They may be partly right only. IF there was no proper and strong government in Vietnam - today Vietnam would be mired with not only problems of Poverty, but also extreme crime scene similar to Moscow, and terror and anarchy like you have in Laos and Cambodia. The prostitution, crime and other evils also come in the package of liberty and freedom. People compete with each other, work harder and even engage in unlawful activities as they want to be better than their neighbors. But fortunately, due to an embedded noble culture, the Vietnamese of South or North are still less corrupt and criminal minded than many other countries of Asia.
Most people behave in extremely decent manner.
The culture is still a tradition. Folks are friendly, warm, open and readily will go to great lengths to satisfy you. They mean business when they say business . NOW, one thing we must keep in mind. Vietnam is definitely open for business but Vietnamese government wants to open gradually first a few small windows and than larger doors.