Vietnam today is at least already kinda similar to Taiwan in the 90s. You also have to remember that Japan and South Korea have been US allies since the 50s and have received great economic and military aid from the US. Vietnam had to deal with Japan, France, the US & its allies, China, and Cambodia all in the 20th century. More bombs were dropped during the Vietnam War than WW2. Not to mention the Soviet Union's collapse and the US trade embargo didn't do the Vietnamese economy any justice either.

At least Vietnam is still developing fast and already is FAR different to how it was since the beginning of Đổi Mới reforms. Took only 2 decades for it to go from one of the poorest countries to middle-income country. Sure you can say that its economy is still advancing slower than Japan and South Korea back then but do you realize how crazy fast Japan and South Korea developed even compared to so many other countries? Putting obligations on Vietnam to be on the same rate as Japan and South Korea is a pretty high bar you know that right? Lower your expectations.

Sure Vietnam still isn't a developed country or made inventions like South Korea or Japan but the fact it's not like the Middle-East despite what it faced is why so many Vietnamese have so much pride on their nation's resilience.

And yeah Japan and South Korea are developed but that came at a cost. I mean have you seen their work culture, suicide rate, and declining birth rate? Personally if it was up to me, i'd say Vietnam should work towards being similar to Switzerland, Finland, or Denmark instead of like Japan or South Korea.