Ho Chi Minh City Stories and Tips  Cyclo - a local institution
Those of you movie buffs may have seen depictions of cyclos on
the silver screen. Of the three well-known overseas Vietnamese
movies made in the last several years, two of them, Cyclo and
Three Seasons, have protagonists who are cyclo drivers. They are
indeed a Vietnamese institution, and no matter what you decide
to do in Saigon, getting onto a cyclo is a must experience once,
though many people who visited have preferred this as their
exclusive method of transportation.  The cyclo is a three-
wheeled rickshaw, which are usually pedaled by thin, battered
old men. The cyclo differs from the Chinese rickshaw in that it
is pedaled, not pulled, and because the seat is attached to the
front of the pedaling mechanism, you have a great view. You can
find cyclos anywhere in the city, so just flag down one. Cyclo
drivers are usually excellent city guides--they know every inch
of Saigon, so actually hiring one for the whole day is a great
way to see Saigon