As global real-estate firms including those from Thailand put their investment plans for Vietnam on hold, the pain of a market crash is growing more evident in the once-booming economy as buyers scramble for cover and prices dive.
The region's newest "Tiger" economy was roaring just a year ago with its equity market the best performer in the world and economic growth rates rivalling those of China and India, and the envy of neighbours such as Thailand.
But today with soaring oil prices, the once-closed communist country that has since eagerly embraced capitalism has seen inflation reach 25%. Its equity markets are near a two-year low and the property sector has taken a beating as speculators lose their shirts.
