Housing during visit ...

You are safer here than in the USA.

Your bike might NOT be so safe as anything not fixed securely. That's why the Vietnamese often park motorcycles inside their houses.

Remember: Airlines have special deals for 'sports equipment', so don't get ripped off by them.

Also, consider using Vancouver, British Columbia as your departure point and Eva or Cathay as your carrier. Eva is the better one. United is a crap airline, as are most US carriers using old aircraft.

There are practically no non-stop flights to VietNam, all stop-over somewhere.

Use a real, live travel agent as your reservation agent - not Expedia, Travelocity, etc.

Accommodation is the least of your problems with over 800 hotels in HCM.

Hello!
I just read your sharing while i am having breakfast. I am impressed .
I am vietnamese , male , 54 yrs old, i live in ho chi minh city with my wife while our 3 daughters are now studying in USm
Hop the age is not a wall standing among us.
i would like make friend with you and support you by what i can if you donot hesitate.

regards
note: my email is tranminhtri0208@yahoo.com

welcome to Viet Nam!

welcome to Vung Tau city, a warm, nice and peace beach city in Vietnam, 120km far from Saigon, Saigon is too noisy and traffic crowded for you. I think you maybe live in Vung Tau. i can help by what you need, let me know. Dont hesitate to contact me by email: tuphuongvt@gmail.com

I thank you for friendship , and your insight .   

Why does a man like me come to Asia , and Vietnam in particular ... Simple . First : Asia is a place of challenges, and also breath taking beauty .
Second : I am looking to give my life to a superb Woman in true happiness and a long and satisfying life , My life shall be shared with this wonderful woman , yes and I DO believe it is truly possible in Vietnam .

Third : Our view if Vietnam has been shaped by War , and the Co opted , American media . The American media always portrays other nations as alien , and lesser .  A lie .  Vietnam is a culture that still honors Family , and this is very important to me as I would delight my child knowing this custom of supportive care , and connection .
This is lost , or more commonly " denigrated " by the Western Media. Our media " hates " normal Father / Mother units  and despises traditional values .

So ... the United States has become ... Sick , and rotten inside because of the " diversity crowd " that hates Tradition , and Families .  Gay parents , or Bi Sexuals ; under the Obama regime have more rights than a traditional Father/Mother do . Sad .

Now I come to find truth , and peace , but of all I pray ; Honor .  So I thank you for listening to my  words . I apologize if I am blunt about some issues .

I grew up under Parents who survived War , and Great Depression and KNEW aching poverty .  I respect them Ever . 

Chris .

Tuphuong :

Thank you .  I like the Ocean , and have difficulty thinking of living away from it . I would appreciate any help on locating in Vung Tao .  Yes .
In Vung Tao there are Oil Field , or exploration companies . I worked hauling Oil Tools  in the Rocky Mountains in the 1980- to 1990 period . I am used to the culture of the extraction industry .  Yes .

Also I just love the Sea . Simply said . Yes .  I am coming to meet a sweet heart , and if I am wise find the best love as in Vietnam there are large and loving hearts to be found . Yes .  This is the true wealth of Vietnam , her people !

Chris .   

Noticed a house for rent in Vungtau. It's on the marked 5 days. Call the Aussie name: John at 0084- 919554150.
It's in a quiet area, 3 floors, nice maintained furniture, tv laundry machine ect is all there. Google Luong Van Can, 34 A
Vungtau. If you rent for longer period is think he is asking 10 million, but discuss it with him. No nead for a agent. This is direct.
Hope it helps and welcom to Nam.
Ron.

Sorry pal, I spoke with his wife tonight and the house is gone already, It must have been a very good house as it was only on the market for 5 days. It;s rented out for a year. So sorry again. I know a guy who has 2 apartments being build, but it will be only finished in 1 month. Spanking new. so if you are interested drop a response.
Ron. Vungtau

Ron ...

Check into it . Thanks ... coming home to Vietnam . Yes .

Chris .

