For those who have been there and come out of it (and others), what is the country of Vietnam like today?

Question

Most of us haven't been there, and our minds are filled with the ugly 40-year-old images of a ravaged country at war. What does the ratio of Communism-to-market economy of the country seem like? Is it primarily a tourist economy? And lastly, does any of war years still exist in the thinking and day-to-day life of the country?

Answer 1

I didn't go to the war. But my step-father did as a Marine Recon and has made many trips back to vietnam since then, one of which in 2001 I accompained him on.

The country is beautiful and very friend towards american's now in my opinion. The hills are as lush and green as ever and the people, although technically communist, seem to support americans and encourage there tourism.

I spent about a month there, dividing my time between Hanoi/Hue/Danang/Saigon (ho chi mhin city). If you asked my stepdad he would probably say there are more anti-american feelings in hanoi, obviously cuz it is in north vietnamese, but i never once encoutered a single person there who was rude or acted as if we were unwanted.

The country has turned towards tourism but you don't even notice it. There are still tons of poor vietnamese all over the place who couldn't seem happier with their subtle lives. The cyclo-pousse is still up and running as is the Hanoi opera. We did a walk by of the "Hanoi Hilton" (POW Camp) but nothing more. There are tons of war memorials and it is quite interesting to see the war through the communist vietnamese eyes as opposed to all the schooling and independent research I have done, which is mostly american based opinions and "Facts".

I would definitely recommend a visit there and infact I plan to go there next year myself. It is a beautiful country with many great structures and memorials and places to visit. The people are very friendly and I don't notice any of the war time attitude in today's time that I imagine was there in the past.

Answer 2

I have been there numerous times as a civilian. (personal history; Marine vet, post Vn, non combat) I never saw the devestation of the war.
I think the only thing that grew back faster than the vegetation was the inate friendliness of the Vietnamese people. The problem with the media is that once the tragedies of life are over, it's time to move on (with no follow-up). You will find great stories about Vietnam these days in the business section of your local paper. Breaking news is never about happiness. Business news is.
The government is quite happy to control the country and leave the money making to the entrepeneurs. They get a hefty cut out of taxes and bribes.
To answer your questions piece-meal: If you are not Vietnamese, it will be a tourist economy. Think haggling. If you can't haggle you'll be eaten alive. If you are a true capitalist, you might want to invest in any of the hundreds of industries that Vietnam is competing in within the world market economy. If you would like to buy a new Mercedes-Benz or perhaps a small ocean going tanker, google Vietnam Economic News.
Lastly, Vietnam has fought many wars for their independence. They are a proud people, they've beat everyone who has ever messed with them. The "American" war is just another chapter of their history. They won't hold it against you. (I fly an American flag when I am residing at one of our properties). If you can find a Viet friend or acquaintence to accompany you on your trip, you'll enjoy it much more.

Answer 3

It's very beautiful! Especially during the Tết~

Please erase all ugly images and thoughts you have of vietnam because it's a good experience to be there.

I was born and raised in Canada and last year was my first time in Vietnam. Before I went, I also had very odd images, such as I thought it would be a very poor, and country-like... However, when I stepped foot in Saigon, I was "woooow" the motorbikes were an interesting change, and the food was awesome~

Oh, and the market-place was also a very interesting touch to the culture of vietnam! It was filled with wondrous things I never got to experience living in an developed country! The food was also interesting~ because I was living with my grandparents, the showed me the great food that was sold in stands and alley stores (like the hotdog stands over here) instead of restaurant, so they were very cheap~ AND VERY TASTY compared to restaurant cooked meals.

Also downtown Saigon was flocked with tourist when I was there. They were taking pictures of monuments, decorations, clothes...etc.

During my stay, I also went to a village near Hanoi (or was it Hue... I forgot but all the villages are nice), it was very ethreal, and a bit different from Saigon...but the air was refreshing! It was much cleaner than anything that I experienced.

Answer 4

Vietnam today is like the past
they still sell stuff on streets very cheap
like food and supplies, clothing,etc.
it is a very great country
there are always a crowd on the street
so u better watch out when u cross the street
i dont think wars exist in vietnam today
also their houses now are very pretty and fancy with more than 1 floor
it is quite loud there since there's always people taliking and chatting on the sidewalk and shops
there supplies in gift shops are way cheaper than in other places
their foods are really good too
you should visit it someday...it's a great country
im going there this summer with my family

Answer 5

Come quick; I have been here almost two months. Before I started my trip to HCM City, Vietnam, I carry the same questions and pre-judgement of that country myself. I was so wrong and who ever told me about that country has completely mis-guided and mis-informed me about Vietnam and the Vietnamese people [reason- I think is purely prejudice]. However if you are a McDonald fast food friend, don't come because McDonald restaurants are not in Vietnam yet [at least not in HCM City]. However don't worry, plenty of Kentucky fried chicken joins here [ I wonder why]. Find out your answer to each of your question yourself and nonetheless you will never regret to visit this country.

Answer 6

It's beautiful there now. It's very crowded in HCM city because of all the traffics and buildings. However, Da Lat is the best place that I went to over the summer. I spent 2 months straight there and if school didn't start too soon, I could've stayed for 3 to 4 months. It is stunning and beautiful. Just don't say anything stupid about the government and communists and you'll be fine, trust me. If you're planning to go, bring with you one of those mosquitoes/bug sprays before you get bitten by them, lol. Trust me, it's WORTH it..it's pretty cheap too

Answer 7

I would recommend a holiday in Vietnam to anyone. It has many beautiful places, great food, friendly people, reasonable hotels and cheap beer. I was there during the war and it has changed since then. We try to go there once every summer. We are going again to visit my wifes family this June/July. Have fun, enjoy. cheers

Answer 8

Been there a few times in 2005 & 2006. I love both Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi and would go back anytime. Interesting culture and nice food. People are generally friendly and hospitable.

Go visit!

Answer 9

I went this summer and it is very cool. People are selling stuff at the street so if you vist there if you get hungrey you can only walk about 5 steps! The thing that freaks me out is bugs that bite me and bugs who poop on your head! but it is very great someday please visit there it is a great experimance!

Answer 10

You would not realise you are in an ex communist country.......even after visiting Ho Chi Minh, all dressed for you. I
its economy is bustling!