Why do rural areas have little choice?

I'm not exactly sure what you mean, but maybe because it's rural.

In most every country there is a movement from rural areas to urban areas. VietNam is not alone in this.

The opportunities for advancement are greater; the opportunities for education and learning greater.

The quality of life is less - you can't beat the rural areas for healthy living.

The economies achieved by serving a densely populated area are natural, although the National Government has proactively been trying to reduce the differences.

As China has discovered, rural areas are essential for the sustenance of a nation. When their farmers decided to flex their muscles, a little, BeiJing sat up and took notice.

Likewise in VietNam, if farmers decided to grow just enough  for themselves, the urban areas would be in deep doo-doo as they were 28 years ago.

They deserve special services, the investment is well justified.

If the farmers get their act together they can become rich - but I guess the govenment won't let that happen.

The fishers down this way are doing OK. The best fish never make it to Saigon - the hotels and top end restaurants have agents crawling around the docks waiting for the fish to get landed.

The boat captain's sons seem more interested in going to Saigon, too, so there is another challenge.