Ho Chi Minh City - General Info

[JP 22]

Thanks for the report.

Can you please DM me her gaito profile link?

I didn't find anyone from gaito yet who comes to my hotel.

More like Land of Shit!

I was staying at the Liberty Green View hotel on Pham Ngu Lao, drink coffee and beers with friends on sidewalks. All city and tour buses have stops on that street. Lots of foreign tourists walk around, but every few feet there are big piles of dog shit that they constantly have to be on alert to step around. If these stupid fuckers want to keep their dogs, they have to clean up after them or just eat the shit themselves. There are also all sorts of smelly trash, vomit, mud and dirt. It's one of the most disgusting places to visit.

As you sit at any place for meals, coffee or beers, a legion of scruffy street vendors walk or ride motorbikes up and down the streets, bellowing announcements, try to make personal friendships to sell lottery tickets, sun glasses, hats, fruits, food, all sorts of junks nobody needs. They are insistent and very annoying. There are new national laws banning begging on the streets, so they all sell lottery tickets. Damn shit. If you refuse to make contact or buy from them, they would try to manipulate your feelings, or outright swearing, threatening victims. I had to call the police and ask the waiters to chase away these rude, stupid, pesky street vendors, but a few came back, showing hostility and threats.

I had been traveling through many countries in Asia like Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia in the last trip, eating street food with no problem, but I consciously avoided street food in HCMC, only ate hot soup in restaurants. On Pham Ngu Lao there were a couple food stands that grilled smoky pork patties served with bread, like banh mi with hot grilled pork. I thought it was novel and interesting so I bought 1 serving. 2 hours later I came down with food poisoning, had severe cramps and diarrhea for over 7 days, ruined my vacation. Damn stupid assholes. I was really pissed off. Hotel gave me tel for Security Police. They said to report it to the Ward's People's Committee nearby. I walked over with diarrhea out of my ass to report a public health hazards to potentially hundreds of tourists. The 6 guys sitting in that office were gulping down street food for lunch, gave me some lip service but did not indicate any actions. They likely think it's normal for hundreds of people to have diarrhea in Vietnam.

I took a few diarrhea control meds but was still sick a couple nights later, and the grilled pork stands were still smoking and selling unabated. I walked back to the People's Committee. The guys said, office is closed at night, they are only doormen, go to Security Police Office on Bui Vien. I walked over the office right between the hoes bars, couple plainclothes guys sat around picking on their asses, doing nothing. I explained the problem to the lieutenant, who showed some concerns. He recognized the food vendor, said that family operates 5 or 6 grilled pork stands on that street, a case of failure to secure food safety, but he did not mention any remedy. Street vendors require no licensing and no training about food safety. What the fuck could the police lieutenant do? I told the guy to solve the food safety problem in his ward, or I would spread the bad news all over the world and destroy his asshole tourism business. He frowned but did not promise any actions. Damn stupid, irresponsible assholes.

I am not convinced that even food in HCMC restaurants and hotels are safe. I ate only boiling hot Pho and noodle soups cooked right in front of me from then on, no uncooked veggies, no fried or grilled food, no precooked food, seemed to avoid more diarrhea.

HCMC and Hanoi are the worst shitholes, home of the rudest, stupidest, most aggressive, most dishonest, most crooked, most obstinate people in the world. In comparison Thai people are happy, easy going, fair, fun, honest. Besides desperate young girls, I don't know why people would want to visit Vietnam with almost all locals constantly looking for ways to take unfair advantages of others. A good example, just look at the way they ride their bikes or drive their cars, always seizing the few feet of roads in front of them, riding on sidewalks, hitting people, blocking intersections, all sorts of stupid, ugly, selfish shit by everyone. The average people's attitude is just so outright bad in this country. I swore and used my middle finger a lot for stupid, savaged assholes in Vietnam.

