Vietnam’s administrative structure
Vietnam’s governance is organized into four levels. For everyday travel, you mostly only notice the top one or two, but it helps to understand how they fit together:
- Provinces and centrally-run cities (top level)
28 provinces + 6 cities (like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang). These are the biggest units, similar to “states” in other countries. - Districts
Each province or city is divided into districts. These can be urban (like Hanoi’s Old Quarter is in Hoan Kiem District) or rural (like Mai Chau District in the northwest, known for rice valleys and stilt houses). - Communes
Districts are split into communes, which can cover several villages or small towns. For example, Du Gia — a popular stop on the Ha Giang Loop — is actually a commune. - Wards or villages
The smallest unit. Wards are urban neighborhoods, while villages are rural communities. This is the level you’ll often see on official forms (like when applying for an e-visa or giving your hotel address).
What this means for travelers
You don’t need to memorize Vietnam’s administrative system to get around. Buses, tours, and booking platforms mostly work with the province or city name. But having a rough idea helps you:
- Understand what places really are. A “famous town” may in fact be a district or commune with multiple villages inside it.
- Fill in forms correctly. On Vietnam’s e-visa, you’ll often be asked to choose the city and ward for your first accommodation.
- Read maps with more confidence. Knowing that “Mai Chau” isn’t a town but a district gives you context when you see it listed differently on Google Maps or booking sites.
If you want a deeper breakdown of how districts, communes, and wards work, check out our separate guide: Commune, Ward & Districts in Vietnam – How Does It Work?
The 34 Provinces of Vietnam (2025 Reform)
Why the Reform?
Vietnam has never had fixed provincial borders for very long. Since reunification in 1975, provinces have been merged, split, and renamed multiple times. Locals often still use the “old” names decades later, which is why you may hear different versions when asking for directions or reading older guidebooks.
In 2025, the government passed Resolution 60-NQ/TW, cutting the country from 63 provinces and cities down to 34 provincial-level units. The goal was to make administration leaner, reduce bureaucracy, and create larger, stronger regions that can handle infrastructure, investment, and tourism more effectively. For travelers, it means fewer province names to remember, and often larger regions that combine mountains, coast, and cultural sites under one administration.
Some provinces remained unchanged — for example, Hanoi and Quang Ninh stayed as they were. Others were merged into new, bigger units, such as Ha Giang joining Tuyen Quang, or Quang Nam becoming part of Da Nang. Understanding these changes is useful, because you’ll still hear old province names while traveling, but on official maps and booking systems, the new names are gradually taking over.
The 28 Provinces – Table Overview
Below is the updated list of Vietnam’s 28 provinces after the 2025 merger. This table shows the new province name, which older provinces were merged to form it (or if unchanged), and the administrative capital.
| Province (2025) | Merged from (or unchanged) | Administrative capital |
|---|---|---|
| Tuyen Quang | Ha Giang + Tuyen Quang | Tuyen Quang City |
| Lao Cai | Lao Cai + Yen Bai | Yen Bai City |
| Thai Nguyen | Thai Nguyen + Bac Kan | Thai Nguyen City |
| Phu Tho | Phu Tho + Hoa Binh + Vinh Phuc | Viet Tri City |
| Bac Ninh | Bac Ninh + Bac Giang | Bac Giang City |
| Hung Yen | Hung Yen + Thai Binh | Hung Yen City |
| Hai Phong (City) | Hai Phong + Hai Duong | Hai Phong City |
| Ninh Binh | Ninh Binh + Nam Dinh + Ha Nam | Ninh Binh City |
| Quang Tri | Quang Binh + Quang Tri | Dong Hoi City |
| Da Nang (City) | Da Nang + Quang Nam | Da Nang City |
| Quang Ngai | Quang Ngai + Kon Tum | Quang Ngai City |
| Gia Lai | Gia Lai + Binh Dinh | Quy Nhon City |
| Khanh Hoa | Khanh Hoa + Ninh Thuan | Nha Trang City |
| Lam Dong | Lam Dong + Dak Nong + Binh Thuan | Da Lat City |
| Dak Lak | Dak Lak + Phu Yen | Buon Ma Thuot City |
| Ho Chi Minh City | Ho Chi Minh City + Binh Duong + Ba Ria–Vung Tau | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Dong Nai | Dong Nai + Binh Phuoc | Bien Hoa City |
| Tay Ninh | Tay Ninh + Long An | Tan An City (Long An) |
| Can Tho (City) | Can Tho + Soc Trang + Hau Giang | Can Tho City |
| Vinh Long | Vinh Long + Ben Tre + Tra Vinh | Vinh Long City |
| Dong Thap | Dong Thap + Tien Giang | My Tho City |
| Ca Mau | Ca Mau + Bac Lieu | Ca Mau City |
| An Giang | An Giang + Kien Giang | Rach Gia City |
| Lai Chau | Unchanged | Lai Chau City |
| Dien Bien | Unchanged | Dien Bien Phu City |
| Son La | Unchanged | Son La City |
| Lang Son | Unchanged | Lang Son City |
| Quang Ninh | Unchanged | Ha Long City |
| Thanh Hoa | Unchanged | Thanh Hoa City |
| Nghe An | Unchanged | Vinh City |
| Ha Tinh | Unchanged | Ha Tinh City |
| Cao Bang | Unchanged | Cao Bang City |
The 6 Centrally-Run Cities – Table Overview
Alongside the 28 provinces, Vietnam has 6 centrally-run cities. These function at the same administrative level as provinces but are urban hubs with higher autonomy.
