Ho Chi Minh City - General Info

[Macheath]

I don't like to go to these kinds of places. I don't appreciate the atmosphere or the music, the expection that you should buy expensive 'XO' and mix it with ice and Coca-Cola, the high tips for doing nothing really other than looking pretty and selling you something. What's the point, I am looking for sex, not a smoky, loud bar and expensive alcohol.

Jd,

I get your point, and certainly if you're looking for sex the negotiation is going to be a lot different from more up front places and no doubt more expensive. But the girls are definitely going for the sexy look and can't believe that they're not experienced or would not expect to be propositioned.

On the atmosphere also I agree that 16 is not so welcoming, almost get the impression they're thinking you've wandered into the wrong place. And not like I'm dressed like a hobo or looking like Quasimodo. On the music. Actually the band's are all pretty good, always good guitar and bass, and sometimes get a gem like good singer or horn player. Also good band at Crystal. Probably on par with Yoko band. On Pham Ngoc Thach, problem is choice of music but 90% + of all music is crap anyway. Even at Yoko you have to endure Alanis Morissette type stuff.

I'm an ex smoker so can be very smoke conscious but the better places seem ok. Maybe because high ceilings and good aircon. Some of the drinking bars like M52, Polo etc are unendurable for me. Especially when some big dick lights up the cigar. I've tried other places like Saigon Face and can't work it out. Almost empty, full of security, ear splitting crap music with hero dj's, girls sitting around not doing anything? Been to Catwalk a few times and definitely can pick up, but most of the girls actually aren't that attractive. Just dressed up. To tell the truth I occasionally check out these places on the off chance of finding a different look. Tall, sexy pretty, with a nice bum etc. Pretty hard to find this type in Saigon. Maybe need to go to Hanoi. Amazing how ordinary the girl can look when out of the dress, high heels and makeup. But still manage to get fooled over again.

Might be dreaming but ideally would like to occasionally go somewhere to have a drink and listen to some live music, maybe have a chat with the sexy girl of choice and score a date later if it looks like it could be fun. I'm interested in what you think the Viet Kieus, or even if they are Viet Kieus, are after, assuming that you're not typical but would have an insight. Seems like a lot of big noting. Buying the overpriced bottle of whisky, fruit platters etc. As I mentioned before it looks like they're not big tippers. If the girl is only going to make a couple hundred k per night with all the effort of dressing up, make up etc and having to put up with sitting next to someone they wouldn't talk to in the real world, then hardly seems a worth while occupation.

Incidentally got to disagree with you about the girls on Tu Xuong. The ones I've seen at night look fairly poor, rough and desperate. Maybe even homeless. I wouldn't recommend trawling in this area.

[Wendella]

Just went to see what the state of the HBTEtc. bars was. A lot of them are shut this evening. Not sure how long that's been going on, if it's a one time thing or has been happening lately (don't go there these days). I asked at one, on LTT (Bin Bin) and was told they open at 9pm. Very strange. The ones that were open barely had any hostesses working.

For example, 91 was totally closed on Sat at about 7pm. 35, 49 and 51 open but hardly any girls. Bin Bin and Tia To on LTT totally shut.

[Johndao]

Hey what is a good time to explore these? What time do they close?

They are usually open from 10am to about 10pm. Some may close at 9 or 9:30pm, others maybe 11pm but that would be late.

[Wendella]

Tom Strander & JohnDao,

I just tried PM'ing you 2 but you aren't able to receive PM's.

Wanted to mention that I've been in that DBL area but haven't really explored it too well. Actually I was picking up a girl occassionally over a year ago -- she worked in a hotel in that area, and apparently would be available at the hotel up until when she got off in the evening, then she'd work on the street, which was where I found her. I never did go check out that hotel again, other than the one time I went there with her.

It's a shame you guys don't have PM, because I tend to think it's not a great idea to post the actual address up here publicly.

[Wendella]

So the stretch of DBL I'm referring to is the area with all the visible girls in the hair shops near where DBL intersects with Bach Dang street.

Hey what is a good time to explore these? What time do they close?

