Riding a cyclo is the best way to see a city in Vietnam; buses, motor-
bikes and taxis are too fast and if cycling on your own you must focus 110% on the insane traffic. Also, most people, after walking for about 10 minutes in south Vietnam start sweating profusely, with the exception of 1-2.5 months out of the year; the same is true for the summer months in the north and central regions. Unlike the motorized tuk tuk or rickshaws & trishaws in Asia, cyclo drivers sit on a high seat behind the passenger(s), rather than in front.
So, to see a good part of the city with a nice breeze at a leisurely pace yet without expending energy in the brutal heat, cyclos are the way to go (if you can live with the guilt of the, often tiny, person behind you sweating for two+). The amount of weight- of people and/or products- I’ve seen small much older men pedaling around the city is truly incredible! (see last photo) A ride usually costs about $1.50 for a 10-20 minute ride in the city center. Many cyclo drivers speak English quite well and love to joke around, especially when it comes time to pay them the set fee agreed upon at the beginning of the ride.
cyclo driver carrying a man and a motorbike. Photo by: http://www.cs.uiowa.edu/~cremer/VietPics/SaigonDay3BikeMoto.jpg
I was at the Intercontinental Hotel when they had the Asian Economic Conference 3 weeks ago. They lined up 100 beautiful cyclo and drivers or more one evening to give the leaders from the conference a ride around the city together. It was awesome, showing that Saigon does appreciate the persons offering this super service. Good post.
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