Vietnam forum

Racism in Ho Chi Minh City

ironmonkey

longtail driver
Posts: 5

Through another message board, I've become aware of Racism at Hotels in HCMC. It appears that some Vietnamese hotel owners are refusing accomodation to black people.

I was in Vietnam last summer and as a mixed raced (Jamaican/English) person I cannot say I experience any overt racism. However, I did notice that there were quite a few black africans hanging out in the backpacker areas of HCMC. Whilst travelling down Vietnam's coast, I hadn't seen a single black face so I asked an Aussie, who worked in bar, how come so many Africans were in HCMC. He wasn't sure but he also said it might have something to do with African footballers playing for a club based in HCMC. There has been some media attention and I have heard rumours of trouble between the Africans and locals.

It is a very sorry state of affairs that Vietnamese hotel owners feel they need to bar black people from their hotels. Can you even begin to imagine hoteliers in London, Paris or New York barring every Asian face? I would ask anyone, black, white or asian, who is planning to stay in HCMC to boycott any hotel that even suggests that black people are not welcome.

#1 Posted: 10/3/2006 - 19:48
abiyogini

longtail driver
Posts: 7

I am very concerned about this post. Should I really worry cos I am travelling in Vietnam (HCMC included) late April early May and I am Black African woman travelling solo. I have travelled in Singapore and Malaysia before apart from being a curiousity esp. in villages(Malaysia) which at times was annoying, I didnt come across any overt racism. Is it possible to know the name of these hotels so that I steer well clear of them.

#2 Posted: 12/3/2006 - 18:05
ironmonkey

longtail driver
Posts: 5

Abiyogini - As I said, during my near four week stay in Vietnam I did not experience any overt racism. However, the Vietnamese were very curious as to where I came from. Some of them thought I was Brazilian or American, others thought I was simply 'British'. Generally, the Vietnamese are too interested in lining their own pockets with travellers money than engaging in any racial perjudices.

As a Black African woman alone in HCMC, you should simply exercise caution. Visit places frequented by fellow travellers, remember to smile and be courteous when dealing with the Vietnamese and behave appropriately as a guest in another cultures country.

It is unlikely that you will experience racism in HCMC but it would also be foolish of you to waltz into the city without being aware of its exsistence.

#3 Posted: 15/3/2006 - 15:13
abiyogini

longtail driver
Posts: 7

thanks ironmonkey....

#4 Posted: 17/3/2006 - 02:26