[Johndao]

Club 16 is a very common concept in HCMC. There are quite a few more around the area, with and without a live band

Techinacally, it is not a club. It is more of a bar. The girls you see are hostesses. They are there to accompany customers. The guy you saw giving money to the girls are tips. Same as Catwalk. Only difference is that Catwalk caters to mostly foreignors whereas 16 caters to locals.

and you are right that the girls dont earn much. In fact they dont have a salary and they depend totally on tips. They also use this opportunity to try and find someone that will "take care" of them.

Many Viet Kieus are returning to Vietnam for business ventures / investments. The Viet Govt has changed certain policies where by it makes it easier for them to return.

There are also many Viet Kieus who save money and come back to Vietnam for a long holiday and when they run out of cash, they head back home.

I don't like to go to these kinds of places. I don't appreciate the atmosphere or the music, the expection that you should buy expensive 'XO' and mix it with ice and Coca-Cola, the high tips for doing nothing really other than looking pretty and selling you something. What's the point, I am looking for sex, not a smoky, loud bar and expensive alcohol.

[Crazyazn]

Sorry everyone, I haven't got the interest as I thought I would have and someone "Timothy" deleted ALL the info I added for everyone. Also he felt it was appropriate to add his own home to the map! ? ! So as of today, I'm closing it down. Thanks everyone.

It was nice while it lasted!

[Newbie]

"something like a 'playgirl'"

Hey Jd,. I ask because you seem to have some insight.

Can you comment on clubs like Sixteen on Le Quy Don.

Club 16 is a very common concept in HCMC. There are quite a few more around the area, with and without a live band

Techinacally, it is not a club. It is more of a bar. The girls you see are hostesses. They are there to accompany customers. The guy you saw giving money to the girls are tips. Same as Catwalk. Only difference is that Catwalk caters to mostly foreignors whereas 16 caters to locals.

and you are right that the girls dont earn much. In fact they dont have a salary and they depend totally on tips. They also use this opportunity to try and find someone that will "take care" of them.

Many Viet Kieus are returning to Vietnam for business ventures / investments. The Viet Govt has changed certain policies where by it makes it easier for them to return.

There are also many Viet Kieus who save money and come back to Vietnam for a long holiday and when they run out of cash, they head back home.

[Newbie]

yesterday I walked by Le Vy Beauty Salon at 98 Bui Thi Xuan. Lots of cute girls out front and inside, but I wasn't completely sure what to expect as far as prices. I got a brochure which gave some prices - Shampoo / Massage (2h) for 80,000 dong; Hair cut for 40,000 dong, etc. What can I expect as far as prices for extras? They seem to do legitimate business as at least part of their work. Are there private areas in the back?

Also went by 21 Bui Thi Xuan, but saw no obvious business with ladies.

All the hair saloon places ( Le An Xuan St, Bui Thi Xuan St, Truong Dinh St etc etc) in the city do not provide extras. Having a girl scantily dressed does not equate it to being a joint that offers extra. These are all legitimate businesses.

As JD mentioned, it is used to attract customers. It depends on your skills to get to know her better and maybe date her out but that does not mean she will still sleep with you.

Standard Services are:

Hair Wash & Massage (Commom / Shared area)
Facials
Mani & pedi
"Ear Waxing"

[Mash Potatoes]

Totally agree 100% with the post below.

I've been searching for many years for an 'all in one' place in D1 downtown and there are none. The hair cut places and even massage places are very limited in actions in D1. Must go further out which makes it a hassle for quick fixes.

The girls who work in 'hair cut' places don't really consider themselves as sex workers, rather they see themselves as female company. They don't have sex with everyone and most don't even go further than chit chat. It's up to the skill of the individual in order to get some.

For them, sitting around looking pretty beats sweating it out as a waitress, cause roughly that's how much they would earn per month without 'extras'.

Some ok hoc toc joints on DBP, D7, Duong 2. Bit too far for regular visits.