Will make a translation of this rant and mail to the Ward's People Committee, Security Police, CC to the Communist Party General Secretary, president and prime minister. May be if they are not busy stealing from the country and people, they even have a few minutes to improve a few things. They will never know who Captain Solo is. If they do, they may even give him a " Glorious Labor Hero" or some bullshit medal.

Here's Diem Trang on GAITO. ORG, beautiful all natural body with perfect skin and a shy, sexy smile. She went with me in hotel Micasa district 8 for $20.

[Captain Solo]

More like Land of Shit!

I was staying at the Liberty Green View hotel on Pham Ngu Lao, drink coffee and beers with friends on sidewalks. All city and tour buses have stops on that street. Lots of foreign tourists walk around, but every few feet there are big piles of dog shit that they constantly have to be on alert to step around. If these stupid fuckers want to keep their dogs, they have to clean up after them or just eat the shit themselves. There are also all sorts of smelly trash, vomit, mud and dirt. It's one of the most disgusting places to visit.

As you sit at any place for meals, coffee or beers, a legion of scruffy street vendors walk or ride motorbikes up and down the streets, bellowing announcements, try to make personal friendships to sell lottery tickets, sun glasses, hats, fruits, food, all sorts of junks nobody needs. They are insistent and very annoying. There are new national laws banning begging on the streets, so they all sell lottery tickets. Damn shit. If you refuse to make contact or buy from them, they would try to manipulate your feelings, or outright swearing, threatening victims. I had to call the police and ask the waiters to chase away these rude, stupid, pesky street vendors, but a few came back, showing hostility and threats.

I had been traveling through many countries in Asia like Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia in the last trip, eating street food with no problem, but I consciously avoided street food in HCMC, only ate hot soup in restaurants. On Pham Ngu Lao there were a couple food stands that grilled smoky pork patties served with bread, like banh mi with hot grilled pork. I thought it was novel and interesting so I bought 1 serving. 2 hours later I came down with food poisoning, had severe cramps and diarrhea for over 7 days, ruined my vacation. Damn stupid assholes. I was really pissed off. Hotel gave me tel for Security Police. They said to report it to the Ward's People's Committee nearby. I walked over with diarrhea out of my ass to report a public health hazards to potentially hundreds of tourists. The 6 guys sitting in that office were gulping down street food for lunch, gave me some lip service but did not indicate any actions. They likely think it's normal for hundreds of people to have diarrhea in Vietnam.

I took a few diarrhea control meds but was still sick a couple nights later, and the grilled pork stands were still smoking and selling unabated. I walked back to the People's Committee. The guys said, office is closed at night, they are only doormen, go to Security Police Office on Bui Vien. I walked over the office right between the hoes bars, couple plainclothes guys sat around picking on their asses, doing nothing. I explained the problem to the lieutenant, who showed some concerns. He recognized the food vendor, said that family operates 5 or 6 grilled pork stands on that street, a case of failure to secure food safety, but he did not mention any remedy. Street vendors require no licensing and no training about food safety. What the fuck could the police lieutenant do? I told the guy to solve the food safety problem in his ward, or I would spread the bad news all over the world and destroy his asshole tourism business. He frowned but did not promise any actions. Damn stupid, irresponsible assholes.

I am not convinced that even food in HCMC restaurants and hotels are safe. I ate only boiling hot Pho and noodle soups cooked right in front of me from then on, no uncooked veggies, no fried or grilled food, no precooked food, seemed to avoid more diarrhea.

HCMC and Hanoi are the worst shitholes, home of the rudest, stupidest, most aggressive, most dishonest, most crooked, most obstinate people in the world. In comparison Thai people are happy, easy going, fair, fun, honest. Besides desperate young girls, I don't know why people would want to visit Vietnam with almost all locals constantly looking for ways to take unfair advantages of others. A good example, just look at the way they ride their bikes or drive their cars, always seizing the few feet of roads in front of them, riding on sidewalks, hitting people, blocking intersections, all sorts of stupid, ugly, selfish shit by everyone. The average people's attitude is just so outright bad in this country. I swore and used my middle finger a lot for stupid, savaged assholes in Vietnam.

