Saw a mixture of westerners and locals.

Some local gals had bottle at their table and shared some drinks with us and didnt ask us for anything. I suspect they were working, but had the night off.

About paying covers, clubs allover asia is the same. Sometime you have to pay what is stated, sometime can avoid if go in with the right group. The cover comes with drink anyway, so is not too bad.

When in Goa, India, locals are charged high cover and foreigners free, because some locals wont spend too much and can cause problems if drunk.

Cover charges in developing countries are often used to screen out people who have limited funds, period.

So what if they discriminate about who pays the cover? How many clubs you been to where you queue for an eternity and some local cuts the queue and gets in right away. Life isnt always fair!

Had a bit of issue when I left APO and took taxi to Go2Bar with other expat and a few local gals, when went to get out of the taxi, when I opened my passenger door, motorbike passing by on the curbside door got knocked over. Some locals seemed quite unfriendly and menacing to me, even though not my fault, and I tried to see if the motorbike guy was ok, since I ride a bike myself elsewhere. Luckily a kind local told us to take off quickly and we walked away. A few locals tried to stop us but we were able to keep walking and they did not follow.

SO, too sum it up, dont be afraid to go APO if you are tourist, quite fun. Is humrous to be in a bar named Apocolypse Now and partying with locals long after Vietnam War is over.

Use your common sense, dont leave ur drinks unattended, be careful who you leave with and if have issue with local, apologize and walk away.

If you dont like seeing working gals, then dont party in a popular place full of expats in Asia. Anywhere the money is, people with less money will go to try and get some. Just do your own thing and have a good time !

One disappointment was that I did not notice many gay clientele (aside from a few). Dance clubs are always a lot more fun when there is a nice mix of straight and gay. Maybe I didn’t show up on the right nights. Anyway I don’t regret going and will probably go back again next time.

I have been in Saigon since early Januray and just came across this page, some of the comments i understand are very old so maybe it was different then but i would like to give you a current perspective of Apo.

1.I am asian and not white, i have however found no discrimination at all. If at all the staff are friendly and so are the bouncers although i have never seen anyone being kicked or punched by the security. I am here a minimum three days a week so i would know!

2.Prostitutes – sure you get them like at most clubs, if you dont want anything to do with them stay away and they will take no for an answer. If you get piss drunk and keep nodding away and glancing away they will come for a drink. You have to be dilusional to think you dont have to spend for the drink if you keep yapping away when she’s on the clock.

3.Covercharges – Yes they charge 150kvnd for entrance Friday and Saturday only, it’s demand and supply. If you dont want to go it’s cool, there are plenty of other people who love this place and will line up to pay and get in. Besides you get a drink for it which is not watered down like the rest of the places.

This is charged universally whether you be a local or a foreigner, this is not something new to APO most clubs do the same around the world.

4.Music – They play the popular numbers and can be predictable at times but i keep going back as i feel safe and i know i wont get jipped.

5.This is no artsy fartsy club for snobs and makes no pretentions to be one, it’s got simple decor. The emphasis is on the music and service. I doubt there is any club in the world no matter how packed you can get an order in less than 10 minutes.

6. Tip well if you can (it really isnt a lot of money) – people appreciate it and it’ the nice thing to do if you’re happy with the service.

7.Dont’s:

1.Dont try to dance on the tabel or stools, it’s not allowed. They will bring you down.

2.TLC is not allowed although they turn a blind eye on the odd smack or two. Full on making out is not allowed.

3.Be aware of drunk backpackers trying to steal your bottle, if you must go away from the table when you have bottle service ask a friend or a waiter to keep an eye (happened to me twice all foreigners, locals dont pull that kind of cheap stunt).

4.Start or get involved in a fight – i have not seen any big one’s just minor altercations and the bouncers will deal with them (they are every where!) ask them for help.

5.Video camera’s are frowned upon.

All in all, great place to hang and have a good time and extremely safe. Enjoy Saigon.

Cheers.