In the past decade, due to many difficulties and limitations in applying the current system of institutions and laws to local realities, the Communist Party, the Government, and the National Assembly of Vietnam have started to pilot distinctive policy mechanisms for socio-economic development in certain provinces/cities. This initially brought positive results for the localities in many aspects. However, the issuance of distinctive mechanisms is still heavily based on a seeking-permission mechanism, not truly grounded in the uniqueness, potential, and strengths of the localities. Therefore, in the long run, the piloting of distinctive policy mechanisms needs to focus on equality between localities that have similar development conditions, creating consistency in management. Based on the study of mechanisms, policies, and the actual implementation of distinctive policies in certain localities, this article looks at assessing the practical application of distinctive mechanisms for development in some provinces/cities and suggests some adjustment recommendations.In the past decade, due to many difficulties and limitations in applying the current system of institutions and laws to local realities, the Communist Party, the Government, and the National Assembly of Vietnam have started to pilot distinctive policy mechanisms for socio-economic development in certain provinces/cities. This initially brought positive results for the localities in many aspects. However, the issuance of distinctive mechanisms is still heavily based on a seeking-permission mechanism, not truly grounded in the uniqueness, potential, and strengths of the localities. Therefore, in the long run, the piloting of distinctive policy mechanisms needs to focus on equality between localities that have similar development conditions, creating consistency in management. Based on the study of mechanisms, policies, and the actual implementation of distinctive policies in certain localities, this article looks at assessing the practical application of distinctive mechanisms for development in some provinces/cities and suggests some adjustment recommendations.