Will make a translation of this rant and mail to the Ward's People Committee, Security Police, CC to the Communist Party General Secretary, president and prime minister. May be if they are not busy stealing from the country and people, they even have a few minutes to improve a few things. They will never know who Captain Solo is. If they do, they may even give him a " Glorious Labor Hero" or some bullshit medal.

Here's Diem Trang on GAITO. ORG, beautiful all natural body with perfect skin and a shy, sexy smile. She went with me in hotel Micasa district 8 for $20.

[RajeshTkade]

Visiting to Ho CHI MINH in second week, what does and do not to have fun in the city.

[Expat American]

Hello fellow mongers.

I'm normally on the USA side but lucky me get to go on a guy trip in Asia and we are hitting Vietnam for a few days. Read the various HCMC threads and was able to get plenty of information on everything we need. We are planning on using a special travel agency that specializes in these types of trips They quoted as the expected market rate and would like to see if it is what it is or way inflated. One shot FS 2. 6-5 m, Overnight 5. 5-7. 0 m. We do have one guy going that has been so can wing it if we need to. Just trying to figure out if the agency is worth it or not. Main thing they are doing for us is the hotel and taking us to the various nighttime establishments. TIA.

Those prices will include a hefty cut for your "agency". Actual prices will be half or less if you walk in by yourself.

[World Jockey]

I was planning to visit Vietnam earlier this year but went to Indonesia instead because I could sense that the country had way too many scams going on. Could not be happier with my decsion.

I like vietnam myself. Some of the best looking girls in SEA IMO.

The thing is there is a learning curve.

Things are way easier or straight forward in INDO.

[Muzungufotsy]

First of all, you don't have to be a complete a-hole. You can certainly say the "prices quoted is crazy or it would be mental to pay those prices" and it would appreciated, but you have to idea who I am and I of you so no need to be jerk.

Also think the price quoted is quite high that's why we are asking. Been seeing posts recently with people paying up to 3 m for short time and been told that high influx of tourists has been driving up the prices. Don't want to be the chump that pays US prices for it there but also don't want to be a cheap ass, the girls are all making a living and shouldn't be short changed.

Based on what I read here, the going rates (YMMV) are 1-2 m short FS and higher in the little Japan area (2-3 m), HH / BJ 400-600 k. Some places specializes in foreign tourists (Chinese, English.) and would expect to pay a slight premium.

(Its been a few hours and did see the reply so excuse if its a dupe).

BBBJCIM is 400 k max. I don't pay for HJ. I can do it better myself.

Anybody paying more than 1 M for FS is indeed stupid. You can find plenty of girls yourself on a famous website for 500 k /700 k.

RTFF again dude.

[Horny OC]

I have never been there either but will be later this year. I am shocked by your post.

1. Simply go to a site like www.xe.com and input those numbers to see if they make any sense. Example of short time at a high price of 5 m VND = $200 USD. Are you mental?

2. You could read this website for 3 hours or less if you use the search function and answer your own question. But you said you did that. So you can read but you have no comprehension abilities?

3. You have a guy that has already been there and he is an idiot that does not know the answer to this? God help you!

First of all, you don't have to be a complete a-hole. You can certainly say the "prices quoted is crazy or it would be mental to pay those prices" and it would appreciated, but you have to idea who I am and I of you so no need to be jerk.

Also think the price quoted is quite high that's why we are asking. Been seeing posts recently with people paying up to 3 m for short time and been told that high influx of tourists has been driving up the prices. Don't want to be the chump that pays US prices for it there but also don't want to be a cheap ass, the girls are all making a living and shouldn't be short changed.

Based on what I read here, the going rates (YMMV) are 1-2 m short FS and higher in the little Japan area (2-3 m), HH / BJ 400-600 k. Some places specializes in foreign tourists (Chinese, English.) and would expect to pay a slight premium.

