Top 8 Largest Cities in Vietnam

Is Vietnam on your business radar? It’s an exciting prospect, but figuring out where to focus your efforts can be tricky. The country’s biggest cities are where much of the action happens, each with its own unique business vibe and set of opportunities. This guide dives into these major urban centers, offering insights to help you navigate. And if you’re looking for a flexible base, especially in dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, The Sentry is here to support your journey.

Top Largest Cities in Vietnam 

While many cities play a part in Vietnam’s lively economy, a few stand out because of their size, economic output, and strategic position. Here’s a look at some of the largest and most economically active cities. They give a snapshot of how they contribute to the nation’s progress.

(Note: Population figures are estimates and can change. Binh Duong is listed as a province with major constituent cities. Together, these form a large urban and industrial area often thought of alongside single large cities for its economic impact).

1. Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)

Many people still know Ho Chi Minh City by its old name, Saigon. It’s definitely Vietnam’s main economic engine and its biggest city in terms of people. It’s classified as a special city, directly managed by the central government, similar to Hanoi. HCMC is the country’s busy center for trade and finance, full of energy, activity, and modern life.

Geographic and Demographic Snapshot: Ho Chi Minh City is in the southeastern part of Vietnam. It borders Dong Nai province to the east, Binh Duong province to the north, Tay Ninh and Long An provinces to the west, and Tien Giang province and the East Sea to the south. With an area of about 2,095 square kilometers and over 9.3 million people, it’s the city with the most people in Vietnam. This large population means a lively market for goods and services and many available workers.

Economic Significance and Business Opportunities: Ho Chi Minh City is clearly the economic center of Vietnam, adding a large amount to the country’s total income. Its economy is varied, strong in areas like making goods, services, technology, money matters, trade, and tourism. The city has the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange (HOSE) and many Vietnamese and international companies, new businesses, and banks. For businesses, HCMC gives great access to customers, a lot of skilled workers, and good roads and facilities. Important areas for investment and growth are:

• Technology and Startups: HCMC has a growing tech community with many support centers and tech parks.
• Manufacturing: While industrial areas are also common in nearby provinces, HCMC is still a big manufacturing center, especially for goods that have more value.
• Commerce and Retail: A large population with more money to spend creates a busy shopping scene, both in stores and online.
• Services: Professional services, finance, shipping, and tourism all add a lot to the city’s economy.

The need for modern, flexible office options like co-working spaces is very high in HCMC. The Sentry, with its excellent locations in the city, meets this need. It gives businesses and professionals the setup and community they need to do well in this active environment.

Cultural and Lifestyle Aspects: Besides being an economic leader, HCMC is a city with a rich culture that mixes old charm with new energy. Places like Ben Thanh Market, Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the War Remnants Museum bring in millions of visitors. The city is also famous for its amazing food and active nightlife.

2. Hanoi

As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi has a special place. With a history of over a thousand years, it is the country’s political and cultural center. It is also a big economic player, especially in the northern region. Hanoi is also a special city, directly managed by the central government.

Geographic and Demographic Snapshot: Hanoi is in the Red River Delta. It borders provinces like Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, and Hung Yen to the east. To the west are Hoa Binh and Phu Tho. To the south are Ha Nam and Hoa Binh, and to the north are Thai Nguyen and Vinh Phuc. It is the largest city in Vietnam by area, at 3,359.82 square kilometers. About 8.5 million people live there, making it the second-biggest city by population.

Economic Significance and Business Opportunities: While HCMC is the leader in business, Hanoi is an important center for government and foreign relations, and it has an increasingly varied economy. Its economic strengths include:

• Manufacturing and Industry: Many industrial parks in and around Hanoi focus on electronics, cars, machinery, and everyday goods.
• Information Technology: Hanoi has a growing IT field, with many software companies and tech startups.
• Services: Banking, tourism, and education are well-established.
• Traditional Crafts and Agriculture: The areas around the city contribute a lot in these fields.

Hanoi’s position as the capital makes it a top destination for businesses that need to work with government offices. The city has seen a lot of new development, like new highways and an expanding metro system, which makes it more attractive for investment.

Cultural and Lifestyle Aspects: Hanoi is known for its lovely mix of old colonial buildings, peaceful lakes like Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake, ancient temples like the Temple of Literature, and a great street food scene. The Old Quarter, with its 36 streets, offers a unique look into the city’s trading past.

3. Hai Phong City

Often called the “City of Red Flamboyant Flowers” or the “Port City,” Hai Phong has the biggest seaport in northern Vietnam. It’s a major center for shipping and industry. It is one of five cities managed directly by the central government and is considered a top-level city.

