Comments on: War Tourism in Vietnam

By: Alex

Alex — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 03:01:15 +0000

In reply to Phil. I agree, the lack of reflection in the museums and exhibits regarding the war were somewhat disturbing. Vietnam is a tough country to visit, I think. There's a lot to absorb.

By: Phil

Phil — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 07:28:15 +0000

Thanks Alex. Visiting Vietnam some years later, we visited the same places you did and experienced the same emotions. Ultimately though, we have come to the conclusion, as you eloquently stated regarding “victors writing their history” that modern day Vietnam is living a lie, in fact many lies.
The rampant kidnapping and murder of South Vietnamese (at least 35,000) teachers, doctors, policeman and politicians and the indiscriminate bombing and terrorism of the civilians by the Viet Cong goes unmentioned. The treachery of the north in breaking the peace accord also goes unmentioned, as does the executions and re-education camps that followed the fall of the South.
And ultimately the “utopia” of Communism led to increased infant mortality and a decreased standard of living compared to non-communist neighbouring Asian countries.
If a country cannot acknowledge and atone truthfully for its wrongs, its credibility and viability will always be suspect and precarious. A final thought for those that perished, their souls obliterated by propaganda and the desire for wealth.

By: Alex

Alex — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 04:12:59 +0000

In reply to Lech. Hey Lech! Thank you for the kind words, I do appreciate it. I was quite young and early in my travels when I visited Vietnam. I would be interested to go back now.

By: Lech

Lech — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 10:25:44 +0000

I visited Vietnam a month ago. I looked at this country from quite different perspective than you.
Firstly, the age, I remember times of Vietnam war. Secondly, location, at the time of Vietnam war I lived in Communist Poland so confrontation of my memories with facts was much easier.
Having this in mind I would like to congratulate you on a very thoughtful and sincere report of your experience and emotions.
Thank you.

By: Alex

Alex — Sat, 14 Jan 2017 08:05:36 +0000

In reply to Nathaniel Bozarth. Thanks for the tip, Nate! Much appreciated, I'd love to read it when I head back to Vietnam someday.

By: Nathaniel Bozarth

Nathaniel Bozarth — Sat, 07 Jan 2017 23:05:15 +0000

In reply to Alex. Hi Alex, I lost a few friends of our family to the Vietnam war and sadly never bothered to learn about it. I've read a zillion books about the war and finally found a great book that really explains it very clearly. "The Real History of the Vietnam War, by Alan Axelrod. Very easy read. Nate

By: Alex

Alex — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 06:08:20 +0000

In reply to Daniel Nguyen. Hey Daniel, thanks for your kind offer! That said, I'm not sure what you think I'm confused about. I was very appreciative of all the information and perspective I gained from this trip.

By: Daniel Nguyen

Daniel Nguyen — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 12:08:09 +0000

Hi Alex, Thank you for visit Vietnam
As a local of Saigon and a history lover, I’m very sorry for your confusion. If you come back to Saigon someday – It would be my pleasure to be your tour guide in Saigon. Maybe It would help you having a different view on the Vietnam war a more balanced view.

By: Alex

Alex — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 22:43:39 +0000

In reply to Jess.

Thank you so much for this insightful comment, Jess. It sounds like you are someone who would really get a lot out of these sights. I hope you make it to Vietnam at some point to see them for yourself — I’d love to hear your perspective 🙂

By: Jess

Jess — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 16:51:30 +0000

This was a really interesting read! I’m a Brit, and a lover or history. I’ve studied the Vietnam conflict at University and intend to visit Vietnam next year, as I love visiting the places I have learned about. I think one of the most important things to keep in mind when looking at the Viet Cong, is that they were first and foremost a nationalistic group attempting to reunify Vietnam following the longstanding occupation of the French. The US saw them primarily as a Communist state and aligned themselves on the wrong side during the conflict. A popular interpretation is that the US and the S. Vietnamese would never be able to subdue the North, because of this cause.

Nonetheless, none of this excuses the actions taken by either side during the conflict. I’m sure seeing it first hand must have been chilling to say the least. Having visited the trenches from WW1 that remain in Belgium, I can imagine visiting the sight were so many plotted to kill and were killed was unnerving.

I’m really enjoying reading your posts, and using them to help me plan my future trip. Thanks x

Jess