The sounds of Saigon Radio, muggy summer weather, mangoes and guava have combined to make Florida a home away from home for thousands of Vietnamese and other Asians. The sounds of Saigon Radio, muggy summer weather, mangoes and guava have combined to make Florida a home away from home for thousands of Vietnamese and other Asians. In the past decade the state's Asian population has increased by almost 78 percent, according to new 2000 census figures released Wednesday. One of the largest concentrations of Asians is found in Orlando, where thousands of Vietnamese have moved into the Colonialtown area, about three miles from downtown. It is obvious the Vietnamese have made an impact on the city.
Asian restaurants abound, offering everything from sub sandwiches to steaming bowls of pho.
Video rental stores boast of their selections of karaoke CDs. It's comfortable for them, and feels like their hometowns. Much of the Asian influx into Florida comes from Vietnamese who lived in other large American cities, such as New York and Chicago, but found winters too cold there. Along with sharing tropical weather, Florida and Vietnam also have access to the same food, which can make the transition easier for immigrants. You can get that over here.