(Its been a few hours and did see the reply so excuse if its a dupe).

[Horny OC]

I have never been there either but will be later this year. I am shocked by your post.

1. Simply go to a site like www.xe.com and input those numbers to see if they make any sense. Example of short time at a high price of 5 m VND = $200 USD. Are you mental?

2. You could read this website for 3 hours or less if you use the search function and answer your own question. But you said you did that. So you can read but you have no comprehension abilities?

3. You have a guy that has already been there and he is an idiot that does not know the answer to this? God help you!

If you read again, I am going there (as in not yet). I also think the price is not in line with the norm so not quite mental yet. I am trying to do my homework before I go so no need to be such as a-hole about it. Was told the influx of tourists such as myself is driving up the prices, its plausible so checking with you guys. I know there is different tiers and the range will vary, the going rate is 1-2 m range for short and maybe 2-3 at little tokyo area. And massages w / HH is in the 400-600 k range.

[LoveItHere]

Hello fellow mongers.

I'm normally on the USA side but lucky me get to go on a guy trip in Asia and we are hitting Vietnam for a few days. Read the various HCMC threads and was able to get plenty of information on everything we need. We are planning on using a special travel agency that specializes in these types of trips They quoted as the expected market rate and would like to see if it is what it is or way inflated. One shot FS 2. 6-5 m, Overnight 5. 5-7. 0 m. We do have one guy going that has been so can wing it if we need to. Just trying to figure out if the agency is worth it or not. Main thing they are doing for us is the hotel and taking us to the various nighttime establishments. TIA.

I have never been there either but will be later this year. I am shocked by your post.

1. Simply go to a site like www.xe.com and input those numbers to see if they make any sense. Example of short time at a high price of 5 m VND = $200 USD. Are you mental?

2. You could read this website for 3 hours or less if you use the search function and answer your own question. But you said you did that. So you can read but you have no comprehension abilities?

[Deleted by Admin]

[Horny OC]

Hello fellow mongers.

I'm normally on the USA side but lucky me get to go on a guy trip in Asia and we are hitting Vietnam for a few days. Read the various HCMC threads and was able to get plenty of information on everything we need. We are planning on using a special travel agency that specializes in these types of trips They quoted as the expected market rate and would like to see if it is what it is or way inflated. One shot FS 2. 6-5 m, Overnight 5. 5-7. 0 m. We do have one guy going that has been so can wing it if we need to. Just trying to figure out if the agency is worth it or not. Main thing they are doing for us is the hotel and taking us to the various nighttime establishments. TIA.

[Vendelo]

I'm a long time lurker. I'm visiting Vietnam. Haven't been back in over 20 years. I wanted to see if there is any girls in District 5. I do know Vietnamese.

Yes. Gaito.

[Supaflyz]

I'm a long time lurker. I'm visiting Vietnam. Haven't been back in over 20 years. I wanted to see if there is any girls in District 5. I do know Vietnamese.

[Sammon]

Grab can pick you up at the airport. However, if you got a Vinasun taxi for 47k Dong (1.99 USD) in heavy traffic you did way better than Grab. My Grab costed me 120k from SGN to my hotel within a km from where you stayed and traffic was lighter than usual.



I'm assuming you went to Bui Vien? That's the only "bar street" I can think of that has mamasans. Plus you added none of the girls are pretty. Pasteur and Little Japan aren't set up like tourist trap Bui Vien. Vietnam isn't like Thailand, PP, PI, etc. It takes some getting used to. You should check out the Pasteur Street bars. Straight forward no scams. Girls speak English because most of their customers are Farang. Very friendly. Tons of girls so I'm sure you will find someone you like. Go later around 8 or 9 pm. If you go at 10 or 11 pm you may need to step inside the bars as most pretty girls will already have customers. On weekends some bars remain open all night if there are customers.

