Amid the Asian financial crisis and mass protests, President Suharto resigns after 31 years in power, opening Indonesia's Reformasi era.
The ancient town of Hội An and the Cham sanctuary of Mỹ Sơn are inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Ho Chi Minh City Securities Trading Center begins trading, launching Vietnam's stock market.
President Bill Clinton announces the normalisation of diplomatic relations with Vietnam.
Vietnam becomes the seventh member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Hạ Long Bay is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural value.
President Bill Clinton announces the lifting of the US trade embargo on Vietnam.