Vietnam (officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam), has always interested me. A friend of mine is Viet/Italian, born here in the US, and she has told me some stories from her mothers side of the family, quite interesting. I was wondering if anyone has been there, how were you treated from locals, how long you stayed and what it cost? I have also been told is it still considered a poor country, why is this? Has their economy not gotten any better since the wars I wonder?