Tamvong's profile
Tamvong's Posts
6 reviews or comments posted; 6 questions asked; 42 answers given.
Reviews / Comments (6) see all
And add a post on Thorn Trees to warn potential customers. And let the owner's know you are alerting the public
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Expensive but worth it. I second everything sandyg says. I find this place a real oasis from the noise and bustle of the city although kids in the pool can be a little noisy on summer weekends. The food is really excellent and very reasonably priced.The staff are well trained and service is efficient and very friendly. It feels just like a good club should do
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Couldn't agree more. This place was a delight to deal with. I only needed a bike for the day and I was able to reserve the night before. The people were very friendly and the service was great. The bike was practicaly new and had only 2800 k on it. Another guy in my building rents by the month from them and confirms my opinion.
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Interesting reviews. We had quite good service but food wildly overpriced and virtualy no meat in my lasagne and hardly any smoked salmon in the "smoked salmon" pasta. I will not return unless I have to.
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Quality service, nice people and great prices. I’ve had a blazer (15,000 VND) and pants (10,000) cleaned there and they were first rate. Both items were taken in around 11 am and were ready the next day at 6 pm. Staff speak enough English to serve you.
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Questions (6)
Hi,
Can anyone recommend a school or individual for beginner Vietnamese lessons?
Thanks
Hi,
Does anyone know where I can get a passport photo taken?
Thanks
Does anyone know how to type Vietnamese characters in Word? The Microsoft website is no help and I've googled for it and all I can find is reference to a program called "VPSKeys" from www.vps.org but I can't get acceess to this site.
Thanks
To all you biologists out there - why does gecko poop have a white bit at the end? Yes, I have way too much time on my hands.
Hi,
Does anyone know of any carol singing events on Christmas Eve or thereabouts?
Thanks
I've been invited to a wedding on Monday and would appreciate help on the level of gift I should take (I understand it should be money). It is my housekeeper who is the sister of a very good friend. I want to be generous but not embarrassingly so.
Help!
Answers (42)
Posted Saturday September 1st, 2007.
Some friends bought free wieghts around Van Mieu. I'm sorry I can't remember exactly where but there were several shops a short walk from Koto. On Nguyen Thai Hoc maybe? Not a spectacular selection but they had some of those adjustable ones with the plates you add on and some bars as well as the rubber coated type.
In response to the question: Hi, can anyone tell me where the best place in hanoi is to buy a digital camera? I want to buy either a canon eos 400d or 350d. I know there are lot...
Posted Sunday September 2nd, 2007.
Thanks guys.
In response to the question: Hi all. Can anyone recommend an electronics store where they speak english? I want to buy a DVD player and have tried to ask about zone-free machines ...
Posted Tuesday September 25th, 2007.
$120 for 6 months multiple entry business at Wide Eyed Tours (downstairs from Culi Cafe) 40 Luong Ngoc Quyen St
In response to the question: Hi, Anyone out there been out and about shopping for visa extension quotes recently? Got one saturday from tropical tours for a six month multiple ...
Posted Wednesday September 26th, 2007.
I have almost the same experience as Robin. I'd go with ANZ. Citibank doesn't do personal banking either.
In response to the question: Hi I need to open a bank account in Hanoi within a couple of weeks and was wondering if any bank is best for foreigners. I realise taht the ANZ requir...
Posted Thursday September 27th, 2007.
Text your phone number to 0913004920 and I'll give you the number or a terrific (genuine) masseuse
In response to the question: Hi! Can anybody recommend a place/person offering a good back massage? I've seriously hurt my back by lifting something heavy....
Posted Saturday October 27th, 2007.
Check out Dang Dung St. It's lined with used mobile phone stores.
In response to the question: Looking for where to buy a cheap, used mobile phone. Or does anyone have an old one to cell? Just want a simple one that works. No frills. ...
Posted Saturday October 27th, 2007.
Typical sludgy Vietnamese song, sorry!
In response to the question: Anyone could give a comment for this song? http://www.nhacso.net//Music/Song/Tru-Tinh/2006/01/05F601C1/Default.asp It is in english and composed and ...
Posted Wednesday October 31st, 2007.
I understand there are loads of people here doing just that but no one is going to guarantee you can do it "forever". I've just done it for the first time with no hassle
In response to the question: Is it possible to stay "forever" in VN on business visa, by just extending it? Or is there some laws around this? That you for example need to have ...
