Vietnam has one of the highest literacy rates and strongest economic growth numbers in all of Asia. It's not easy to forget Vietnam's pivotal position close to the epicenter of East Asian power and prosperity, for its cities' skylines are defined by clusters of glass-and-steel corporate HQs and sleek luxury hotels with chic rooftop bars, high-end restaurants and dance clubs.

While remnants of the American War can still be found in museums and souvenir shops, among the youthful population it's a fading history, as the country has simply moved on. It's a new age and the future is NOW.

Colorful Hội An can now be seen here in its own gallery: https://pbase.com/baldrich/hoian