| City (2025) | Merged from (or unchanged) | Administrative capital |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | Unchanged | Hanoi |
| Hue | Elevated from Thua Thien Hue Province | Hue City |
| Da Nang | Da Nang + Quang Nam | Da Nang City |
| Hai Phong | Hai Phong + Hai Duong | Hai Phong City |
| Ho Chi Minh City | Ho Chi Minh City + Binh Duong + Ba Ria–Vung Tau | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Can Tho | Can Tho + Soc Trang + Hau Giang | Can Tho City |
Map of the 34 Provinces
Below is a clear updated map of Vietnam’s 34 provinces and centrally-run cities after the 2025 reform. It reflects all mergers and name changes, giving you the official administrative picture.
Be aware that many booking sites, Google Maps, and travel platforms are still in the process of updating. Sometimes you’ll still see the old 63 provinces listed, especially in older hotel or bus systems.
Tip for travelers: if the province name doesn’t appear in your search, try looking by the nearest major town or landmark instead — for example, “Hoi An” instead of “Quang Nam,” or “Ha Giang Loop” even though it now belongs administratively to Tuyen Quang.
Old Vietnam provinces before the merger
Even though Vietnam now has 34 provinces and cities on paper, the old names haven’t disappeared. Many of the former 63 provinces had their own cultural identity, famous places, and local pride. Travelers will still hear these names used in daily conversations, on older maps, or in guides. That’s why we’ve included this section — to help you connect the old province identities with today’s new structure.
Provinces of North Vietnam
Hanoi
- Status: Unchanged
Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and cultural heart, famous for its Old Quarter, lakes, and rich collection of museums and heritage sites. It’s a city where modern life and centuries of history run side by side.
Want to learn more? Read our full Hanoi travel guide.
Quang Ninh
- Status: Unchanged
Quang Ninh is best known as the home of Halong Bay, but it also includes Bai Tu Long Bay and shares Cat Ba Island. Beyond the coast, the province has a strong mining history.
Discover more in our Quang Ninh travel guide.
Lao Cai
- Merged with Yen Bai → New province Lao Cai (capital: Yen Bai City)
Lao Cai is the gateway to Sapa and the northern mountains, where Fansipan — the highest peak in Indochina — rises above terraced valleys. The province is also famous for its weekend markets and ethnic minority culture.
Interested in visiting? Read our Lao Cai travel guide.
Ha Giang
- Merged with Tuyen Quang → New province Tuyen Quang (capital: Tuyen Quang City)
Ha Giang is legendary among travelers for its winding Ha Giang Loop, dramatic karst plateaus, and remote mountain villages. It offers some of Vietnam’s most adventurous landscapes.
Find out more in our Ha Giang travel guide.
Ninh Binh
- Merged with Nam Dinh + Ha Nam → New province Ninh Binh (capital: Ninh Binh City)
Ninh Binh is often called “Halong Bay on land,” with river caves, limestone cliffs, and spiritual sites like Bai Dinh Pagoda. It’s one of Vietnam’s most photographed destinations.
See all highlights in our Ninh Binh travel guide.