Posted Sunday November 4th, 2007.
Where in Ba Dinh? Is the whole building new or just the apartment? $900 for a nice 3 bedroom is pretty cheap so check it all carefully. What are the charges for electric, TV, cable and water? Visit it at night and see how noisy/safe it seems. Does it look like construction is going to start anywhere nearby? Are there any loudspeakers on the street near? How near the “rooftop bar” is it? Is the bar accessed by separate elevators or will this be a security issue? Is it a commercial landlord or a one-off? Supermarket may mean roaches.
You say a 6 month lease but your blog says the landlord wants 6 months rent up front. That’s way beyond the norm but may be worth it if you like the apartment.
I live in Ba Dinh and would be happy to take a look and give you a second opinion if you’d like. Just send me a private message.
In response to the question: So I have no idea on apartment rental prices in Hanoi, and Im on the verge of signing a 6 month lease at 900USD a month. Is this too much to pay for a...
Posted Sunday November 4th, 2007.
Family Medical Practice A1 Van Phuc Diplomatic Compound, 298 1 Him Ma tel 843 0748. (www.vietnammedicalpractice.com) or SOS Clinic, 31 Hai Ba Trung 04 934 0556 (www.internationalsos.com)
In response to the question: Havent been jabbed for this- didnt have time- is it necessary and if so where can I get this vaccine in hanoi?...
Posted Sunday November 4th, 2007.
Sorry, typo - that's Kim Ma
In response to the question: Havent been jabbed for this- didnt have time- is it necessary and if so where can I get this vaccine in hanoi?...
Posted Wednesday November 7th, 2007.
Where are you?
In response to the question: Is there any laws regarding foreigners renting apartments in Vietnam? Are we allowed to rent all apartments Vietnamese can rent?...
Posted Saturday November 17th, 2007.
Actualy I've just discovered the answer. Aparantly "Reptiles have a single opening call the vent or cloaca where faecal matter and uric acid are excreted together. excreting uric acid (white bit) is more efficient than urinating because less water is wasted when excreting wastes". Now there's a good conversation starter.
In response to the question: To all you biologists out there - why does gecko poop have a white bit at the end? Yes, I have way too much time on my hands....
Posted Monday November 19th, 2007.
Thank you alpha. Maybe gecko is upset I asked about her poop
In response to the question: To all you biologists out there - why does gecko poop have a white bit at the end? Yes, I have way too much time on my hands....
Posted Wednesday November 21st, 2007.
For 6 days a week you can expect to pay at least $200 a month or more. Most people seem to have maids for 5 days for that amount. Also, you may have trouble getting 8 hours.
In response to the question: i want to know the rate of maid in vietnam i.e fullday (8hrs)and halfday(4hrs) 6 days per week....
Posted Friday November 23rd, 2007.
I've heard you can just show up and they'll give you a temporary card for the day. They're not about to turn away a paying customer. Probably best to take your passport as they seem to need this everywhere for this kind of thing.
In response to the question: Do you need a card to shop at metro? Can you only shop there if you have a business? How does it work?...
Posted Wednesday November 28th, 2007.
Most ATMs accept a Cirrus card and Citibank ATM's let you take out 3m at a time for a daily total of 9m. 20,000 VND fee per 3m plus whatever your US bank charges. However, Citibank don’t do retail banking here.
I have a USD account at ANZ and a VND account at Vietcombank. The main advantage of Vietcombank is they have ATM’s everywhere and no charge for withdrawals. Their ATM card is free. Downside is customer service is pretty ropy and internet banking non-functioning - at least I couldn't get it to function. They charge 0.15% for electronic incoming transfers (with a maximum charge of $150) plus $10 for transfers from the US and $20 from elsewhere.
ANZ is much more like a Western bank (which it is of course) and, while they’re increasing their number of ATM locations, they’re not nearly as widespread as the local banks. Their debit/ATM card is $10. You can check out their charges at:anz.com/Vietnam/Personal
In response to the question: How do US expats handle finances in Hanoi? Which banks provide the best services considering convenience, timeliness and fees? Does your US bankcard...
Posted Wednesday November 28th, 2007.
Mike's right. This isn't the West and there's a world of difference between what a contract says (and the law in general) and getting it enforced. You have to be grateful you got your money back.
