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| Today's Manager |
Survival Guide to Vietnam
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In the courtyard are US tanks, jet
fighters and artillery equipment left behind in the aftermath of
the war. Taking centre stage in the yard, a disused guillotine stands
as a reminder of the cruelty of war. |
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| It was here, on the 30th of April, 1975,
that communist tanks of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through
the palace gates and took over the state, ending decades of North-South
conflict which had torn the country. Ho Chi Minh City has two main seasons throughout the year. The wet season lasts from May to November with short downpours occurring almost every day. The dry season lasts from December to April with the last three months of this period being very hot and humid. |
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Although Vietnam is not an especially dangerous place, it still poses many health risks. Vaccinations against hepatitis A & B, typhoid and tetanus are highly recommended. Though roadside food may look tempting, it is best to avoid food sold by mobile vendors. The best way to decide where to eat is to check if the place is crowded with Vietnamese. The locals themselves are very particular when it comes to hygiene. A must try is Pho , a local specialty. The tasty soup made of noodles, bean sprout, chicken, beef or pork is delicious. A bowl costs U.S$0.80. Its best to eat with chopsticks, for those using forks be warned it will be a slippery affair. Pho Tien Hanoi at 50 Dong Khoi Street and Pho Tien Soup Shop on Dong Du Street (next to Saigon Hotel) are excellent places to try Pho. For fans of more exotic food, Nha Hang 5 Me Linh is worth a visit. All traditional Vietnamese specialties including cobra, python, venison (deer meat), bat and porcupine are available. Accommodation is relatively easy to locate throughout the city. For accommodation without the extra frills there are numerous privately owned mini-hotels which are comfortable. Priced from US$6 - US$20, they offer an air-conditioned room with bathroom, a fridge and satellite television. A word of caution, make sure you agree upon the price for a room in advance as listed rates often differ from what they actually charge. |
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| When purchasing anything in Vietnam, it
is important to remember that foreigners on principle are charged
twice the local rates. Most people in Vietnam, especially outside
of the main cities, are very poor. There is no doubt that travelers
are seen as a potential source of money, and Vietnamese are tenacious
negotiators. There are few tips to keep in mind when bargaining. Bargain very aggressively but keep it friendly. A smile in the middle of a negotiation goes a long way. In some situations, gently touching the person you are negotiating with (on the arm or hand) also helps to keep it friendly. Accept that you are going to end up paying too much for some things and try not to take it personally, it is not intended that way. A nice way to tour a city is to rent a cyclo. Rates are normally VND 5000 for a ride of up to 10 minutes in Saigon (there seems to be no way to get a cheaper one, even for only a couple of hundred meters). Locals pay half that price. You can also get a one-hour tour for US$1! In Hanoi prices are more related to the distance and are a bit more expensive. |
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| First
published in Today's Manager (Singapore Institute of Management) © Nisar Keshvani |
 © Nisar Husain Keshvani | All Rights Reserved 1993 - 2011 | Copyright |