Ho Chi Minh City - General Info

[QUOTE=Macheath]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.[/QUOTE]I like to go to 17 Saloon on Pham Ngu Lao. Great Philippino band, good mix of expats and locals. Reasonably priced drinks and always a table of Vietnamese cuties getting hammered. Certainly a few freelancers there giving you the eye.

[QUOTE=Newbie]This may be due to the fact there are 2 major Public Holidays coming up soon. 30th April / Victory Day and 1st May / Labour Day. During these times, the possibilities of raids are very very much higher. Most places will operate but they will be very guarded. These activities always happen close to Major Public Holidays.[/QUOTE]Guys, I think it should be obvious to everyone who 'owns' or 'runs' the HBT bars. No, there is no possibility of raids there.

JD

[QUOTE=Johndao]Guys, I think it should be obvious to everyone who 'owns' or 'runs' the HBT bars. No, there is no possibility of raids there.
JD[/QUOTE]

I'm not sure I'd agree it's obvious who owns or runs those places. Do you think you know who does?

[QUOTE=Johndao]Guys, I think it should be obvious to everyone who 'owns' or 'runs' the HBT bars. No, there is no possibility of raids there.[/quote]Not sure if it is 'that' obvious. If you are referring to the local Jacks then I'd disagree, cause HBT bars do get raided/inspected. When you see the girls in overcoats once in a while, then you know there is a shakedown.

Shady business are never 'owned' by the Jacks, they just make sure that all is kosher.

[QUOTE=Mash Potatoes]Not sure if it is 'that' obvious. If you are referring to the local Jacks then I'd disagree, cause HBT bars do get raided/inspected. When you see the girls in overcoats once in a while, then you know there is a shakedown.

Shady business are never 'owned' by the Jacks, they just make sure that all is kosher.[/QUOTE]

Right. There are raids there, plenty. I've been present for a few. The bars have guys outside watching out for them all the time they're open. If there's one thing that's obvious, it's that they're not owned by the local... um... Jacks.

I don't mean to come across as harsh or slamming in some of my recent posts. Sorry if I did. I realize people come here to talk openly, whether its to share opinions or facts -- and that can sometimes get a bit dicey, especially when the fact is based on a feeling rather than solid evidence, so something like a mixture of opinion and fact. It's understandable, and hard to resist posting about if you have a strong gut feeling. It's just that gut feelings can be wrong. And yes they can be right too.

I just wanted to set the record straight so people don't have the wrong ideas about some of these things. Just some recent postings struck me as wrong info being shared.

Regarding the last few previous postings, I would tend to agree with Wendella and Mash Potato.

Gossip is one of the biggest and more well established clubs in HCMC. A share was given to a "Jack" as an incentive to facilitate the licensing process. Things in there were getting too hot (Most popular disco to pick up) in there till even they had to be to be shut for 3 months by the authorities.

[QUOTE=Newbie]Regarding the last few previous postings, I would tend to agree with Wendella and Mash Potato.

Gossip is one of the biggest and more well established clubs in HCMC. A share was given to a "Jack" as an incentive to facilitate the licensing process. Things in there were getting too hot (Most popular disco to pick up) in there till even they had to be to be shut for 3 months by the authorities.[/QUOTE]The disputes at these places are not so much about the nature of the business itself. They are internecine (characterized by struggle within a group, usually applied to an ethnic or familial relationship; conflict within a group or organization) disputes about money and control.

Think of the vast profits, think of the levels of control: Ward or street level, District level, City level, National level.

[QUOTE=Timlooblue]Hi there everyone, I am new to this board, however I am living in HCMC for about 4 years now and know my way around the non-pro scene. Actually I live in the far north of HCMC, District 12, it is in no comparison to any girls you find in the city.

Well, I just wonder, are you guys simply only interested to pay girls for sex or do some of you actually prefer to meet young beautiful and lovely girls on the street?

Ok, don't get me wrong, I know how it is when you get to a new country or perhaps simply are on vacation here. I am calling out to some guys in my age range (30. 35) who perhaps like to go on a special tour around the countryside. I am doing it often and you will explore a complete new world. I know my way around and more or less do speak Vietnamese. If it sounds like an invitation for a paid tour, sorry, no, it isn't. I am simply a guy who is tired of going around alone and is willing to show nice opportunities around here. The clock is ticking differently here.[/QUOTE]Hi Timlooblue,

I'm interested in the tour. Lets get a drink sometime.

I've been living here for about 7 months. I'm in my 30s.

I'll be in town from May 10-16.

If anyone's down to meet, send me a PM.

I'm an Asian-American in my mid 20s.

Tried to PM you but it says you have chosen not to receive PM's
Contact me if you want more info on VN

[QUOTE=Peter Gun]I'll be in town from May 10-16.

If anyone's down to meet, send me a PM.

I'm an Asian-American in my mid 20s.[/QUOTE]

I'm getting ready to head out of town but wil be back on the 18th for another month or so. If anyone wants to meet up for drinks and whatnot send me a PM.

I'm an American, mid-thirties. Visit VN a few times a year but haven't spent much time in HCMC for a while.

[QUOTE=Member #2234]Tried to PM you but it says you have chosen not to receive PM's

Contact me if you want more info on VN[/QUOTE]I forgot that a subscription is required for Private Messaging. Maybe we can just arrange a public get-together in this thread and make it open to anyone who wants to meet other like-minded people.

I'll be the first to suggest a place and time -- Highlands Coffee shop at the corner of De Tham and Pham Ngu Lao, District 1. Maybe tomorrow afternoon (Monday), or even tonight!

On a 2 day visit to Vietnam for the first time. I am in Ho Chi Minh City and have 2 free nights :) Really found the girls to be pretty. Can any one here help me out.

[QUOTE=Timlooblue]Hi there everyone, I am new to this board, however I am living in HCMC for about 4 years now and know my way around the non-pro scene. Actually I live in the far north of HCMC, District 12, it is in no comparison to any girls you find in the city.

Well, I just wonder, are you guys simply only interested to pay girls for sex or do some of you actually prefer to meet young beautiful and lovely girls on the street?

Ok, don't get me wrong, I know how it is when you get to a new country or perhaps simply are on vacation here. I am calling out to some guys in my age range (30. 35) who perhaps like to go on a special tour around the countryside. I am doing it often and you will explore a complete new world. I know my way around and more or less do speak Vietnamese. If it sounds like an invitation for a paid tour, sorry, no, it isn't. I am simply a guy who is tired of going around alone and is willing to show nice opportunities around here. The clock is ticking differently here.[/QUOTE]Hello Timlooblue,

I am in Dist 12 too, knowledge is one of the few things which actually increase volume when shared.

You cannot receive PMs, feel free to PM me for further contact. I will be happy to share.