In response to the question: I have been waiting patiently to move into an apartment for over 3 weeks now. I waited while the place is rennovated. I am schedualed to move in tomo...
Posted Friday November 30th, 2007.
I live on Truc Bach and shelled out for the Hanoi Club which has a great 25m outside (unheated) pool. It also has a great gym, good restaurent (reasonably priced), quite good massage and other facilities. Sofitel is closed to new members, or was when I checked a couple of months ago, and is much more crowded and the gym much smaller. About the same price as I recall. And it's within a 15 mniute walk - close enough?
In response to the question: HEllo...looking for a good pool to swim laps/exercise in near Truc Bach lake... as close as possible! ...
Posted Friday November 30th, 2007.
Chau Chi,
Your question is a little unclear. Do you want information on a specific course you have seen (you use the words "the" course) or are you asking if anyone knows of "a" good course? If it is the latter, have you looked at the Hanoi School of Business (http://www.hsb.edu.vn/)? If you send me a private message with your specific requirments and existing qualifications I'll see what I can find out for you.
In response to the question: Human Resource and Business Management Skills are so important for a leader, knowing that I have just decided to study a short course relating to this...
Posted Tuesday December 4th, 2007.
Welcome to Hanoi! A lot of people are suffering (or have suffered)from the same thing - me included. There seem to be 3 main theories: a) an allergic reaction to the polution b)The change of seasons and c)the way locals sneeze(!). I'm not aware of any magical way to prevent it although I guess if it is the polution you could try a mask.
In response to the question: This is half-question, half-gripe. My gf and I have been here for over months now, and we seem to be constantly afflicted with some annoying symptom ...
Posted Tuesday December 4th, 2007.
Billyt is dead on about the rest. I've read several papers on "culture shock" which highlight the toll taken on your brain by being in a new and strange environment. Your brain is working overtime trying to cope with the different language, different buildings, different people, different food etc., etc., etc.and it gets worn out. Sometimes the symptoms you feel are your body's way of telling you to slow down.
In response to the question: This is half-question, half-gripe. My gf and I have been here for over months now, and we seem to be constantly afflicted with some annoying symptom ...
Posted Tuesday December 4th, 2007.
That may be more to do with the condition of the air on the plane on which your travelled. I know the airlines have cut down on the cycling of fresh air to save fuel and I often get the same thing after a long flight.
In response to the question: This is half-question, half-gripe. My gf and I have been here for over months now, and we seem to be constantly afflicted with some annoying symptom ...
Posted Sunday December 9th, 2007.
Why didn't you establish your employer's policy before you took the job? I bet you made damn sure of your salary right? And let me guess - it's a hell of lot more than all the locals who are probably more than capable of doing what your doing. Quit whining and enjoy Tet.
In response to the question: My danish employer has JUST told me that I have to work over christmas as I have to now follow vietnamese holidays. Is that correct? Is that legal? My...
Posted Monday December 10th, 2007.
Er, I'm not sure it works that way (and it's the imigration guys you need to worry about, not the customs). Are you sure you can just pay at the airport? You should make sure that's possible and you don't have to come back in and get an extension anyway.
In response to the question: My flight home leaves 2 days after my visa expires. Will I end up paying more for an extension than I would to the customs officials at the airport?...
Posted Monday December 10th, 2007.
Vitamins if you take them and warm jammies if you're here before April.
In response to the question: Hi all, I'll be heading to Hanoi in a few weeks and I'll be living / working there for at least five months. I'm starting to think about what to...
Posted Monday December 10th, 2007.
Sorry, I was a bit harsh. A bad weekend.
In response to the question: My danish employer has JUST told me that I have to work over christmas as I have to now follow vietnamese holidays. Is that correct? Is that legal? My...
Posted Wednesday December 12th, 2007.
I forgot about The Thanh Loi Hotel (I may have spelt that wrong) although I think it may close in the winter and I don't know what exercise facilities it has. A friend of mine uses it and says its fine.
In response to the question: HEllo...looking for a good pool to swim laps/exercise in near Truc Bach lake... as close as possible! ...
Posted Thursday December 13th, 2007.
Nape? You want to get the back of your neck pierced?
In response to the question: Does anyone know a reputable piercing studio in HaNoi? I'm looking to get my nape pierced as infection free as possible. Thanks...
Posted Friday December 14th, 2007.
