Vietnam’s administrative landscape is undergoing a historic transformation in 2025, reducing its provincial-level units from 63 to 34 through a series of strategic mergers. This ambitious restructuring, approved by the Vietnamese government under Resolution No. 60-NQ/TW and Decision No. 759/QD-TTg, aims to streamline governance, boost regional connectivity, and enhance economic efficiency. For travelers planning a trip to Vietnam in 2025, these changes will reshape the way you explore the country, from the sprawling new Lam Dong province to the bustling mega-city of Ho Chi Minh City. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Vietnam province mergers 2025 and how they impact your travel plans.
Overview of Vietnam’s Administrative Restructuring
As of July 1, 2025, Vietnam’s new administrative map will consist of 28 provinces and 6 centrally governed cities, down from 63 provincial-level units. This Vietnam administrative restructuring eliminates district-level governance, creating a two-tier system (provincial and commune levels). While 11 provinces and cities, including Hanoi, Hue, and Quang Ninh, remain unchanged, 52 others have merged to form 23 new administrative units. These changes are designed to optimize resources, improve infrastructure, and enhance Vietnam’s appeal as a global tourism destination.
For tourists, this means new opportunities to explore larger, more connected regions with diverse attractions, from coastal beaches to highland retreats. Below, we break down the key mergers and their implications for Vietnam travel 2025.
Lam Dong: Vietnam’s Largest Province by Area
The merger of Lam Dong, Dak Nong, and Binh Thuan creates the largest province in Vietnam, spanning 24,233.1 km². With Da Lat City as its administrative center, the new Lam Dong province combines the Central Highlands’ lush landscapes with the South Central Coast’s vibrant tourism hubs.
Why It Matters for Travelers
Diverse Attractions: The expanded Lam Dong offers a unique blend of Da Lat tourism (known for its cool climate, pine forests, and flower gardens), Dak Nong’s mineral-rich landscapes and waterfalls, and Binh Thuan’s coastal gems like Mui Ne’s sand dunes and beaches.
Improved Connectivity: The merger enhances regional infrastructure, making it easier to travel between highland retreats and coastal resorts. Expect better roads and transport links by late 2025.
Sustainable Tourism: With Dak Nong’s renewable energy focus and Binh Thuan’s marine tourism, the new province is poised to become a hub for eco-friendly and adventure travel.
Travel Tip: Plan a multi-destination itinerary in Lam Dong, combining Da Lat’s romantic charm with Mui Ne’s beach vibes and Dak Nong’s off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Ho Chi Minh City: The Most Populous Mega-City
The merger of Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau forms a super-urban megacity with a population of approximately 13.5 million, making it Vietnam’s most populous administrative unit. District 1 remains the political and administrative hub, positioning this region as a powerhouse rivaling Southeast Asian hubs like Bangkok and Jakarta.
Why It Matters for Travelers
Urban Exploration: The expanded Ho Chi Minh City tourism scene combines the city’s vibrant urban energy with Binh Duong’s industrial and cultural sites and Ba Ria-Vung Tau’s coastal attractions, such as Vung Tau’s beaches and Con Dao’s pristine islands.
Economic Hub: As part of Vietnam’s Southern Key Economic Zone, this mega-city offers world-class shopping, dining, and nightlife, alongside improved port and transport infrastructure.
Tourism Potential: The merger creates a mega-port cluster with 99 seaports, enhancing cruise tourism and coastal connectivity.
Travel Tip: Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling markets and skyscrapers, then take a day trip to Vung Tau for beach relaxation or Con Dao for a tranquil island escape.
Hung Yen: The Smallest Province with High Population Density
The merger of Hung Yen and Thai Binh forms Vietnam’s smallest province by area, covering 2,514.8 km². Despite its size, the new Hung Yen province, centered in Hung Yen City, boasts a high population density of 1,265 people/km², reflecting the Red River Delta’s urbanized character.
Why It Matters for Travelers
Cultural Richness: The Red River Delta is known for its historical sites, traditional craft villages, and vibrant festivals. Hung Yen’s compact size makes it easy to explore these cultural gems.
Urban Accessibility: High population density means well-developed infrastructure, ideal for travelers seeking convenient access to local markets and historical landmarks.
Proximity to Hanoi: Hung Yen’s location in the Red River Delta makes it a perfect day trip from Hanoi, offering a blend of rural charm and urban vibrancy.
Travel Tip: Visit Hung Yen’s ancient temples and craft villages, such as Pho Hien, for an authentic cultural experience just a short drive from Hanoi.
Population Density Highlights: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hai Phong
The Vietnam province mergers 2025 have reshaped population dynamics:
Hanoi: Retaining its original structure, Hanoi leads with a population density of 2,555.5 people/km², making it a bustling hub for culture, history, and cuisine.
Ho Chi Minh City: With 1,565 people/km², the new mega-city offers a dynamic urban experience.
Hai Phong: Formed by merging Hai Duong and Hai Phong, this city has a density of 1,060 people/km² and is a key northern port destination.
Why It Matters for Travelers
High population density in these cities translates to vibrant urban centers with rich tourism offerings, from street food scenes to historical landmarks. However, expect busier attractions and plan your visits during off-peak times for a more relaxed experience.
Unchanged Provinces: Lai Chau and Beyond
Eleven provinces, including Lai Chau, Cao Bang, and Dien Bien, remain unchanged due to their unique geographic and demographic characteristics. Lai Chau, for instance, has Vietnam’s smallest population (489,300) and lowest population density (53.9 people/km²), offering a serene, rural escape in Northwest Vietnam’s mountainous terrain.
Why It Matters for Travelers
Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures: Lai Chau’s rugged landscapes and ethnic minority cultures make it a haven for adventure travelers and those seeking authentic cultural experiences.
Limited Urbanization: Expect fewer crowds and a slower pace, ideal for trekking, homestays, and exploring traditional markets.
Travel Tip: Combine a visit to Lai Chau with nearby Dien Bien for a deep dive into Vietnam’s northwest highlands, rich in history and natural beauty.
How the Mergers Impact Vietnam Travel in 2025
The Vietnam new provinces created by these mergers will enhance regional connectivity, making it easier for tourists to explore diverse landscapes within a single administrative unit. Here’s what to expect:
Improved Infrastructure: Larger provinces like Lam Dong and the Ho Chi Minh City mega-region will see upgraded roads, ports, and public transport, facilitating seamless travel.
Streamlined Tourism Services: The two-tier governance model reduces bureaucratic hurdles, potentially simplifying visa processes, permits, and tour operations.
Economic Growth: Merged regions like Ho Chi Minh City and Lam Dong are poised to become major tourism and economic hubs, offering new attractions, hotels, and activities.
Cultural Integration: Mergers bring together diverse cultural and economic strengths, creating richer travel experiences, from high-tech agriculture tours in Lam Dong to industrial heritage sites in Binh Duong.
Plan Your Vietnam Adventure in 2025
The Vietnam province mergers 2025 mark a new era for tourism, blending urban dynamism with rural charm across fewer, larger administrative units. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City, the serene highlands of Lam Dong, or the cultural heart of Hung Yen, these changes promise exciting opportunities for travelers. Stay updated with Govietnam.tours for tailored itineraries and expert guidance to explore Vietnam’s new administrative map.
Book Your Trip Today: Contact Govietnam.tours to plan your 2025 Vietnam adventure, customized to the new provinces and their unique offerings. Let us help you discover the best of Vietnam tourism changes in this transformative year!
