This article with the map of Vietnam and the overview of several regions is essential for every traveler visiting Vietnam, helping them to plan their itineraries properly. Whether you are interested in admiring the magnificent scenery in the North, exploring cultural heritage in the Central, or enjoying the pristine beaches of the South, it is a valuable resource for you. In this article, we will go through an overview of the country’s regions and its top tourist spots to visit.
Map Vietnam with Regions and Subregions
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is a diverse and captivating country situated in Southeast Asia. This S-shaped country covers an area of more than 331,000 square kilometers and stretches over 1,600 kilometers from north to south. It is bordered by China (north), the South China Sea (east and south), the Gulf of Thailand (southwest), and Cambodia and Laos (west).
The Vietnam map, with 63 provinces and cities, is divided into three separate regions: North, Central, and South. Each region has its own distinct culture, population, climate, and landscape. These three regions can be subdivided into eight subregions as shown above in the map.
The capital, Hanoi, is situated in the north, and the country’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon), is in the south. Known for its spectacular natural landscapes, delectable cuisine, and rich cultural heritage, Vietnam is also a popular tourist destination on the global tourism map.
Vietnam´s Regions and Subregions
Northeast Vietnam (Đông Bắc)
The Northeast region of Vietnam contains 9 mountainous provinces that lie north of the Red River lowlands, including Bac Giang, Bac Kan, Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Lang Son, Quang Ninh, Phu Tho, Thai Nguyen, and Tuyen Quang. Major industries include mining, forestry, and agriculture - crops grown include rice, tea, vegetables, and fruits.
Total area: 50,684 square kilometers
Population: about 8.6 million people (2015)
Density: 169 people per square kilometer
Climate: cool and foggy during long winters
Poplar tourist spots: Ba Be National Park (Bac Kan), Ha Giang Loop, Dong Van Karst Plateau, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Lung Cu Flag Tower (Ha Giang), Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, Mong Cai Border Gate (Quang Ninh), etc.
Northwest Vietnam (Tây Bắc)
This region, spanning 6 provinces along Vietnam's northern border with Laos and China including Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Son La, Yen Bai, and Hoa Binh, is mountainous and rural. The terrain is characterized by steep karst formations and deep river valleys. It features spectacular mountain scenery and ethnic cultural heritage.
Total area: 44,301 square kilometers
Population: over 4.4 million people (2015)
Density: 100 people per square kilometer
Climate: Warm summers, mild winters, with abundant annual rainfall
Poplar tourist spots: Sapa Town, Fansipan Peak, Muong Hoa Valley, Thac Bac Waterfall, Cat Cat Village (Lao Cai), Dien Bien Phu historic sites (Dien Bien), Lai Chau Town (Lai Chau), etc.
Red River Delta (Châu thổ sông Hồng)
This region, named after the Red River, is the economic and political heart of Vietnam. It has the smallest area but the highest population and population density of all regions. It encompasses 10 provinces - Bac Ninh, Ha Nam, Hanoi (the capital), Hai Duong, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Nam Dinh, Vinh Phuc, Thai Binh, and Ninh Binh. Major industries include agriculture and manufacturing as well as port activities concentrated in Hanoi and Hai Phong.
Total area: 14,957 square kilometers
Population: over 19.7 million people (2015)
Density: 1,318 people per square kilometer
Climate: Humid subtropical
Poplar tourist spots: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter (Hanoi), Tam Coc Bich Dong, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Trang An Complex, Bai Dinh Pagoda (Ninh Binh), Phat Tich Pagoda (Bac Ninh), Cat Ba Island (Hai Phong), etc.
North Central Coast (Bắc Trung Bộ)
The North Central Coast region encompasses 6 provinces in the northern half of the narrow central part of Vietnam: Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien Hue. The landscape varies from rugged mountains and hills near the Laos border to fertile plains and long beaches facing the South China Sea. Major economic activities include agriculture, fishing, salt production, and tourism.
