Vietnam has shown impressive growth since 1985, going from one of the world's poorest countries to one with the fastest growth rate. This study looks at different policies and their impact on the poor, poverty and inequality during early reforms, ways to increase income for rural poor through agriculture, the importance of infrastructure for poverty, nonfarm household enterprises, private transfers, school enrollment trends, private health care providers, malnutrition, and the link between income and fertility. The findings suggest that Vietnam's transition has had significant effects on various aspects of household welfare, including income, education, health care, and nutrition.