Since the reunification of Vietnam in 1976, they have competed as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, attending every Olympics from 1980 onwards with the exception of 1984.

The present Vietnam Olympic Committee was formed in 1976 and recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1979.

Vietnam won its first medal at the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney, when Trần Hiếu Ngân took home a silver in Taekwondo in the Women's -57 kg category.

Vietnam won its first gold medal at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, when shooter Hoàng Xuân Vinh was victorious in the Men's 10m air pistol event.

With a lack of investment in competing in the Olympics,[1] Vietnam has sent an average of only around 12 athletes per game until Tokyo 2020.