  Ho Chi Minh City
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 2723 Ho Chi Minh City Tips.4355 Ho Chi Minh City Photos.0 Ho Chi Minh City Videos. Ho Chi Minh City Pages by bpacker
Tips 1 - 5 of 5 Ho Chi Minh City Local Customs
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People: Friendly Vietnamese Drivers
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I know you're really rubbing your eyes when you see this. What, those speed demons are friendly? Well they are, to a certain extent.
The next time you're in VN, observe the drivers carefully. They seem to be waving to another driver occasionally.
You'd probably think that those drivers know one another but no, they don't . Those waves mean that a traffic police is cruising along and that the oncoming driver better slow down...
A 'O' shaped wave means that the common enemy is on a motorbike, another wave conveys another meaning so on and so forth.
Driving penalties are very severe in Vietnam and it could cost the driver's rice bowl, thus the strange stockmarket-like waves.
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People: Calling for the Restaurant Bill
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The next time when you're calling for the restaurant check in VN, write on an invisible piece of paper on your palm . Of course, make eye contact with a waiter when you do so or people will just think you're plain out of your mind. This really beats having to say something in unintelligible Vietnamese and getting more than just a check...
The same custom holds for Singapore. It doesn't seem to work for Korea and Japan though, I tried it and it cast serious doubts on my IQ level.
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Though Vietnam seems like any thriving capitalist city in asia, it is still a communist country by heart. You'll see propaganda pictures and policemen everywhere, even in places like Apocalypse Now ( A Happening Night Spot Frequented by Tourists and Yuppies)
Needless to say , talking about politics is a no-no but asking about Uncle Ho is fine. The old chappie is seen everywhere on posters and sculptures and he's usually posing with kids.
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People: Masked riders
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The first thing you'll notice on a busy Vietnam street are the mysterious masked riders on those zippy mopeds and scooters ( called an 'om' ) Upon a second look, you discover that these Zorro wannabes are actually ladies. Not only are they masked, they also wear long gloves, long sleeved shirts, hats, etc. in an attempt to block out all forms of UV light. Guess that makes them more Lestat than Zorro but fair skin is really prized over here. Never ever tell a lady over here that she has a lovely tan!
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People: Why 3 million people in HCMC own scooters
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According to a local chappie I talked to, there's about 6 to 7 million people in HCMC and half of the population here owns scooters or xe oms!
He added that it was especially essential for a guy to own one because it would literally be impossible to date a gal without one! A favourite outing is usually a cruise around town on one of those oms ( appropriately termed "hug" ) and a stop at the city park ( next to New World Hotel ) .
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More Ho Chi Minh City Tips
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Join a Discussion hotel for family stay
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» Ask about Ho Chi Minh City |
 Comments for bpacker about Ho Chi Minh City | | | | |
abiabipo Tue May 13, 2008 03:32 UTC
My friends and I are visiting Ho Chi Minh in June this year, and I'm so excited... reading your page got me even more psyched, this will definitely be one of the guides I'll be bringing with me on my Vietnam trip. Thanks for the info! | Dabs Wed Mar 19, 2008 18:07 UTC
Thinking about a trip here later this year, will be back to check out the rest if we decide to go :-) | londonbabe Sun Jan 6, 2008 14:07 UTC
Fantastic what to do tips - thank you! Am now going to allow more time in Saigon on our way round. | blue_sky04 Wed Oct 10, 2007 00:28 UTC
Great tips on HCMC! I especially enjoy reading your restaurant tips. I like vietnamese food so I am looking forward to tasting them when I visit the city. Thanks for sharing! |
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on Sep 19, 2004