Geographic and Demographic Snapshot: Hai Phong is on the northeastern coast. It borders the Gulf of Tonkin to the east, Hai Duong province to the west, Thai Binh province to the south, and Quang Ninh province to the north. It has an area of about 1,526 square kilometers and a population of over 2 million people.

Economic Significance and Business Opportunities: Hai Phong’s economy relies heavily on its port system. This system includes deep-water ports that can handle large cargo ships. This makes it an entry point for international trade for northern Vietnam. Notable economic aspects include:

• Logistics and Maritime Transport: The city is a leader in port operations and shipping services.
• Industrial Manufacturing: Many large industrial zones in Hai Phong attract a lot of foreign investment. This is particularly true for electronics, car parts, and shipbuilding. Companies like LG and VinFast have big operations here.
• Services and Tourism: While mostly industrial, Hai Phong also has tourism potential with places like Cat Ba Archipelago and Do Son beach.

For businesses involved in import and export, making goods, and managing supply chains, Hai Phong offers a good strategic location and a business-friendly atmosphere.

4. Da Nang City

Da Nang is often called Vietnam’s “most livable city.” This city, managed directly by the central government and considered top-level, has quickly become a major center for tourism, technology, and shipping in Central Vietnam.

Geographic and Demographic Snapshot: Located on the coast of the South Central region, Da Nang is well-positioned between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It borders Thua Thien-Hue province to the north and west, and Quang Nam province to the south and southwest. The East Sea is to its east. The city has an area of about 1,285 square kilometers and a population of around 1.25 million.

Economic Significance and Business Opportunities: Da Nang has successfully broadened its economy beyond its traditional fishing industry. Its main strengths are:

• Tourism: With beautiful beaches like My Khe, well-known bridges like the Dragon Bridge, and its closeness to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Hoi An and My Son, Da Nang is a top tourist spot.
• Information Technology and High-Tech Industries: The city is actively promoting itself as an IT and high-tech center, with special perks and benefits for tech companies.
• Logistics: Da Nang has an international airport, a deep-water seaport (Tien Sa Port), and improving road and rail connections. This makes it an important shipping point for Central Vietnam.
• Real Estate and Urban Development: A lot of investment has gone into modern city infrastructure, resorts, and commercial buildings.

The city’s focus on sustainable development, a clean environment, and good management makes it appealing for both businesses and skilled workers.

5. Can Tho City

Can Tho is the largest city in the Mekong Delta region and acts as its economic, cultural, and scientific center. It’s a city managed directly by the central government and a top-level urban area. It plays a big part in the “rice bowl” of Vietnam.

Geographic and Demographic Snapshot: Located on the Hau River, a branch of the Mekong River, Can Tho is in the middle of the Mekong Delta. It borders Dong Thap and Vinh Long provinces to the east, Kien Giang province to the west, Hau Giang province to the south, and An Giang province to the north. The city covers an area of roughly 1,440 square kilometers and has a population of about 1.3 million.

Economic Significance and Business Opportunities: Can Tho’s economy has traditionally come from farming and fishing, thanks to the rich lands of the Mekong Delta. However, it is quickly building up its industries and service sector.

• Agriculture and Food Processing: It’s a major center for growing rice and fruit, raising seafood, and processing these products.
• Trade and Services: As the regional hub, Can Tho has busy wholesale markets, like the Cai Rang floating market. It is also developing its shopping, financial, and tourism services.
• Education and Research: Can Tho University is a leading agricultural university, helping with research and development in the region.
• Logistics: Better river and road transport are making it a more important distribution center for the Delta.

Businesses related to agricultural technology, food processing, shipping, and sustainable development will find many opportunities in Can Tho.

6. Bien Hoa City (Dong Nai Province)

Bien Hoa is the main city of Dong Nai province and a large industrial city northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. It is a top-level city and one of the cities in Vietnam with the most people.

Geographic and Demographic Snapshot: Bien Hoa is well-located within the Southern major Economic Region. It borders Trang Bom district (Dong Nai) to the east, Thu Duc City (HCMC) and Di An City (Binh Duong) to the west, Long Thanh district (Dong Nai) to the south, and Vinh Cuu district (Dong Nai) and Tan Uyen town (Binh Duong) to the north. It has a smaller area of 263.62 square kilometers but a lot of people, around 1.3 million residents.

Economic Significance and Business Opportunities: Bien Hoa is one of Vietnam’s oldest and most important industrial centers.

