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Thanks for the report. Can you say how much you paid them including any tips, and how you would rate the experience overall?

How has it improved?

I've always found it a pleasant town, few expats. Some teachers, some married to locals. Mostly short stay tourists.

No real western food options.

Are there any good...

Thanks for the report and I think most would broadly agree with your findings.

Your NPK experience sounds a bit below average. You may just have been unlucky, but quality / attitude has certainly...

Good post and congratulations on successfully navigating the scene.

I think perhaps the best part of your strategy was only focusing on exactly what you wanted. Those prices you paid look fair for...

Of course it is both impolite and ineffective to tell people how they should spend their money.

But regarding 'just make more money at a faster rate', that doesn't work.

As distasteful as it...

Did you read his post?

I doubt you will get any vitriolic responses here. Your observations seem reasonable and accurate.

But can I add something about the Hostess Bars (not aimed at you)?

Not so long ago in...

So as discussed, could you share some names and locations of these places?

$10 + circa $50 in a big complex with saunas and baths doesn't sound like too bad a deal.

I wouldn't class massages at those places as 'affordable'.

They are all over town. Find them on google maps.

I can't post the Chinese characters here or the google link as the forum can't...

I'm interested in hearing more about these giant places with affordable massages, specifically the ones that are brothels.

Which ones do you recommend, names and locations?

If you can give me...

The hostess bars in 2002 ?

I'm intrigued as to what you mean by that. Where were the hostess bars, what were they called?

Agreed, and how long will it take before the penny drops for many about the correlation?

I've seen it so many times in Vietnam: people paying more and getting poorer service. There are several...

Well, not really.

I've used some of the call girl websites linked to and where the photos were lifted from and they are (subject to caveats) the reality of P4P in Vietnam. The prices are accurate...

If I can contribute to this:

Tourists have always needed a visa to enter China. I don't think arranging this will have got any easier.

Last reports I have is that the Hekou scene is kaput.
...

Yes, I heard some were working around Nana. I know some used to work in Bangkok gogos (those where non-Asians were denied entry).

Where did you find them in Bangkok?

Agree about the scene in HCMC. It is tough for non-Asians, and especially for non-Vietnamese speakers.

Investigate nearby Di An. It's filth central for caf oms etc.

Update: Luxury World now renamed Luxury City. About 20 women in the bowl on the first floor, 6 of them Vietnamese. Nothing very interesting. Maybe 97.

The hotel itself looks a little run down but...

252 was refurbished three years ago and they cleaned up the rooms, but it's grungy again. Holes in the ceilings, and they don't change sheets between customers. One time I walked into a shower and...

Photo was taken in Thailand.

Your information about Vung Tau is much more up to date than mine. I was last there in 2004. I do talk to people who live there, and most say they wouldn't be there for the prostitution scene.

I...

Maybe you could try a massage on Bui Vien and report back.

There are men on bicycles around Pham Ngu Lao who can hook you up with girls.

Or use Line.

Or treat yourself to a manicure,...

Thanks for the report so far. Please keep us posted as to how your trip develops. Posting about your experience can help others.

And good luck.

If the tyre guy is smart enough to get 150 k for a repair he'll be smart enough to scatter some tacks and old nails on the road the next time he sees a sucker coming.

I would never tell anyone what to pay (I might advise, give price information). We are all free to choose how we spend our money.

In some situations I might try to point out that overpaying will...