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Vietnam remains mostly an agricultural nation, mired in the farming methods of the 19th century. Women in conical hats still harvest the rice, one stalk at a time.
Larry Hall / For CNHI News Service


Water buffalo are common to the Vietnamese countryside. They are used for ploughing fields, transporting goods from farm to market and for food.
Brian Dennis / For CNHI News Service


Hoang Ngoc Minh, 26, a motorcycle tour guide from Hanoi, describes the contrast between Vietnam's 19th century farming techniques and 21st century Internet availability as "strange" and yet part of the country's charm.
Gary Powell / For CNHI News Service


Internet access is available throughout Vietnam. Even remote towns have Internet cafes, like this one in Phong Nha.
Bill Ketter / CNHI News Service


Hoang Ngoc Minh, 26, a motorcycle tour guide from Hanoi, describes the contrast between Vietnam's 19th century farming techniques and 21st century Internet availability as "strange" and yet part of the country's charm. (Photo by Gary Powell)
Gary Powell / For CNHI News Service


Vietnam: Tied to the past, seeking the future

William B. Ketter
CNHI News Service

Cars will inevitably replace two-wheel transportation as people gain wealth in the new Vietnam, says Binh. When that happens, they will need a reliable reference source on what kind of automobiles to buy and how to maintain them, something he expects his magazine to provide.

“It can’t miss,” he asserts.

For now, however, there are more than 20 million motorcycles, motorbikes and scooters in Vietnam, and fewer than 750,000 cars and trucks. The result is an urban sea of cycles constantly honking their horns.

Navigating this chaos is perilous. Traffic rules don’t apply, stop lights and signs are mostly nonexistent, and crossing the street by foot or driving through an intersection puts your life at risk. More than 40 traffic fatalities occur every day, making Vietnam one of the highest road death countries in the world.

The key to avoiding injury and staying alive is “always move forward. Don’t step back or stop in your tracks,” said Margie Mason, an Associated Press correspondent in Hanoi.

Good advice whether you’re walking across the street or riding a motorcycle.



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