This article aims to explain the origins and formation of Europe's Vietnamese communities. It argues that emigration from post-war Vietnam (1975–1995) was a result of the dismantling of two models of Vietnamese society — the southern regime and the structures of socialism. However, the migration routes owe much to Vietnam's international relations in the Cold War. Isolation by western countries led to the formation of a Vietnamese community in Western Europe, consisting of refugees. At the same time, ties with the Soviet Union led to the formation of a community in Eastern Europe, consisting of guest workers. Two case studies present contrasting approaches to integration, and suggest possible alternate futures for Vietnamese communities in Europe.
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