There's also a new Malaysian restaurant - Malaysia in Hanoi at 136 Tran Vu by Truc Bach lake.
In response to the question: Are there any good Halal restaurants in Hanoi? I know Nisa Restaurant and Kharzaana are halal but wonder if there are other options to explore. Apprec...
Posted Friday December 14th, 2007.
Glad it worked out ok, and sorry again. My response was definatley not in the Christmas spirit.
In response to the question: My danish employer has JUST told me that I have to work over christmas as I have to now follow vietnamese holidays. Is that correct? Is that legal? My...
Posted Friday December 14th, 2007.
"Peanut butter and banana sandwiches anyone?" That's way too deep for me. Can you explain?
In response to the question: Does anyone know a reputable piercing studio in HaNoi? I'm looking to get my nape pierced as infection free as possible. Thanks...
Posted Friday December 14th, 2007.
But it is totaly devoid of any atmosphere - and much service the night I went.
In response to the question: Are there any good Halal restaurants in Hanoi? I know Nisa Restaurant and Kharzaana are halal but wonder if there are other options to explore. Apprec...
Posted Monday December 17th, 2007.
Yuk. But thanks anyway Billyt.
In response to the question: Does anyone know a reputable piercing studio in HaNoi? I'm looking to get my nape pierced as infection free as possible. Thanks...
Posted Saturday December 22nd, 2007.
You can also look at the junction of Giang Vo and Cat Linh Streets
In response to the question: Where to buy bathroom Ceramics in hanoi....
Posted Sunday December 23rd, 2007.
Just walk around and check every internet "cafe" until you find one. They do exist although I've not seen one with a scanner. Maybe you can try the business center at one of the more up-market hotels. You can allways pretend you are staying there opr just cough up the fee.
In response to the question: where can i find an internet location (I do not have a laptop)which has keyboards that are legible and printing/scanning equipment that actually works...
Posted Sunday December 23rd, 2007.
Try i3 Systems, Mr. Nguyen Trung Tuyen at tuyen.nt@i3systems.net. They have been very helpful to me.
In response to the question: So, this morning I turn on my laptop and whaddya know, it doesn't boot up. Correction, at first it gets to the HP (pavilion dv1000) screen, there are...
Posted Monday December 31st, 2007.
Strange question. Why would it be moved there and why do you wonder if the area was residential? A number of B52s were shot down over Hanoi so why wouldn't one fall in the lake? John McCain came down in Truc Bac Lake.
In response to the question: Anyone know the story behind the B52 in the lake near Ngoc Ha. I pass it most days and think WOW, but no one can tell me if the area was residential ...
Posted Thursday January 3rd, 2008.
Best to just wander down Hang Bac, there are several shops there now. Hollywood is another one.
In response to the question: Anyone have any favorite places to buy DVD movies and TV shows? Just moved here for a couple of years and need a touch of home....
Posted Tuesday January 15th, 2008.
Depends on your preferences. Do you want to live in a Western style apartment or a Vietnamese house? Do you want a professional landlord? Do you want to live where many foreigners live or in a Vietnamese area? What is your budget? Do you want relative quiet? Do you need to live near your work? Do you want to live near a landmark? Do you want close proximity to Western restaurents?
Many people like to live near a park or a lake so they look at West Lake/Truc Bach or Lenin Park. If you want hustle and bustle and don't mind noise look at the Old Quarter. Also a good choice if you want close proximity to the most Western restaurents (also look just south of Hoan Kiem Lake for this). If you are on a tight budget then you will have to look further out and compromise on these local "amentities".
In response to the question: What are the best areas to live in? What are the landmarks that people like to live near? ...
Posted Thursday January 17th, 2008.
Are you looking for a flatbed scanner or a specialized one for film? You might try Dang Khoa IT Plaza at 29 Ngoc Khanh.
In response to the question: I'm looking to buy a scanner from scanning film, and know the models I'm after. Anyone know a good place to get one for a reasonable price? Most ...
Posted Thursday January 17th, 2008.
Try Dang Dung Street in Ba Dinh. Dozens of stores selling used phones.
In response to the question: I've had 2 cell phones stolen in Vietnam (within a week!) and I wonder what is the cheapest place to get a new one. . . (should I decide to!) tell me...
"Never get between a Vietnamese and his sense of direction" (Henry Kissinger)
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