Chris:
1)
2 apartments with seperate entrance+ parking area, overlooking the city build on the big mountain. Will be ready end Jan begin Feb 2015. They are still painting ect. It's a 3 story house, split in 2 split like kind of apartments. Address to Google: Over Hill Vila An Binh. 25/9/10 Le Loi Street. His name is Rob, working in the Middle East at the moment. I have no idea what they ask rent wise. His wife's tel nr. 0084-939510678. It's in a dead end street, so no traffic and very quiet. If have seen the location and it is a beauty, but that's my opinion.

2) Total different. I have a paper here in front of me, It says,
   Notice of exceptional house auction. Location: 188/19 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia. Located at the end of Hem 188.
3 stories, 4 bedrooms with ensuite baths. 2 extra rooms upstairs, high ceilings, good ocean breeze. very secure windows and doors.Bidding closes December 30. 2014.
Minimum bid 3,080,385,000.00 Dong. 10% deposit due with bid: Sale final January 7. 2015.
Submit bids to: Cong Ty Luat Chau Than (Chau Than Lawfirm) Office: 165A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia,, Vungtau City. Phone 0918.540306 Mobile for Ls. Nguyen Thi Kim Thuy. Vietnamese language only Office Phone 0643513456. (And this is more important:)For information on home call Neil Anderson, Beneficiary English 01212986846.
       FYI: 3 Billion something, is about 150.000 us. What Neil (American) told me, that his beautifull wife had other dark plans when they bought the house. They went to court and it's decided that it had to go for action. Bidding closes on Dec 30. 2014  !!!!!!! today yes, but if there is no bid the peoples commissie and the Lawfirm drops the bidding price with 10% and it will start all over. I have seen the house. It's almost new, good paint, strong electric garage door on large garage. The Hem is dead end, meaning quiet. Location is reasonable, but that is my opinion
as I don't want to be in middle of the town. Windows are double glass and they even might be typhoon proof, but this i do not know for 100%. Google it, and if you want more info call Neil direct.
Hope it will help, good luck,
Ciao Ron Vungtau

Hello,

If you come to Vung Tau city, I can search Google " OSC Land Vung Tau" , located in Vo Thi Sau street, building for rent, far about 300m the behind of beach on foot, all most people have fun in this beach area and in front of beach is cafe and bar club. In this apartment with 22 floors, there is swimming pool, supermarket LOTTE is very closed, 300meter on foot, many foreigner also live here ( Canada, Australian, French,.), with 50 square meter apartment, cost for rent is about 200 usd. I and my wife also live here. You can choose on your way, I think live in a block is safe than in a house, in block your safe ensured with good security, camera,..

Ron
House for $ 150 month sounds real good but I will not be able to bid before the end of today just is not possible however if the house goes back to be repaired after discount you mentioned I would definitely be interested .  I have to be released by my surgeon after having this need installed yes its titanium and then after that it is my intention to fly to Vietnam I only plan on coming back to the US to fill out paperwork .
After that it is GOOD BY USA !  .
It is not that I hate my country , the USA has a bankrupt Federal System , and endless Political Corruption  [moderated: no political views or debates on the forum please.]

Hi. I was in HCM during new year so no massage from me during this period, just came back to Vungtau. Neil Anderson from Seattle, told me, House is still on the market. No bids as up to now he was told. So it will start again with 10% lower bidding price as far as I know. Call Neil for more Info.
Regards and ciao Ron.

Thank you Ron .

I am preparing for travel , luggage , and a few other items . Need to know where is safe . As stated earlier am coming for sweet heart . Vietnam is a beautiful country , I hope that I can learn the social norms and customs too .

I am excited !!  Thank You Ron .

Cheers !   Chris .

Whenever you come to HCM or Vungtau, Pop over and visit Cafe Bay in Vungtau at the front beach. Usual it's got around 10 expats there,50% from america and people will give you advice. The Ferry is back in business, but only twice a day. Trip over water is about 1,5 hrs. Taxi from HCM to Vungtau around 1.5 million dong. Take care and might see you here.
Ciao Ron.

Well stated..I hate the West

Where you living with mother? Hospitals are not that great in Vietnam if you need help. Climate is similar to Seattle, well a little more rain and sunless days.

Coming because of a sweetie... I say stay home, especially if funds are limited.