Trump-Kim talks

Since U.S. ties improved, Vietnam's growth has surged. "North Korea is now like Vietnam in the past. They are looking for new ways to get out of their isolated situation," says a Vietnamese analyst.

Analysts weigh the possible offers North Korea's leader could make later this month in Vietnam.

Investors from across China have flooded to Dandong, the commercial gateway to the Korean Peninsula.

The talks are still expected to happen next month in Singapore, despite North Korea's threats to back out. The South Korean president is playing mediator to keep things on track.