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V i e t n a m: Bars and nightlife but no gogo and be carefull where you gogo to gogo!

Nightlife in Viet Nam is picking up with a good sprinkling of good bars and discos around. Gogos are not permitted and the faceless forces of the law still frown on activity that might be referred to as consorting with an outsider!
Viet Nams recent history is a matter of record and known to most. The period, since the end of the war, has not been particularly successful. There is still a de facto communist government, although there is a clear trend towards a market economy. The country it self has lots to offer, and there are some classic buildings, not necessarily of Vietnamese origin, but of the former colonial master France.

However the country is still very backward and there is massive poverty. This translates into hoards of beggars and other dubious persons roaming the streets. It is not dangerous, providing you are sensible. But even more here than elsewhere the couple of bucks in your pocket are a months wages to person trying to tap you on the street.

Arrival

Get a visa before coming from your local Viet Nam consulate. Then expect the third degree from immigration, who like all the questions on their form answered. Incoming luggage is also x-rayed by customs.
Saigon is an old airport, which leaves a certain amount to be desired. There is one change booth just outside the international arrivals. Options to get downtown are the taxi meters, make certain they use the meters. Or there are other, better taxis, located at the end of the scrum outside the building. There is a controller with a red arm band and the fare should be about $6 (payable in U.S.$). The airport is virtually in the city.
Hanoi is a new airport, but with much finishing to be done. There are seemingly no change booths, but taxi’s want $. There are normally taxi meters, in a queue outside the international terminal. However there are many freelancers harassing passengers in the arrivals halls, a trip downtown should cost $15 -$20. The airport is outside the city and in takes about 45 minutes to the city centre hotels.

Currency/money

The local currency is Dong (VND). All the jokes have been made and are not appreciated. However the U.S. Dollar is commonly used and virtually everybody will accept it. Of course change will be in Dong. Carry small denomination bills ($1, $5, $10).
It is possible to get change, for most major currencies, at major hotels and the rate is the proper one. Most credit cards transactions are in dollars, and many bills are in both currencies.
There is an ATM machine at the HSBC building in Saigon and ANZ bank, overlooking the central lake near old town, in Hanoi.
Advances from banks, on credit cards, are possible.

Bar and nightlife

Saigon has a mass of bars, of many different varieties. Remember that getting girls into hotels is very difficult (see hotels section). There are a few good ex-pat watering holes as well as plenty of other bars. The many nightlife bars leave a great deal to be desired and are often little more than a skimming operation.
Hanoi is much more civilised and less hassle. There are very few nightlife bars, but a good collection of other bars and cafes.

Getting around

Locally there are normally three options: taxi, motos and cyclos. The trick is to make certain that the taxi has a meter, and, of course, will use it. No meter, and no livery taxis, are best avoided unless the fare is agreed in advance.
Motos are a good short trip option and again fares need to be agreed, unless you know how much is the norm. Be careful using at night, find a rider you know, or is recommended.
Cyclos are a good way to go sight seeing, however they will harass in the street, if you are walking. Also, even when a fare is agreed, they seem to think it should be more. Getting them to go from A– B is well nigh impossible, they always want to do a tour (therefore more money). They are normally friendly enough fellows so it is just a question of being firm and not mean! The general advice is avoid cyclos at night, you are very vulnerable.
You will be a brave man if you drive before you understand the rules of the road. Traffic lights seem to be for decorative purposes, and, every junction offers multiple games of chicken.

Beggars and husslers

The biggest problem walking is the number of people on the street trying to sell you something, or begging. In Saigon it is much worse than Hanoi. I tried giving some money to a couple of street kids, after I had taken their photo.
From all directions other kids arrived and I had a job getting rid of them. I find it better to not give, or buy, from any of the hustlers.

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