Cao Bang
- Status: Unchanged
Cao Bang is a remote province known for Ban Gioc Waterfall, Pac Bo Cave, and stunning karst mountain scenery. It’s a region rich in history and ethnic diversity.
Learn more in our Cao Bang travel guide.
Bac Kan
- Merged with Thai Nguyen → New province Thai Nguyen (capital: Thai Nguyen City)
Bac Kan is home to Ba Be National Park, with its large freshwater lake, caves, and waterfalls. It’s a peaceful destination for nature lovers.
Discover more in our [Bac Kan travel guide].
Lang Son
- Status: Unchanged
Lang Son sits along the Chinese border and is famous for its bustling trade markets, caves, and Mau Son Mountain. It’s often a gateway for cross-border travel.
See details in our Lang Son travel guide.
Yen Bai
- Merged with Lao Cai → New province Lao Cai (capital: Yen Bai City)
Yen Bai is most famous for Mu Cang Chai’s terraced rice fields, a breathtaking sight in harvest season. It also offers valleys, lakes, and quiet rural life.
Read more in our Yen Bai travel guide.
Son La
- Status: Unchanged
Son La is known for Moc Chau Plateau, Ta Xua’s cloud-hunting views, and its hydropower dam. Its landscapes are tied closely to ethnic minority traditions.
Plan your trip with our Son La travel guide.
Dien Bien
- Status: Unchanged
Dien Bien is remembered worldwide for the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, with many relics and memorials around the city. It’s also surrounded by valleys and lakes.
See more in our Dien Bien travel guide.
Hoa Binh
- Merged with Phu Tho + Vinh Phuc → New province Phu Tho (capital: Viet Tri City)
Hoa Binh is known for Mai Chau Valley, where homestays and rice paddies attract many visitors, and the large Hoa Binh Lake. It’s also home to the Muong ethnic group.
Discover more in our Hoa Binh travel guide.
Thai Nguyen
- Merged with Bac Kan → New province Thai Nguyen (capital: Thai Nguyen City)
Thai Nguyen is Vietnam’s tea capital, surrounded by plantations and lakes like Nui Coc. It’s also home to museums about ethnic groups in the north.
Find more info in our Thai Nguyen travel guide.
Bac Giang
- Merged with Bac Ninh → New province Bac Ninh (capital: Bac Giang City)
Bac Giang has religious sites like Vinh Nghiem Pagoda and natural areas such as Khe Ro forest. It’s also known for its fruit orchards.
Read on in our Bac Giang travel guide.
Ha Nam
- Merged with Ninh Binh + Nam Dinh → New province Ninh Binh (capital: Ninh Binh City)
Ha Nam offers cultural sites like Tam Chuc Pagoda and a mix of limestone mountains and riverside scenery. It has long been a quieter neighbor to Hanoi.
See more in our Ha Nam travel guide.
Hung Yen
- Merged with Thai Binh → New province Hung Yen (capital: Hung Yen City)
Hung Yen is famous for Pho Hien ancient town and its longan orchards. Its culture reflects the traditions of the Red River Delta.
Learn more in our Hung Yen travel guide.
Nam Dinh
- Merged with Ninh Binh + Ha Nam → New province Ninh Binh (capital: Ninh Binh City)
Nam Dinh is known for Tran Temple festivals, impressive Catholic churches, and salt fields along its coast. It also has a strong textile tradition.
Check details in our Nam Dinh travel guide.
Phu Tho
- Merged with Hoa Binh + Vinh Phuc → New province Phu Tho (capital: Viet Tri City)
Phu Tho is celebrated for the Hung Kings Temple and historical festivals. The region is full of palm-covered hills and cultural traditions.
Read more in our Phu Tho travel guide.
Tuyen Quang
- Merged with Hung Yen → New province Hung Yen (capital: Hung Yen City)
Thai Binh is a flat coastal province famous for Keo Pagoda, rice fields, and mangrove areas. Its rural culture is deeply tied to the sea and the delta.
Discover more in our Thai Binh travel guide.
Vinh Phuc
- Merged with Phu Tho + Hoa Binh → New province Phu Tho (capital: Viet Tri City)
Vinh Phuc is best known for Tam Dao National Park, a cool retreat close to Hanoi, and cultural sites like Tay Thien Pagoda. Dai Lai Lake adds to its natural charm.
Read more in our Vinh Phuc travel guide.