[Johndao]

this is a great idea. hope you make it open for editing from everyone and give people more than a week to get the ball rolling. would be useful to provide a little more info than just the location. for instance, yesterday i walked by le vy beauty salon at 98 bui thi xuan. lots of cute girls out front and inside, but i wasn't completely sure what to expect as far as prices. i got a brochure which gave some prices. shampoo / massage (2h) for 80, 000 dong; hair cut for 40, 000 dong, etc. what can i expect as far as prices for extras? they seem to do legitimate business as at least part of their work. are there private areas in the back?

also went by 21 bui thi xuan, but saw no obvious business with ladies.

in hcmc, anywhere around the center of town, if you can see anything that looks like action, looks like there are some possibilities inside, then you can be sure there is nothing happening. just pretty girls displayed under bright lights to lure customers in for a hair wash and face massage and clothed body massage in a common room with other guys. or at a cafe, they will just sit and talk with you as you drink coffee.

outside the city center, it can be different, you may see girls sitting outside or can peer into dingy cafe om or massage om places where the girls will blow you for 100-150k. but these are nowhere around the center of town where rules are strict. just look at how the bars on hbt operate. closed doors at all time in the evening when the girls are there, doos open a bit as a guy or guys walk by, try to pull them in, then closed again. this is not bangkok!

jd

[Crazyazn]

This is a great idea. Hope you make it open for editing from everyone and give people more than a week to get the ball rolling. Would be useful to provide a little more info than just the location. For instance, yesterday I walked by Le Vy Beauty Salon at 98 Bui Thi Xuan. Lots of cute girls out front and inside, but I wasn't completely sure what to expect as far as prices. I got a brochure which gave some prices - Shampoo / Massage (2h) for 80,000 dong; Hair cut for 40,000 dong, etc. What can I expect as far as prices for extras? They seem to do legitimate business as at least part of their work. Are there private areas in the back?

Also went by 21 Bui Thi Xuan, but saw no obvious business with ladies.

It's open to everyone but google requires a person's email to allow access to it. I'll try and keep it open a little bit longer. As for the Le Vy Beauty Salon, there are no extras.... It's legit, but that also depends on the girl you get and your skills. That can be also said about 263 Beauty Salon. My Fiancee's cousin owns that shop and she used too work there. So i know for sure nothing going down there. Plus i never really like the place, looks a little shabby for me.

P.S. If anyone would like to edit our google map site please PM your email. I promise i'm not going to spam you!!

[Bartchamdo]

I was thinking it would be great if we could aggregate all the wonderful info into a centralized location like google maps so we can locate places easier. Please feel feet input any places you been too or recommend. If there isn't any activity on the map, I'll take it down in a week or so.

This is a great idea. Hope you make it open for editing from everyone and give people more than a week to get the ball rolling. Would be useful to provide a little more info than just the location. For instance, yesterday I walked by Le Vy Beauty Salon at 98 Bui Thi Xuan. Lots of cute girls out front and inside, but I wasn't completely sure what to expect as far as prices. I got a brochure which gave some prices - Shampoo / Massage (2h) for 80,000 dong; Hair cut for 40,000 dong, etc. What can I expect as far as prices for extras? They seem to do legitimate business as at least part of their work. Are there private areas in the back?

Also went by 21 Bui Thi Xuan, but saw no obvious business with ladies.

[Sharka]

Tu Xuong near NKKN and on to Le Quy Don is a long-time hangout for streetwalkers, some of them very small and cute. I have only seen them there at night, fairly late, maybe after 9pm or so. You mention that you see them at all times of day and I don't know about that. There are high schools nearby and lots of kids walking around in the daytime. The girls standing around and squatting in the shadows at night will go to a short-time hotel with you for an hour for 150-200k.

Please take their pictures and post them.

JD

Are there ST hotels near this SW hangout (like within a short walking distance of say 1 or 2 blocks?)

And from what I read so far, the ST hotel rates are about $10 or so -is that about the correct price for this area ?

Also but not sure if these places change bedsheets after each customer or they change once a day like most hotels.

Thanks as I may visit this area on my next trip to Asia. but unsure if I want to bring a camera to take pics along to this area while trying to get girls at nite as it seems alot of them from what I read so far (SW and motogirls) are out to pickpocket and steal. So maybe safer to bring as little as possible.

Also, thanks JohnD for the map.

Shark

[Crazyazn]

Who ever would like contribute to our google map, please pm your email so that i can add you as a Collaborator.

Thank everyone!