Hanoi – Vietnam is officially recognized as a communist nation. You can spot the hammer and sickle on balconies and streetlights throughout the city.
The image of Ho Chi Minh, affectionately referred to as “Uncle,” appears on all local currency. The ruling Communist Party maintains strict control, discouraging opposition and a free press.
Yet, life in Hanoi feels surprisingly easygoing, almost spontaneous. It’s not like the grim authoritarianism depicted during the Cold War. Instead, it’s a government that manages with a firm but gentle touch.
After spending a few weeks in Hanoi, I’ve been grappling with an interesting contradiction. Can a place lacking civil liberties be perceived as more free and orderly than American cities like San Francisco or Washington?
Hanoi is alive with energy. Street vendors serve food on sidewalks, and a man plays shuttlecock near a makeshift net. The sidewalks are multifunctional—serving as places for barbers, scooter parking, and cafes. There are rules in place, but they aren’t rigidly enforced. You might park on the curb, start a business with minimal hassle, and leave your phone unattended at a cafe without much worry about theft.
The difference in public safety is striking. Children play on busy streets without supervision, and elderly folks walk alone after dark. There are hardly any visible homeless camps or open drug use, and I felt safer walking home late at night than I often do in parts of D.C.
Government presence is noticeable but not oppressive. If you don’t criticize the Communist Party, you’ll likely be left alone. When I asked a friend what she’d do if she stood near a Ho Chi Minh statue, she replied, “I wouldn’t do anything, but I’d never put myself in that situation.” Then she added sincerely, “I love him.”
From a young age, Vietnamese children are educated to respect their founders, similar to how American children once honored figures like Washington and Jefferson.
Healthcare here also feels refreshingly efficient. When I required treatment for a minor issue, I secured an appointment the same day at a public hospital. A helpful translator met me at the entrance. I waited about 20 minutes before being attended to by four skilled medical staff. I was out in an hour, complete with a prescription and a voucher for a free meal—all for under $60. No complex insurance paperwork involved.
The government’s response to COVID was also practical. They enforced quarantines and sent soldiers to deliver food. Unlike their neighbor, China, Vietnam recognized when to ease restrictions once vaccinations became available. There was oversight, but also a level of adaptability.
I’m not suggesting we should swap the American system for Vietnam’s. It’s a tough reality behind the calm and functionality, and ultimately, it’s the only truth that truly matters. Vietnam remains one of the most repressive countries in Asia.
The Communist Party does not tolerate serious dissent. Independent journalism is almost nonexistent, and elections are mere performances. Critics have faced imprisonment or worse. I noticed a recent magazine cover featuring a new Vietnamese leader, and while I write this, I can’t help but think my visa may be revoked before my scheduled departure.
Freedom House notes that Vietnam scores just 19 out of 100 on its Freedom Index, comparable to Saudi Arabia. Many political prisoners are enduring harsh conditions, including bloggers and environmental activists. Students even have to take courses in Marxist Leninism and “Ho Chi Minh Thought.” There’s no space for protests, competitive elections, or an independent judiciary. The internet is under constant surveillance, allowing for some criticism but with caution.
The trade-off is clear: social stability and economic progress in exchange for silence. Some may find that appealing, but it’s not a deal I’m inclined to accept.
Despite the dysfunctions in America—deficits, partisan divides—we still have fundamental freedoms. We can express our opinions, publish what we want, protest, practice our beliefs, and organize without fear. Our institutions have flaws, yet they remain open to reform. Our courts operate independently, and our media is free. There’s no need for whispering or pretending.
In Hanoi, I could take evening strolls without worry. In Washington, I can speak openly without fear. Both freedoms are essential for a truly functional society, but the latter holds even greater significance.
Safe streets and reliable services aren’t inherently authoritarian. A capable democracy should enable both freedom and order. The current issues in the U.S. stem more from governance failures than from a lack of freedom.
Fifty years ago, America withdrew from war-torn Vietnam. Today, Vietnam is thriving—prosperous, orderly, and, in some ways, functioning better than the nation that once sought to reshape it.
However, functionality comes at a cost. Vietnamese Communism may be more effective than Cuba’s and might not be as authoritarian as China’s, but it highlights what is lost when freedom of expression, dissent, and choice are curtailed. You might achieve order and perhaps even peace, but you live under conditions that are imposed upon you, and that’s a deal I can’t accept.
