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XE OM in Vietnam /1/
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
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When you search Yahoo or Google for XE OM, you would find hundreds of links in many different languages for this term, but you will not see it until you arrive Vietnam. This unique type of transportation has been well-known to international travelers. Let’s see what they said…
Xe om or Honda Om is the fastest growing form of transportation of choice. ’Om’ translates to ‘hug’. The concept is, you allow the rider to double you to your destination. Again, negotiate the price before agreeing to ride.
Try to avoid Xe Oms at night for there have been stories of riders taking their customers into dark alleys and stripping them of their possessions, that goes for the cyclo as well. Usually, the drivers will initiate conversation or make hand gestures to state he is for hire. If not, try looking for someone sitting on their bike at a street corner (as in this picture) or in front of markets, shopping complexes and major department stores. Make a “1” with your hand to ensure he is a driver and not a local waiting to pick his daughter up from school. (Jimmy)
At any street corners in Vietnam, we can find men with motorcycles willing to carry you anywhere. This mode of transport is known as "Honda Om" or Honda embrace. It is usually cheap and reliable although the fare should be negotiated before commencing the journey. The biggest problem is explaining the destination to the driver. So travelers should bring a pen and paper or a map.(Source)
They are motorbike taxis on which you ride behind the driver. They can be found very easily in the streets, and it’s often they who find you and propose their services. An average 3000-5000 dong should be expected to go in a place in the same district, 10000-15000 dong to cross the city. (Source)
Xe om (motorbike taxis, pronounced ‘‘see ohm’’). Xe om refer to the motorbike taxis that are available on most street corners. They are usually men sitting on or near their motorbikes which are parked on the street corner as advertisement of their availability. They are usually watching for customers so it is easy to get their attention with a little hand wave. "Om" means to hug and you may do this if it makes you feel safer but you will probably surprise the driver if you do. Negotiate fare in advance: rides within 2 - 3 km should be about VND5,000. They have the advantage of being able to enter all streets off limits to cyclos as well as many of the narrow alleys cars cannot access. They are sometimes called "Honda om" because of the ubiquitous Honda motorbikes. They are available everywhere! (Michael Rosanes)
(To be continued here)
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kajspice, PSYOPS, nicol_g has marked this note useful
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Hello Thahn! Fancy POV here that really makes the scene come alive, bursting with energy. Such a strong SAIGON shot- I like it very much.
Best wishes,
Francis
Cannot disagree with Francis: your POV made the picture. Besides, you have successfully captured the moment as the driver set his both legs on the bike. This gives me a lot of memory by the time I spent in 'Nam.
Thanks,
Dear Thanh,
I will most likely give the driver a 'hug' :) (of fear).
Very well built the image - it's bold, it's alive (as Francis sais).
Kind regards.
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