VietNamNet Bridge – Those dropping by Tan Da and Mac Thien Tich streets just behind the HCMC Medical University Hospital in HCMC’s District 5 can see signs of stores and parking lots in both Vietnamese and Khmer.

The Khmer language can also be found on food menus.

Service people there can communicate in Khmer with customers, mostly Cambodians who come to the city for medical examinations and treatments at the hospital.

Tens of transportation companies in the neighborhood operate daily bus trips between Cambodia and HCMC. This is why the area is often referred to as the Cambodian quarter.

Stores receive a lot of customers from Cambodia. Their signs are also in Khmer. Many Cambodians stay at rented rooms around the HCMC Medical University Hospital to wait for medical examinations and treatments. Local vendors in the area have learned the Khmer language to communicate with their customers. All store signs are in both Vietnamese and Khmer,   Two Cambodian people get off a bus after a long journey from Cambodia to HCMC. Normally, Cambodian patients stay in HCMC for a couple of days for medical examination and treatment – Photos:  Thanh Hoa

SGT

Thanh Hoa