Xe Buyt

Coming to Vietnam, we were a little apprehensive to leave our cars behind since we did not know the accessibility of public transportation.  We relied heavily on taking taxis the first few weeks we lived in the city but quickly realized that all those "cheap" cab rides sure do add up.  With a little help from co-workers and a lot of faith, we made the transition to utilizing Saigon's best public transportation option -- the bus.

It was not long before we learned the ins and outs of how to ride a bus -- Vietnam style.  First, you must flag the bus down as you see it heading down the road (imagine an arm motion similar to one used by Nazi Germany) otherwise, even though you are standing at a designated bus stop, the driver might just blow by you.  Second, be prepared to fight the eight other people trying to cram onto the bus at the same time as you are otherwise said bus might take off with you still on the curb.  Third, should you actually plant one foot on the bus, grab onto any object in sight (hand rail, fellow passenger, random 5 gallon bottle of water sitting on the floor) so that the mass of your body and the forward motion will propel you onto said bus rather than back into the road.  Fourth, quickly find a seat and dig out your bus tokens or money because the bus's designated money collector will quickly approach your seat demanding your fare.  Next, assume bus riding position -- one arm up on back of seat, perch body in center of seat, tilt face up to little overhead fan, and let the warm-ish air try to cool the river of sweat running down your back, face, lip, hairline, etc. 

When you have arrived at your destination, stand up and shuffle LOUDLY to the back door of the bus with the hope that the driver, or his henchman, will see you and actually acknowledge that you would like to depart the bus.  If shuffling down the aisle while grunting loudly does not receive acknowledgement, then shout "yung lai" at the driver while pretending that the whole bus ridership did not turn around to blatantly stare at, and mock your attempt at the Vietnamese language.  Then, as the bus slows to a roll and opens the door, stick your head out the door and quickly look down the road to ensure that a moped is not roaring by waiting to flatten you like roadkill on your departure off said bus.  Finally, heave yourself off the still moving bus with your arms extended as if in surfing position to try to balance yourself out before hitting the ground and possibly falling, making an even bigger spectacle of yourself.

In all actuallity, we love the bus and have really enjoyed navigating the public transportation of Ho Chi Minh City.  And, at the end of the day, when we realize that 8 rides and > $1 we have been all over this gosh-darn-city, we feel pretty thankful for the SaigonBus Line!

Adam's favorite bus around town -- the number 6 -- a double-decker.

An upside down stool and sign taped onto a seat to let passengers know that the seat is broken.  From the dust you can tell it has been broken for some time.

Adam and our ever handy bus map.  Have map, will travel.