Provinces of Central Vietnam
Thua Thien Hue
- Status: Remains as Hue (centrally governed city)
Hue is Vietnam’s former imperial capital, home to the ancient citadel, royal tombs, and the Perfume River. The city is also famous for its pagodas, festivals, and refined cuisine.
Want to dive deeper? See our Hue travel guide.
Da Nang
- Merged with Quang Nam → New province Da Nang (capital: Da Nang City)
Da Nang blends modern urban life with easy access to beaches, mountains, and heritage sites. Its highlights include My Khe Beach, Marble Mountains, and the Dragon Bridge.
Find out more in our Da Nang travel guide.
Quang Nam
- Merged with Da Nang → New province Da Nang (capital: Da Nang City)
Quang Nam is remembered for Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary, and the Cham Islands. The province offered a deep cultural and historical experience.
See all highlights in our Quang Nam travel guide.
Quang Binh
- Merged with Quang Tri → New province Quang Tri (capital: Dong Hoi City)
Quang Binh is world-famous for its caves, especially Son Doong, the largest in the world. Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park and Paradise Cave draw adventurers from around the globe.
Plan your visit with our Quang Binh travel guide.
Khanh Hoa
- Merged with Ninh Thuan → New province Khanh Hoa (capital: Nha Trang City
Khanh Hoa is a classic beach destination with Nha Trang at its heart. The province is also known for Cham towers, seafood, and offshore islands.
Read more in our Khanh Hoa travel guide.
Ninh Thuan
- Merged with Khanh Hoa → New province Khanh Hoa (capital: Nha Trang City)
Ninh Thuan stands out for its Cham culture, Po Klong Garai towers, vineyards, and the dramatic Vinh Hy Bay. Its dry climate and landscapes make it unique.
Discover more in our Ninh Thuan travel guide.
Binh Thuan
- Merged with Lam Dong + Dak Nong → New province Lam Dong (capital: Da Lat City)
Binh Thuan is best known for Mui Ne’s sand dunes and water sports. Phan Thiet remains a lively fishing port and beach town.
See details in our Binh Thuan travel guide.
Quang Ngai
- Merged with Kon Tum → New province Quang Ngai (capital: Quang Ngai City)
Quang Ngai is remembered for Ly Son Island’s volcanic landscapes and the My Lai historical site. It also preserves traces of the ancient Sa Huynh culture.
Read more in our Quang Ngai travel guide.
Quang Tri
- Merged with Quang Binh → New province Quang Tri (capital: Dong Hoi City)
Quang Tri holds powerful war history with sites like the DMZ, Hien Luong Bridge, and Vinh Moc Tunnels. La Vang Sanctuary is also a key pilgrimage site.
See more in our Quang Tri travel guide.
Nghe An
- Status: Unchanged
Nghe An is the birthplace of Ho Chi Minh and home to Pu Mat National Park. Along its coast, Cua Lo Beach attracts visitors in summer.
Learn more in our Nghe An travel guide
Ha Tinh
- Status: Unchanged
Ha Tinh features sandy beaches, the Dong Loc war memorial, and Ke Go Lake. It remains one of the quieter provinces in the central region.
Discover more in our Ha Tinh travel guide.
Phu Yen
- Merged with Dak Lak → New province Dak Lak (capital: Buon Ma Thuot City)
Phu Yen is famous for Ganh Da Dia’s basalt rock formations, Tuy Hoa city, and long stretches of unspoiled coastline. It remains one of Vietnam’s lesser-visited gems.
See highlights in our Phu Yen travel guide.
Binh Dinh
- Merged with Gia Lai → New province Gia Lai (capital: Quy Nhon City)
Binh Dinh is known for Quy Nhon’s beaches, ancient Cham towers, and a martial arts legacy linked to the Tay Son uprising. It blends coast and culture.
Find out more in our Binh Dinh travel guide.
Gia Lai
- Merged with Binh Dinh → New province Gia Lai (capital: Quy Nhon City)
Gia Lai is part of the Central Highlands, with Pleiku, volcanic lakes, and ethnic minority villages. Its landscapes include waterfalls and coffee-growing areas.
Read on in our Gia Lai travel guide.
Kon Tum
- Merged with Quang Ngai → New province Quang Ngai (capital: Quang Ngai City)
Kon Tum is known for its wooden church, Kon Klor suspension bridge, and ethnic communities. It played a strategic role during the Vietnam War.
