What are the best ex-pat hang outs in Vietnam?

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Oz M

As a regular visitor to Vietnam, I find ex-pats come in two categories.... those who keep to themselves and look down their noses at 'tourists', and those that are great mixers.

My tips for Ho Chi Minh City...

The Blue Gecko, owned by Simon Ngyuen has put together a decent Australia theme bar that is oh so similar to an small pub in inner city Melbourne. Most Aussies that hang out there are Government employees and tend to mix with visitors (tourists). It is also popular with visitors and ex-pats from other countries.

Another area is just off Pham Ngu Lao in the back packer district. From Pham Ngu Lao, look for Huoung Vy restaurant/cafe at 177 Pham Ngu Lao. It is opposite the lane to the Giant Dragon Hotel. The place is a very popular hang-out for expats from Australia, New Zealand, US, Canada and UK. I particular like the place because it seems all of the ex-pats there are real mixers. They don't look down their noses at visitors. Prices of food and drink is more than reasonable. It is open 24 hours. (Look for Paul the Australian english teacher with his Harry Potter glasses - top bloke and very warm and friendly. He almost lives there, since he is there so often)

Down that lane way on your left is Margaritas which is a popular place for expats, but not so welcoming, but still good.

Across from there on your right is Tim Tams which is a very popular Aussie and New Zealander hangout later in the evening.

Further down on the right is Le Pub, which is more popular with visitors, but quite a few ex-pats are there during the day and early evening.

A little further down on the right is a place which name I do not remember. It's own by a Vietnamese French man. (He left Vietnam as a refugee, and returned to invest heavily when Vietnam re-opened to foreign investment - the guy is the spiting image of Pat Morita from" Karate Kid"). That place is a majorly popular place for ex-pat French and rumored strongly to be associated with the local mafia.

A visit to Huong Vy at 177 Pham Ngu Lao in HCMC will put in you in contact with expats who can point you in the right direction for up to date info on the best places to eat and drink.

You can stay at the Giant Dragon Hotel across the lane for around $20 a night and is clean, tidy, 2 stars with fantastic and friendly english speaking staff.

Vera Lann

I totally agree that once you go abroad, you'd better spend time with the locals. It would be more like traveling. Have fun in Vietnam ;)

l d

You are going to Thap Cham/Phan Rang???? If you are more than a party of one, you may comprise more than 50% of the expat population in town when you are there! You may even be 100% of the expat population while there (even as a party of one!). See if you can find my friend "Tony", whose drinks/bites stand is set up across the street in front of one of the hotels on the main drag in town - just walk up and ask "are you Tony?" and if someone says yes, tell him "I" said hi! Not too long ago there were no expat hangouts, since there were not a lot of expats (except for the Russian MIG technicians who serviced the air force, and they didn't seem to spend a lot of time in town, at least when I was there), or at least as far I I knew when I was going there on a fairly regular basis.

Enjoy, it is a nice town, nice folks, but maybe a bit quiet for many Tay tastes.

RaffiTheMaster

I am pretty sure they have good spots and a good place to drink depending on where you will visit.

traveller

For Hanoi :

Jack's

Hot Rock Cafe

Buon_Giorno_VN

Buy the Lonely Planet guide when you arrive. All the book sellers have them. Be sure to visit the Po Klong Garai Towers which are 5ks NW of Thap Cham/Phan Rang. Spent yesterday afternoon there with the wife's family. Worth the visit. Why the expat hangouts? The majority of them are over rated and expensive. There are plenty of good Vietnamese restaurants along the way. If you want to hang around expats you may as well stay at home and save the fare.

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