This study reviews research on human resource management (HRM) in the state, foreign invested and private sectors over the last four decades in Vietnam as it emerged into an increasingly important economic powerhouse. This has two purposes: reviewing and synthesizing the extant literature into key themes and outlining avenues for future research. Nine salient themes emerge and shows diversity in Vietnamese HRM systems. HRM system change in the state sector has had limited results. The transfer of HRM practices is prominent in multinational companies (MNCs) originating from developed countries, but lacking in MNCs from emerging economies. The private sector has realized the importance of formal HRM and attempted to implement policies. Further research is necessary to advance the literature and fill in research gaps.