Tell me what you think about Vietnam ?

Question

Ho Chi Minh City

Answer 1

I had a unique experience to be in Vietnam as a child before the Fall of Saigon. I was born in America and went with my Mom and Brother to visit family in Vietnam before we weren't able to anymore. I was there long enough to start school in Saigon.

Saigon then is much different than Saigon is today. The primary mode of transportation back then was the cyclos. Lots of bicycles, motorbikes and jeeps were there along with lots of U.S. servicemen. There were not many tall buildings in Saigon, because tall buildings are easy targets for Viet Cong bombs. The fighting was many miles away when I was there (1971), and living in Saigon was not all that dangerous then. It was very green and it rained a lot.

I remember my school in Saigon very well. My kindergarten class must have had forty kids, three teaches and one lady that I called “The Dragon Lady.” She always wore beautiful red ao dai and had a switch in her hand. She would smack a kid on the hands if they weren’t paying attention.

Like some who had negatively answered this question, I developed a strong hatred towards Vietnam for many years. My hatred was fueled from my family who escaped or refugee from Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon. More fuel came from what I learned of how the con lai (American-Vietnamese kids) were treated in Vietnam. I had plenty of reason to never visit Vietnam ever again, and refused to go on several opportunities until a few years ago. That first trip convinced me that my reasons for not going were wrong and unwarranted. Since then, I’ve visited Vietnam a few times, got married there and looking forward to more visits and possibly moving there in the future.

There is not much of Saigon today that I remember when I was a kid. It is a huge bustling city that is growing by leaps and bounds. Lots of tall buildings and lots more being built all the time. It is the most cosmopolitan city in all of Vietnam with influences from other Asian cultures as well as Western culture. Many of the famous sites from before the Fall of Saigon, such as the Presidential Palace and The Rex Hotel, are still there but in a much more modern setting. Lots and lots of tourists from all over the World come to Saigon – including lots of Vietnam Veterans.

I have met many Vietnam Veterans in Vietnam, and most of them are surprised in their experiences there. Most all of them find a sense of closure in their own way. Many fall in love with the country and decide to live there permanently. Ong Jon’s story is one of the best that I’ve heard. One of these days, he’s going to move to Nha Tran permanently and probably become their mayor.

My hometown in Vietnam is Saigon. I’ve traveled all over Vietnam and lived in Hanoi for two month. However, Saigon always feels like home to me. I hope that describes how I feel about Saigon well enough.

To those that continue to think negatively about Vietnam, all I can say is that you’re living in the past. The War ended over 30 years ago. Communism in Vietnam then is nothing like communism is there today. The Vietnamese have moved on with their lives, and you should too.

Answer 2

Behave people.  Of course we all know you're just racist? - Nguoi My va nguoi Tay Phuong rat la hon lao! - Ke no!

If you have nothing better to do - Go to Vietnam right now and let's see how far you go without getting caught.  Btw, love you long time is sorta-outdated. Go suck yourselves.

Vietnamese communists suck too!

You guys need to step outside abit..

Answer 3

many changes , beyond yr imagination

fly to hanoi - the capital . i'd show u places of intersest for free, as i used to work as a tourist guide . mail me

mail & ym  [e-mail]

fone  049037584   0914339439

Answer 4

it sucks, keep it over there

Answer 5

I spent 16 wonderful days touring Vietnam.  The food was excellent, accomodation was terrific and the sight seeing spectacular.  Found the people extremely friendly and a very safe country to visit. Everything was very cheap and would recommend Vietnam to anybody.  Very hot and the humidity was hard to cope with but just made sure I stayed in an air-conditioned room in the middle of the day.  Favourite part was the North - central was very touristy - South is becoming Westernised and losing its traditional charm.

Answer 6

It's a great country and a marvelous people. They didn't ask to be part of the war. They work hard, they acculturate, and their food is FANTASTIC!

Answer 7

it's my home away from home. and in my heart its been that way for 40 yrs. when i am there for 6 weeks i'm ready to come back to the usa but when i'm here for 6 days i'm ready to go back to vn...... THOI!

Answer 8

I think it is a struggling country slowly improving.  It is full of a hardy tough people that will excell given the opportunity and many flourish in the USA.

Answer 9

Food is great! Lot's of good food, sight-seeing & people are very nice there! Enjoy when you are there.