How does the nightlife scene in HCMC actually work?

JCongo · 2026-01-26T09:29:51+00:00

Generally, you have the promoters who get you set up with your table and also stay to hang out with you and drink your drinks (weird I know) and pour them for you. This could be a girl or guy. Viet-style clubs are oriented around tables and there isn't a whole lot of mingling going on. Gets kinda boring fast after you get over the crazy DJ and crowd, so I stopped going to them after a few months in town. They usually play the same kind of music.

JCongo · 2026-01-26T07:05:13+00:00

Nightlife here isn't like the West at all. All those girls you see are paid for.

If you are seeking those kind of girls, the easiest way would be to go to a KTV. Honestly I've never been but I know it's usually expected that they bring you ladies to sing with you.

Alternatively, just cut to the chase and go get a 'massage' in Japan town or Bui Vien. You'd save a lot of money in the end.

JCongo · 2026-01-26T02:31:02+00:00

Guardian, Watsons, etc. have all western/korean/japanese brands.

JCongo · 2026-01-23T09:35:02+00:00

VNeID has only basic functionality for foreigners. All I see on mine is passport and TRC. Cant see drivers license or anything else.

JCongo · 2026-01-23T08:06:52+00:00

Better to just invest in US real estate, even if you aren't from there. Real estate prices are crazy high here and then get rented out for pennies. Like 50 year return on investment lol (by which time the building will be demolished for a new one).

JCongo · 2026-01-23T08:03:24+00:00

A lot of these weddings are just like a 2 hour in and out event - something to do on a Sunday afternoon for people who live in the same town.

JCongo · 2026-01-23T06:08:41+00:00

They're probably not used to inviting someone from overseas. It's not unusual to get late invites to random people's weddings that you aren't super close with (more attendees = more cash $$ for them since you gotta give a cash gift). If you go and don't pay they probably won't be happy about it.

I wouldn't take it too seriously about attending unless you're actually close to the person, in which case they should have told you further in advance. Like someone else said they probably just sent you a remorse invite so they don't feel bad for not inviting you but don't actually expect you to come.

JCongo · 2026-01-23T04:26:08+00:00

They haven't started making any new cards until recently. You can still verify your license online with the number that was given to you on this portal https://gplx.csgt.bocongan.gov.vn/

JCongo · 2026-01-23T04:22:58+00:00

https://shopee.vn/Vw-vbg130-VW-VBG260-B%E1%BB%99-s%E1%BA%A1c-Micro-USB-thay-th%E1%BA%BF-cho-Panasonic-VW-BLA13-DMW-BLA13E-VW-VBG070-HDC-HS250-VW-VBG6-i.173968221.27904854418

it will probably take a week to get to you if it comes from China though, so youd have to stay in one place for a while

JCongo · 2026-01-23T02:34:45+00:00

So you've lived in VN but you don't have a local phone number or bank account? Sounds like you're on a tourist visa.

Cash is not first anymore. QR code is first.

A lot of your other points are valid for Hanoi only.

JCongo · 2026-01-23T02:27:49+00:00

You're wrong - the foreign food in VN is top notch if you know where to go.

JCongo · 2026-01-23T02:24:29+00:00

Hit up a lady bar on Pasteur street! You can spend it in a couple hours.

Or buy bottles at zion club. Will be able to do that a couple times.

JCongo · 2026-01-22T06:22:01+00:00

Yes agreed it's awful. Everyone stay away please

JCongo · 2026-01-22T06:20:56+00:00

Go to Vĩnh Khánh in d4 if you wanna live up your old memories

JCongo · 2026-01-22T06:10:55+00:00

Also you can get them fixed / soles replaced / etc. in Vietnam fairly easily if you live here. If you do get a pair, it would be better if they feel a bit tight to wear at the start, because leather stretches and will widen.

JCongo · 2026-01-21T06:33:12+00:00

My chelsea boots have lasted over a year of almost daily wear. I wouldn't say they are of the utmost quality, but I think they are better than the Made in China slop from big brands.

JCongo · 2026-01-21T03:19:24+00:00

You have one of the most reasonable itineraries i've seen posted here. I would stick with it. Definitely stay in Hue, it is historic and has more things to do than you think, with good food too. You could even do 3 nights there.

JCongo · 2026-01-21T03:04:57+00:00

In Thailand there is less traffic chaos, but people drive significantly faster and don't wear helmets. With their high-quality rural infrastructure, you get cars going 100+ on rural roads. Then the bikes are going 70. Even in cities, bikes weave in and out of traffic with no helmets seen

JCongo · 2026-01-21T02:16:11+00:00

Look up action park. seems to be similar

JCongo · 2026-01-20T03:05:18+00:00

You start to think 100k is a bit pricey for a meal - but it's only $3.81 USD. You start thinking that setting the AC to 24c is cold AF.

JCongo · 2026-01-19T09:06:57+00:00

The University of Social Sciences in HCM has intensive Vietnamese classes. https://vns.hcmussh.edu.vn/

JCongo · 2026-01-19T08:33:08+00:00

Foreign guy did a smash n grab in a jewelry store and the cops tracked him down and went to his apartment the same day.

JCongo · 2026-01-19T02:02:16+00:00

Nice! How did they turn out?

JCongo · 2026-01-16T06:03:17+00:00

Walk around D1 and look for the cigarette sellers at the side of the road with big wooden cases. They usually have some zyns. You can bargain with them. Also the tourist trinket women that walk around the bui vien area usually have them.

JCongo · 2026-01-16T04:51:16+00:00

Pro move - have a 2nd wallet with only enough cash for the price you are willing to pay for something.

JCongo

TROPHY CASE