Total area: 51,455 square kilometers
Population: over 10.4 million people (2015)
Density: 203 people per square kilometer
Climate: warm and humid year-round
Poplar tourist spots: President Ho Chi Minh Native Home, Sen Village, Cua Lo Beach, Pu Mat National Park (Nghe An), Pu Luong Natural Reserve (Thanh Hoa), Huong Tich Pagoda, Thien Cam Beach (Ha Tinh), Imperial City of Hue, Lang Co Beach (Hue), etc.
South Central Coast (Duyên hải Nam Trung Bộ)
This region contains 6 coastal provinces in the southern half of the central part including Binh Dinh, Binh Thuan, Danang, Quang Nam, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Phu Yen, and Quang Ngai. Major economic activities include agriculture, fisheries, and tourism centered around big coastal cities. The cuisine is famous for fresh seafood dishes.
Total area: 44,376 square kilometers
Population: over 9.1 million people (2015)
Density: 206 people per square kilometer
Climate: tropical, warm temperature and high humidity
Poplar tourist spots: Ba Na Hills, Dragon Bridge, Cu Lao Cham (Danang), Hoi An Ancient Town (Quang Nam), Vinh Hy Bay, Rai Cave, Ninh Thuan vineyard (Ninh Thuan), Ke Ga Cape, White Sand Dune (Binh Thuan), Nha Trang Beach, Ponagar Tower (Khanh Hoa), etc.
Central Highlands (Cao nguyên Trung phần)
The Central Highlands spans 5 mountainous inland provinces of Vietnam south-central (Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, and Lam Dong). This region is characterized by hilly and mountainous terrain and high biodiversity with unique flora and fauna. and is comprised of various ethnic minority groups.
Total area: 54,641 square kilometers
Population: over 5.6 million people (2015)
Density: 102 people per square kilometer
Climate: cool year-round with two distinct seasons of dry and rainy
Poplar tourist spots: Ta Dung Lake (Dak Nong), Dray Nur Waterfall, Bien Ho Lake, Pleiku Tea Hill (Gia Lai), Trung Nguyen Coffee Village, Yok Don National Park (Dak Lak), etc.
Southeast Vietnam (Đông Nam Bộ)
The Southeast region covers the lowland parts of southern Vietnam north of the Mekong Delta with 6 provinces including Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Binh Phuoc, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Tay Ninh. Its economy centers around Ho Chi Minh City, the largest metropolitan center of Vietnam. Other key industries include agriculture, fishing, and manufacturing.
Total area: 23,590 square kilometers
Population: over 16.1 million people (2015)
Density: 683 people per square kilometer
Climate: monsoonal rainfall patterns
Poplar tourist spots: Cu Chi Tunnel, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City), Vung Tau Beach, Cao Dai Temple (Tay Ninh), Cat Tien National Park (Dong Nai), etc.
Mekong River Delta (Đồng bằng Sông Cửu Long)
Also known as the Southwestern region, the Mekong River Delta contains 13 provinces including An Giang, Bac Lieu, Ben Tre, Ca Mau, Can Tho, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Long An, Tien Giang, Soc Trang, Tra Vinh, and Vinh Long. It is the country's major rice production hub. Beyond agriculture, the region also has productive fisheries and fascinating waterway communities only accessible by boat.
Total area: 40,576 square kilometers
Population: over 17,5 million people (2015)
Density: 434 people per square kilometer
Climate: tropical, with high temperatures and rainfall all year
Poplar tourist spots: Cai Be Floating Market (Tien Giang), Cai Rang Floating Market (Can Tho), Phu Quoc Island (Kien Giang), Tra Su Bird and Fish Sanctuary (Long An), Sam Mountain (An Giang), etc.
Final Words
Whether you are a first-time or experienced traveler to Vietnam, this informative Vietnam map highlights the country’s various regions and best-rated tourist destinations to visit. This resource simplifies your journey, enabling you to enjoy and maximize your travel experience in Vietnam fully.
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