>>rent car and driver for about $50/day<<
I’m a 747 captain and have laid over in SGN 3 times. I find it an interesting dichotomy. On the one hand, the economy is capitalist, but their govt. is most definitely communist. I’ve only done organized tours but considering how entrepreneurial the common folk are, I’m sure you could engage a car and driver and tour guide for a decent sum. Be prepared, however to hear references to the American imperialists. The population is very young and few remember anything about the conflict except what they were taught in school. However, I found no animosity toward Americans at all. In fact, the country folk want to move to the city, and the city folk want to move to the US.
I’m told that when speaking to VN indig, especially the 20-30 year-olds or any gmvt officials, don’t deny you were there, but tell them you were a cook or a clerk.
>>>>the country folk want to move to the city, and the city folk want to move to the US
Same as 40 years ago. They all wanted to go Trans-Pac to the Big PX.
When I go back I hear nothing at all about “Western Imperialists.” The commies are too intent on being America’s friend. They have made many changes due to American pressure and will make many more. They will balk at the point where they see they must lose their jobs. They will lose them anyway, eventually.