Vietnam was devastated by war and the strictures of communism when U.S. soldiers left the country more than 30 years ago. Today it boasts the second fastest growing economy in Asia.



William B. Ketter, CNHI's vice president of news, observed the country's significant progress, as well as obstacles to its growth, during a recent two-week visit. The trip was occasioned by an eight-day motorcycle vacation down portions of the infamous Ho Chi Minh trail.



Ketter's impressions form the basis of a three-part series.



Vietnam Today: Capitalism, tourism and technology draw country out of the past