Social Life
Theatre and Classical Music
Live classical music and theatrical performances are widely available.
Keeping Fit
There is a wide range of sporting activities available to foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City including; football, hockey, rugby, Australian Rules football, swimming, squash, tennis, softball. Many foreigners study martial arts. Private instructors are available at a minimal hourly or monthly fee.
Nightlife
No matter where you find yourself in Vietnam there is always has a few lively spots around. In the bigger cities like Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Hue there is a good bar scene with a hand full of late bars that have to hunted down to be enjoyed.
Vietnam is reasonably safe compared to many countries, however, like any other country is has it’s share of petty crime, so its best to avoid any unsavoury looking characters. When living or travelling in any foreign country its best just to use your common sense. On the whole Vietnam is safe and known to be a partying country with both the local residents and police, tolerant and lenient toward foreigners and their social habits, just use your common sense.
If you are in Ho Chi Minh City, don't forget to visit Galaxy nightclub, it's has a great atmosphere with many beautiful ladies. Also if you go to Daklak, a very beautiful city, remember to visit Y-Niem Cafe and Nightclub, it is simply the best with an extraordinary nightlife sensation, with a beautiful architectural design to compliment their exceptional service.
Shopping
Clothes, for work or leisure, men or women, brand names, (locally made under license) or made to measure can all be found in Vietnam. Clothes are very cheap and generally very good quality. Many large electrical companies now produce in Vietnam and there is a wide range of electronic goods available at very reasonable prices, everything from TV’s to i-pods. Grocery stores and local markets have large selections of foreign foods and other goods for sale. Practically everything is available in Ho Chi Minh City. Costs vary from with those of the West, but as a general rule of thumb, everyday products are cheaper, especially if produced in Vietnam.
There is also a good deal of bargaining involved when shopping in Vietnam. The approach that works best when bargaining is to haggle hard for the best price available 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. For these people, selling things is the way (and a hard and insecure one too) to make a living.
Some people will also grab your arm to get your attention. Screaming and shouting does not help, instead try to point out to them that this is by most foreigners considered as extremely rude.