In the late 70's, I remember the TV news footage of Vietnamese refugees but I never understood what it was all about: many fled Vietnam but why? Simply put, after the North Vietnamese victory, many unpleasant 'revolutionary' policies were ruthlessly instituted. Persecution of southerners and especially the ethnic Chinese led to a mass exodus in overcrowded and dangerous boats, crossing the South China Sea to the Philippines. Countless boats sank and countless died. The beach pictured below at Cua Dai, near Hoi An, was one such launching point for the desperate. Now its filled with sunseekers - and hawkers selling Cokes.
