u/SnooComics3357

Hi all, I’m 27m from Czech republic, currently in Vietnam for 3 weeks. We had a great vacation, really interesting country and super friendly people.

Vietnam is officially a communist country, please help me understand a little but more how it works and how average people percieve it. We in Czechia (former Czechoslovakia) are a post-socialist country, had socialism from 1948 to 1989. Communism/socialism is today in Czechia perceived very negatively. Communists took away people’s property, closed the borders, took away free speech and political rights, religious freedom, many people were imprisoned etc.

From what I understand, in Vietnam its not the case. If I get it right, the country is politically communist (one ruling party, limited political rights) but economically its capitalist? (private businesses, import/export, open borders, not a central planning economy). Also if I get it right the people are on average pretty satisfied with the government because the country is better off than before. The communist symbols are visible across the country even in private premises.

Please correct me if im getting it wrong. Also would appreciate comments from locals of how they view the politics. Im aware of the distinction between Communism and socialism, I am more interested on the practical impact on life. Cheers!

Hi all, I’m 27m from Europe (Czech republic) and just spent 2 weeks as a roadtrip in west Malaysia with my wife and little kid.

We were interested mainly in nature, so apart from Kuala lumpur didnt visit any cities. Visited some obvious tourist spots (Taman Negara, Cameron Highlands), some less famous places (Pulau Kapas, Kuala Kubu Baru, Sungai Lembing). I have to say the nature is really amazing, all the rainforests, mountains, Waterfalls, the marine life. Food is good, people are nice - friendly, but not too pushy.

On the other hand many things were strange for me. At most places I didnt feel welcome to explore the nature. From Europe Im used to that nature is accessible for everyone and the goverments dont give you any restrictions in that regard and support the healthy lifestyle of going hiking etc. In Europe Apart from national Parks you are allowed to enter the nature however you like, even the national parks are free to go, you just need to stay on the track. If some trail is closed, there is a particular reason for it (endangered species nesting or something). In northern Europe even camping anywhere is permitted without restricrions.

In Malaysia I felt the opposite: In every forest I wanted to go, every hill I wanted to hike is a permit needed and in many cases also a guide. There were no information whatsoever, just when we wanted to enter the forest, there was a sign that I need a permit, otherwise I’m commiting a criminal offence and can be jailed up to 3 or even 7 years (????) Its not just Taman Negara national park, but everywhere in any forest where are tourist trails. For the permit apparantly you need to go apply physically at the government body, at least for me as a foreigner.

Do you consider it normal to need a permit or a guide when you want to walk some short track in a forest on a tourist path? I literally picked easy half day hikes that I went with a toddler on my back and I need a guide? For me it really feels like from some absurd drama or a Kafka novel about a bureaucratic hell.

Another thing that irritated me was the double standard for local folks and foreigners. Not only I have to pay the foreign tax every night at every hotel, but many prices were much higher (even like four times higher) than for locals. Dont get me wrong, I totally get that the country wants money from tourism, but this felt quite hostile. Many people told me I’m welcome in Malaysia, but when i have to pay higher entry fee just because Im not local, I dont feel welcome, I feel like a walking money bag. I am from Prague which is one of the top world tourist spots so I know that over tourism has many downsides, but I would feel awkward if my country/city officially demanded much higher prices from tourists than locals for the same services.

Thank you if you read it all, I would appreciate your comments to my experience.