Perhaps they are just unaware of the reality of the rest of the country. I live near Mexico and everyone around me is aware of the strife that goes on in Mexic

Perhaps they are just unaware of the reality of the rest of the country. I live near Mexico and everyone around me is aware of the strife that goes on in Mexico day-to-day. I wouldn't want to live there because of that but, when I visit, I either stay in those resort towns you mention and, when I'm not, I'm obviously a foreigner and am a source of tourism dollars as long as I stay in the right areas. If I had no idea of the normal conditions of the country, I'd have a much different idea of Mexico than I do. China is probably similar. News about bad things in China makes it the US. Maybe it's propaganda but it isn't _all_ propaganda. On the other hand, the only thing most people know about Vietnam is an 60 year old war (experienced through media) and the resort town and tourist attractions they visit. I'd guess that the idea of China is probably exaggerated in the American's mind (including mine) but it's probably more accurate than what they think of Vietnam.