Vietnam has opened its markets quite a bit in the past 10 years or so. There is a lot of entrepreneurialism around and people seem to be dressed nicely. According to the Lonely Planet though, poverty is rampant but I don't really see it.

Except for the soldiers, I wouldn't guess I was in a communist country (or socialist republic) at first face. I'm sure if I could speak to people it would be a different story.

Another interesting tid bit- I've read that Vietnam is the 13th or 14th (two sources had diff numbers) most populated country in the world. Once they figure out how to let in foreign investment and business, this place is going to change dramatcially.