Learn more in our Kon Tum travel guide.
Dak Lak
- Merged with Phu Yen → New province Dak Lak (capital: Buon Ma Thuot City)
Dak Lak is Vietnam’s coffee capital, with Buon Ma Thuot as its hub. Visitors come for Yok Don National Park, Lak Lake, and traditional elephant culture.
Discover more in our Dak Lak travel guide.
Dak Nong
- Merged with Lam Dong + Binh Thuan → New province Lam Dong (capital: Da Lat City)
Dak Nong has dramatic waterfalls, volcanic craters, and Ta Dung Lake, often called the “Ha Long Bay of the Central Highlands.” It’s rugged and scenic.
Find out more in our Dak Nong travel guide.
Provinces of South Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City
- Merged with Binh Duong + Ba Ria–Vung Tau → New province Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)
Vietnam’s largest city is a buzzing hub of culture, commerce, and history. Highlights include French colonial landmarks, the Cu Chi Tunnels, and the War Remnants Museum.
Find more tips in our Ho Chi Minh City travel guide.
Kien Giang
- Merged with An Giang → New province An Giang (capital: Rach Gia City)
Kien Giang is best known for Phu Quoc Island with its beaches and resorts, as well as the coastal town of Ha Tien. The province also offered cultural temples and island-hopping opportunities.
Discover more in our Kien Giang travel guide.
An Giang
- Merged with Kien Giang → New province An Giang (capital: Rach Gia City)
An Giang is celebrated for Chau Doc, Sam Mountain, and the floating villages along the Mekong. It’s a cultural crossroads with strong Khmer and Cham influences.
Read more in our An Giang travel guide.
Can Tho
- Merged with Soc Trang + Hau Giang → New province Can Tho City
Can Tho is the heart of the Mekong Delta, famous for the Cai Rang Floating Market and its fertile landscapes. It’s a vibrant urban center surrounded by waterways and rice fields.
Plan your trip with our Can Tho travel guide.
Ben Tre
- Merged with Vinh Long + Tra Vinh → New province Vinh Long (capital: Vinh Long City)
Ben Tre is known as the “coconut capital” of Vietnam, offering river cruises, handicrafts, and lush gardens. Visitors enjoy homestays and boat trips through shaded canals.
Learn more in our Ben Tre travel guide.
Dong Thap
- Merged with Tien Giang → New province Dong Thap (capital: My Tho City)
Dong Thap is home to Tram Chim National Park, famous for its birdlife, and vast lotus fields. Sa Dec’s flower village adds color to the province’s charm.
See more in our Dong Thap travel guide.
Tien Giang
- Merged with Dong Thap → New province Dong Thap (capital: My Tho City)
Tien Giang is a popular gateway to the Mekong Delta, centered on My Tho city. It’s known for orchards, river cruises, and Vinh Trang Pagoda.
Find more in our Tien Giang travel guide.
Vinh Long
- Merged with Ben Tre + Tra Vinh → New province Vinh Long (capital: Vinh Long City)
Vinh Long is dotted with river islands and homestays that showcase delta life. Fruit gardens and peaceful canals define its slow-paced charm.
Discover more in our Vinh Long travel guide.
Tra Vinh
- Merged with Vinh Long + Ben Tre → New province Vinh Long (capital: Vinh Long City)
Tra Vinh is rich in Khmer culture, with dozens of ornate pagodas and vibrant traditions. It offers travelers a unique cultural layer within the Mekong Delta.
See all highlights in our Tra Vinh travel guide.
Soc Trang
- Merged with Can Tho + Hau Giang → New province Can Tho City
Soc Trang is noted for its Khmer festivals, Bat Pagoda, and cultural diversity. It was a gateway to the delta’s floating markets.
Learn more in our Soc Trang travel guide.
Bac Lieu
- Merged with Ca Mau → New province Ca Mau (capital: Ca Mau City)
Bac Lieu is remembered for its bird sanctuary, traditional music, and the historic Bac Lieu Prince house. Its modern wind farms add to its distinctive landscape.
Read more in our Bac Lieu travel guide.
Ca Mau
- Merged with Bac Lieu → New province Ca Mau (capital: Ca Mau City)
Ca Mau marks the southernmost tip of Vietnam, where mangrove forests and waterways meet the sea. Its national park and Cape Ca Mau are symbolic destinations.
See details in our Ca Mau travel guide.
