Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

As much as those in authority try to change Saigon to Ho Chi Minh the more the locals hold onto Saigon. You see despite the passage of time and outwardly friendly gesturing between North and South Vietnam there is still much distrust between the two. So holding onto a historical name is one way of showing the other how they really feel. Saigon is a wonderful capital that is clogged morning, noon and night with motorbikes, bicycles, pedicabs and the occasional 4 wheeled vehicle. It has much to offer and despite the constant stories of robberies and muggings it is a safe city to visit. Pollution isn't on the scale of Bangkok but when you compare ...

Arriving in Ho Chi Minh Airport, the first thing that really struck me was the huge anti-aircraft guns sitting next to the runway, a very harsh reminder that this is a country just recovering from more than 30 years of war. This having been said, It has now been at peace with itself and it's neighbours for close to ten years. Certainly any reservations you initially had would be swepted away in the fast moving and neon lit lights of Saigon Proper. And after the inevitably long flight over you would think that all you would want to do is catch up on some well-deserved sleep. But instead you find yourself woken up and alert, as this wondrous and enchanting city ...

Sex is on a lot of men's minds when they travel to Vietnam, Thailand, The Philippines, Brazil, or more recently Russia. Actually, sex is on a lot of men's minds, period. To actually travel to these countries for the sole purpose of sexual activity with foreign bodies would also be a sin. Nowadays, too many foreign bodies can get into your blood stream, and cut your life off short. On my first visit to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), in February 1989, I went to Maxim's. As I was alone, the manager ushered me away from the table I had chosen, and led me to the bar. "You want dancing-girl?" he asked. I ordered a ...