As an American Service MBR, three tours NAM in a serious combat background, can I go to Viet Nam and feel safe

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Shiloh

When I was first in Viet Nam, I was in I Corp as a member of MACV; an advisor. I lived with the Vietnamese and fought with them until I was wounded and returned home. I have also been back three times! My first return trip was in '94, second in '96 and my last in '98 which was to the north to see a friend who had become the Ambassador to Viet Nam from the US. It was also the land of my soon to be wife at the time, Ha Noi and Hai Phong. All of my return trips were by myself. I first arrived in Viet Nam as a single replacement and had to hitch-hike from Dong Ha to my unit in Quang Tri, so returning alone seemed normal to me. On my last trip to the north, my soon to be wife was more apprehensive then I. She was wasting her concern. All my trips back, to include a trip out to the A Shau valley was interesting and only a little apprensive. Now, things are even safer I understand, so no need to be overly concerned, just the amount one might have going to a 3rd world country; shots, small medical bag, reasonable safety ideas (NO travel at night is best) and when I went, lots of brand new $1.00US for all sorts of reasons. My last trip out by myself was in 2000 to Cambodia. Another cool trip that did, like Viet Nam, brought up a few ghosts, but they went away.If not comfortable on your own, there are many travel organizations as well as Veteran groups going back.
All trips were worth it!!!!! Even getting soaked on a motorbike looking for an old firebase, west into the mountains out of Hue.I hope this gives you a bit of information, dispels a few of the apprehensions of returning and wets your appetite to have a look again. I always go back to SEA no sooner then November when the rain is off a bit and the temp and bugs are down a little. December is ok but that is the Christmas season for the Catholics and Jan thru March is Tet for all Vietnamese, so hard to get a seat. This is a lot of information, but if I can help with more, I will try. I can be reached here and at usvietvhy@earthlink.net. "Feeling safe" will be up to you tho.

Yes. Definitely. Let's just say you or any American for that matter will be safer in Vietnam than you are even in your own city in the US! International statistics on crimes and traffic accidents have proven that fact. Additionally, the Vietnamese have chosen to put the past aside and look forward to the future and have welcomed many US combat veterans back to visit their country. Go to the following likns for more in formation:
http://www.topvietnamveterans.org/, http://members.tripod.com/post_commander/id26.html, http://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/vietnam/muller_chat.html

David L

first of all, welcome home! Three tours is a lot. Not sure what your frame of mind is at this point, but if you are like me, if I went there, I would probably get an urge to shoot someone.
However, vietnam has one of the fastest growing economies in the world today. Can you feel safe? I wouldn't.
Although you probably would be safe. Its all perception.
good luck.
(Danang '65)

dani ng

yes, of course. It's in past. Go to VN and feel a new country
Have fun

ckm1956

It's probably safe to go there. Whether or not you'd FEEL safe is another story.

Going back will doubtlessly bring back a lot of memories. You might consider going with a group of fellow vets. Guys who've been through what you went through.

Best of luck. Thanks for your service.

flightmedicine

You will feel safe. I have been back 5 times since the war, the last July 2006. I enjoy it so much I found a Vietnamese wife in 1996 and we have an 8 year old daughter. We stay with family in Hue and have travelled all over the country. It is beautiful now, since the war is over, and the people are very friendly. You will have a nice time seeing all your old places, now at peace. It will clear your mind and might make you feel better, it did me. We will be going back this summer again for a month. Cheers and good luck.

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