Hau Giang
- Merged with Can Tho + Soc Trang → New province Can Tho City
Hau Giang offered authentic rural landscapes of canals, orchards, and small floating markets. It remains closely tied to daily life in the delta.
Discover more in our Hau Giang travel guide.
Long An
- Merged with Tay Ninh → New province Tay Ninh (capital: Tan An City)
Long An lies just beyond Ho Chi Minh City and is known for the wetlands of Dong Thap Muoi and Tan Lap floating village. It is a quiet province with easy access from Saigon.
Find out more in our Long An travel guide.
Dong Nai
- Merged with Binh Phuoc → New province Dong Nai (capital: Bien Hoa City)
Dong Nai combines nature with industry, with Cat Tien National Park as its highlight. Waterfalls and lakes sit alongside large economic zones.
See more in our Dong Nai travel guide.
Binh Duong
- Merged with Ho Chi Minh City + Ba Ria–Vung Tau → New province Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)
Binh Duong was known for craft villages, fruit orchards, and its massive Dai Nam tourism complex. It developed rapidly as an industrial hub near Saigon.
Learn more in our Binh Duong travel guide.
Ba Ria–Vung Tau
- Merged with Ho Chi Minh City + Binh Duong → New province Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)
Ba Ria–Vung Tau is famous for Vung Tau beaches and the remote Con Dao Islands. Offshore oil and fishing also defined the province’s identity.
Read more in our Ba Ria–Vung Tau travel guide.
Tay Ninh
- Merged with Long An → New province Tay Ninh (capital: Tan An City)
Tay Ninh is home to the unique Cao Dai Holy See and Ba Den Mountain. Its mix of religion and natural landscapes make it a special stop near Ho Chi Minh City.
See highlights in our Tay Ninh travel guide.
Binh Phuoc
- Merged with Dong Nai → New province Dong Nai (capital: Bien Hoa City)
Binh Phuoc was known for rubber plantations, the Bu Gia Map National Park, and its location along the Cambodian border. It represented Vietnam’s agricultural frontier.
Discover more in our Binh Phuoc travel guide.
History of provinces in Vietnam
Vietnam’s provincial borders have been reshaped many times, and what you see on today’s map is only the latest version. Before 1975, the country was divided between North and South Vietnam, each with its own system of provinces. After reunification, many provinces were consolidated — names like Song Be, Ha Bac, and Nghe Tinh appeared as merged units. By the 1990s and 2000s, the trend reversed: these larger provinces were split again, eventually leading to 63 provincial-level units.
In 2025, Vietnam carried out its largest reorganization since reunification, reducing the 63 provinces and cities down to 34. The idea was to streamline administration, cut costs, and create bigger units that could compete economically and promote tourism more effectively.
For travelers, this history matters because names change, but local identity does not. You’ll still hear people talk about Ha Giang, Ninh Binh, or Bac Lieu — even if, on paper, they now belong to larger provinces. Old and new names often overlap on maps, in travel stories, and in cultural references. Knowing this background helps you make sense of Vietnam’s geography while respecting the strong identities of each region.
Travel impact – What this means for you
For most travelers, the 2025 reform doesn’t change how you move around Vietnam. Buses, trains, and tours always crossed provincial lines freely, and nobody ever booked a trip “to Bac Kan Province” — they booked it to Ba Be Lake. What does change, however, is how provinces and cities are labeled on maps, booking platforms, and official documents.
- Addresses and official names have changed. On Google Maps, hotel booking sites, or even visa forms, you may see new province names instead of the old ones. That can be confusing if you’re searching for “Nam Dinh” but it now appears as Ninh Binh Province.
- Famous destinations didn’t move, but their administrative label did. The Ha Giang Loop is still the same breathtaking motorbike route, but on paper it now belongs to Tuyen Quang Province. Sapa is still Sapa, but administratively it’s part of a larger Lao Cai Province. For travelers, it’s simply a matter of recognizing the label change.
- Locals still use old names. You’ll still hear people talk about Ha Giang, Nam Dinh, Bac Lieu, and other provinces that technically don’t exist anymore. This mismatch can cause momentary confusion when what you hear on the ground doesn’t line up with what’s on a map.
In short, the reform is mostly invisible to travelers — the landscapes, cities, and experiences remain exactly the same. The only adjustment is learning how the old and new names connect, so you don’t get tripped up by maps or booking systems.
