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If you are sitting in one of the bars or cafes in De Tham or anywhere else in the backpacker area, you will probably be approached by someone selling "authentic Zippo lighters" as left behind by US troops in the Vietnam War.
Of course, they are not authentic, and have almost certainly been made in a local workshop that same day. Don't be fooled by the fact that they have been rubbed in the dirt and scratched a bit.
They are also on sale in tourist gift shops at places like Cu Chi and the War Remnants Museum. I would doubt their authenticity too.
As one US Vet said to me, "Who would leave his lighter behind?"
If you really are into collecting war memorabilia, then read up on the subject. Believe it or not, there are actually guide books for Zippo lighter collecters, like the one in the picture, written by Russell E. Lewis. Leave a Comment
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Beware of paying too much at the markets especially if you're a first timer to Vietnam...I paid $12 US for an item last year and this year was offered the same thing for $3!!!!! Incidentally, I thought $12 was a fair price!!
Don't buy at the first stall no matter how tempting. Walk away and the price will all of a sudden be reduced. Leave a Comment
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Do not get on just about any motor-cyclist that comes along and offers you a ride (ie illegal motor-cycle taxis), esp when you're walking along a street. They often charge a bomb unless a price is negotiated. I'll stick to those (also illegal) that regularly hang around the hotels (esp in Pham Ngu Lau).
I haven't taken any "xe-om" (that's what they are called) since the helmet rule came into effect on 15 Dec 07. God knows how many hundred pax have worn that passenger helmet, and you get a special prize if you guess correctly what's growing inside. You take your chances.
If you really have to take one (out of desperation or curiosity - the latter eventually kills the cat!!!), choose an elderly driver. They are less prone to take you to your Maker.
And then again, there are those mama-sans on motor-bikes with their whores, er, I mean "wares" behind. I'm advised never to take them on, no matter how attractive the "ware". Common sense will tell you that - but then again, it's not so common nowadays. You take your chances too if you go with them.
What's the alternative to a "xe-om"? The taxi, of course, and you are just as apt to get ripped off. Please read my section on taxis.
What's the alternative to buying "wares"? I leave that to your imagination!!!
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