I'll take a stab at it.

Chinese control of parts of modern day Vietnam began around 111 BC. During this time there were rebellions that were successful, but only controlled small portions of the country and did not remain independent very long, having fallen back under Chinese control, until Vietnam's independence was won in the 1700's.

The French invaded in 1862, but did not control the whole of Vietnam until 1884.

The Japanese invaded Vietnam in 1940. The pro-Vichy government was allowed to continue to govern, but Japanese troops were stationed across the country.

After the Japanese defeat, the Viet Minh controlled the country for a short period of time, until the French returned in late 1945. The French retook the country by 1946 and ruled until 1954, after being beaten by the Viet Minh.

The US technically never ruled or invaded Vietnam, but the US was actively involved militarily in Vietnam from 1955 until 1973.