the way.
Someone is going to have to plan the trip, still. Are you planning it? Is the retired family friend planning it?
How are the two of you talking about planning the trip together? Have you two discussed what the two of you want out of the trip? Does your friend know that one of the reasons you picked Vietnam was to drink, meaning they may end up with a hungover roommate?
Also, 45 days is a lot of time to be around someone. Plan activities where you two can be apart.