Cities of Vietnam: the capital Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and the resort towns
Vietnam's capital is Hanoi; its largest city is Ho Chi Minh City, with about 14 million people. Since 1 July 2025 Vietnam has 34 provinces and centrally run cities. Where travellers go: Nha Trang, Da Nang and Hoi An, Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, Da Lat.
Vietnam's capital is Hanoi, in the north: it became the capital of reunified Vietnam on 2 July 1976. The largest city is Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in the south: after merging with neighbouring provinces in 2025 it has about 14 million people. Since 1 July 2025 Vietnam is divided into 34 units: 28 provinces and 6 centrally run cities — Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Hue and Can Tho. Most beach travellers head not to the capital but to the coast: Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Da Nang and Hoi An, Mui Ne.
| City | Where | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | north | capital, Old Quarter, Ha Long Bay nearby |
| Ho Chi Minh City | south | largest city, markets, Cu Chi tunnels, Mekong Delta |
| Da Nang | centre | seaside city, Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills; includes Hoi An since 2025 |
| Hoi An | centre, part of Da Nang | lantern-lit old town |
| Nha Trang | south-central coast | resort, islands, diving, mud baths |
| Phu Quoc | southern island | beaches and resorts |
| Mui Ne | south, near Phan Thiet | dunes, kitesurfing |
| Da Lat | Central Highlands | cool air, waterfalls, flowers |
What is the capital of Vietnam?
The capital of Vietnam is Hanoi. It became the capital of the reunified country on 2 July 1976, after North and South were reunited. Hanoi is the country's second-largest city after Ho Chi Minh City. It is home to the government and the National Assembly. Travellers come for the Old Quarter and as a base for Ha Long Bay. Vietnam Airlines flies nonstop from Moscow to Hanoi — more in Moscow to Vietnam flight time.
What is the largest city in Vietnam?
The largest city in Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City. On 1 July 2025 Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau provinces were merged into it, so it now has about 14 million people and 6,772.59 km² — including the Vung Tau beaches and the Con Dao islands. The old name Saigon is still used for the airport code, the station and the river. More in what to see in Ho Chi Minh City and beaches near Ho Chi Minh City.
How many provinces and cities does Vietnam have?
Since 1 July 2025 Vietnam has 34 top-level units: 28 provinces and 6 centrally run cities — Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Hue and Can Tho. The National Assembly decided this in Resolution No. 202/2025/QH15 of 12 June 2025, merging the former 63 provinces and cities. Inside provinces the district and city level was removed: Nha Trang, for example, is now four wards of Khanh Hoa province. More in which province is Nha Trang in.
Is Hoi An now part of Da Nang?
Yes: on 1 July 2025 Quang Nam province, including Hoi An, was merged into Da Nang city, which grew to 11,859.59 km² and about 3.1 million people. For travellers nothing changes: old Hoi An is 30 km from central Da Nang, reached by taxi, Grab or bus. More in Da Nang to Hoi An and Da Nang or Hoi An — where to stay.
Which Vietnamese city to choose for the beach?
For the beach in Vietnam people go to Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Mui Ne and Da Nang — choosing by month: in winter the south is dry (Phu Quoc, Mui Ne), in summer the centre (Nha Trang, Da Nang). Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are not on the sea. More in Vietnam beach resorts and when to go to Vietnam.
FAQ
What is the capital of Vietnam? Hanoi — capital of reunified Vietnam since 2 July 1976.
Is Ho Chi Minh City the capital of Vietnam? No, it's the largest city; the capital is Hanoi.
What is the population of Ho Chi Minh City? About 14 million after merging with Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau in 2025.
How many provinces does Vietnam have? Since 1 July 2025, 34: 28 provinces and 6 centrally run cities.
What was Ho Chi Minh City called before? Saigon, a name still widely used.