Wish I knew you were coming. I would have met up with you to take you around HCM. I just left.

My bad. Taxi from the airport was 140000. I got confused with what I paid Grab to go to seafood street in zone 4.

On the way back I asked the Grab guy to drop me at the bar street. Maybe you are right. He dropped me at the wrong street. Maybe it is for locals only.

Last two days were spent taking tours. No energy to hunt.

Too bad I could have used the help from you.

My original plan was to bring the Thai girl for this vacation. Although she promised 6 months ago she will could not get in touch with her. Maybe she found a better boyfriend LOL. My other option was for the Cambodian girl to do the trip. Although she was friendly and wanted to come I was waiting for Thai girl. Oh well. Live and learn.

Next stop tomorrow is Kaulalampur.

[Banana Boi]

Grab is not allowed to pick up from airport. Traffic is horrendous. Anyway reached my hotel and the cost was 47000 but I gave the driver 50000. Staying at Sotestu Grand Fresa.

Grab can pick you up at the airport. However, if you got a Vinasun taxi for 47k Dong (1.99 USD) in heavy traffic you did way better than Grab. My Grab costed me 120k from SGN to my hotel within a km from where you stayed and traffic was lighter than usual.

Went to 4 bars and cheap beer. None of the girls look pretty. Hardly anyone spoke English. Mamasan with broken English asked me to pick one but I did not. After beer I left.

I'm assuming you went to Bui Vien? That's the only "bar street" I can think of that has mamasans. Plus you added none of the girls are pretty. Pasteur and Little Japan aren't set up like tourist trap Bui Vien. Vietnam isn't like Thailand, PP, PI, etc. It takes some getting used to. You should check out the Pasteur Street bars. Straight forward no scams. Girls speak English because most of their customers are Farang. Very friendly. Tons of girls so I'm sure you will find someone you like. Go later around 8 or 9 pm. If you go at 10 or 11 pm you may need to step inside the bars as most pretty girls will already have customers. On weekends some bars remain open all night if there are customers.

Wish I knew you were coming. I would have met up with you to take you around HCM. I just left.

[Sammon]

Although have been to Hanoi with my Thai GF at that time stayed for a week, this time wanted to visit Ho Chi Minh City.

Landed in the morning and having read taxi scams and exchange counter scams was wary. Fellow long time traveler at immigration helped me. Changed $100 at decent rate. 24500 Dong for a dollar. Seems fair. Long line at immigration and it too better part of an hour. Seems like everyone is headed here. Once outside my friend advised me to get into only green Vinasun taxi. There was a lady in green jacked helped me. Guy put on the meter. Grab is not allowed to pick up from airport. Traffic is horrendous. Anyway reached my hotel and the cost was 47000 but I gave the driver 50000. Staying at Sotestu Grand Fresa. Excellent small hotel. Pretty new and fantastic room with breakfast. Best rates on Agoda. Since I booked for two check in guy said if I wanted to bring a girl it should be done before 9 pm. They do not allow any girls after that. Nice guy.

Was jet lagged and took a shower and slept.

Got up at 6 pm could not get a grab to go to seafood street in district 4. Hopped on a grab moto but he took me to a wrong place. However had a nice long walk along the river and I needed it. Had excellent cheap spicy seafood at the seafood street. Just sit at the busy places there so that you know which are popular. Plenty of tourists. Did not see any young girls walking the street.

At last grab us available. He too me to the bar street. Plenty of girls outside but no street walkers. I was hoping to get one and take to the hotel. No such luck. Went to 4 bars and cheap beer. None of the girls look pretty. Hardly anyone spoke English. Mamasan with broken English asked me to pick one but I did not. After beer I left. Do not know what the set up was. Did not venture into Japanese high end establishments. My take is unless you know someone or have serious money to burn and navigate all the scams this is not a place to have fun for visitors.

I might just stick to touristy things. Things seem very cheap here. Lots of expats living here.