• Industrial Parks: The city has many large and long-running industrial parks like Bien Hoa 1, Bien Hoa 2, Amata, and Loteco. These attract a lot of investment from both Vietnam and other countries for manufacturing.
• Supporting Industries: Its closeness to HCMC and its industrial foundation make it a center for industries that support larger manufacturers by supplying parts and services.
• Urban Development: Bien Hoa is quickly becoming more urban, with new housing areas and shopping centers for its growing population.

The city gains a lot from its close connections to HCMC’s economy and infrastructure. This includes major highways and being near ports and airports.

7. Thu Duc City (within Ho Chi Minh City)

Formed in 2021 by combining three eastern districts of Ho Chi Minh City (District 2, District 9, and Thu Duc District), Thu Duc City is a “city within a city”. It’s the first of its kind in Vietnam. The plan is for it to be a very interactive and innovative urban area and a new center of growth for HCMC.

Geographic and Demographic Snapshot: Located at the eastern entrance to HCMC, Thu Duc City borders Dong Nai province to the east, various districts of HCMC to the west and south, and Binh Duong province to the north. It covers an area of about 211.56 square kilometers and has over 1.2 million people.

Economic Significance and Business Opportunities: Thu Duc City is being developed with a focus on industries that rely on knowledge and advanced technology.

• Innovation Hub: It aims to bring together research centers, universities (like the Vietnam National University HCMC campus), and high-tech parks (Saigon Hi-Tech Park) to encourage new ideas and business creation.
• Financial Technology (Fintech) and Smart City Solutions: These are important areas of development.
• Urban Infrastructure: A lot of money is being invested to develop modern transport systems, including Metro Line 1, and smart city facilities.
• Real Estate: The development of Thu Duc City has led to a lot of activity in real estate, from apartment buildings to commercial and office spaces.

For businesses in technology, research and development, education, and modern city services, Thu Duc City offers a forward-thinking environment with great potential. The Sentry’s locations in Ho Chi Minh City are strategically placed to help businesses looking to connect with this new, innovative urban area.

8. Binh Duong Province (including Thu Dau Mot, Di An, Thuan An)

While it’s a province, Binh Duong, just north of Ho Chi Minh City, acts like a huge urban and industrial area. Its main cities, Thu Dau Mot (the provincial capital), Di An, and Thuan An, are themselves large, have many people, and are very industrialized. As a whole, Binh Duong is a major magnet for foreign investment and manufacturing.

Geographic and Demographic Snapshot: Binh Duong province borders HCMC to the south, Dong Nai to the east, Binh Phuoc to the north, and Tay Ninh to the west. The province has an area of 2,694.7 square kilometers and a fast-growing population of around 2.8 million. Many of these residents are workers who have moved from other areas.

Economic Significance and Business Opportunities: Binh Duong is a top destination for foreign investment in Vietnam. It’s known for its many well-planned industrial parks like VSIP (Vietnam Singapore Industrial Park), My Phuoc, and Bau Bang.

• Manufacturing Excellence: Main industries include electronics, clothing and textiles, shoes, wood processing, and precision machinery.
• Infrastructure: The province has invested a lot in good quality infrastructure, including roads and utilities, to support its industrial parks.
• Logistics and Supply Chain: Its closeness to HCMC’s ports and airport, along with its manufacturing base, makes it an important shipping center.
• Urban Services: The fast growth of its cities has created a need for housing, shops, healthcare, and education. Thuan An City, for instance, is known for having many industrial zones and a high average income.

Binh Duong’s business-friendly policies and excellent infrastructure make it very attractive for manufacturing companies and those in industrial supply chains.

Finding Your Footing: A Smart Start with The Sentry in Vietnam

Thinking of jumping into Vietnam’s lively business scene, especially in a busy place like Ho Chi Minh City? Starting off well really matters. That’s where having a helpful and professional place to work can be a game-changer. The Sentry co-working space has spots in great locations all over Ho Chi Minh City, ready to give businesses like yours an easy start and a solid foundation to grow.

When you choose The Sentry, you’re getting more than just a place to put your laptop. You’re joining a ready-to-go professional setup. Here’s how we help your business do well in Vietnam:

• Great Spots in the City: Our places are set up in smart spots around Ho Chi Minh City. This means you’re right where things are happening, near people you might do business with, and close to services you’ll need.
• Room to Grow, Your Way: It doesn’t matter if you’re working on your own, have a small team, or are a bigger company opening a new office. We have flexible plans that can change as your business does. You can get more space or less without being stuck in a long, strict rental agreement.
• A Place to Be Proud Of: You’ll have a place that looks good to clients and helps your team get things done and feel good about their work. Our spaces are nicely designed, have all the furniture you need, fast internet, meeting rooms, and everything else you’d hope for in a good office.
• Meet Good People: You’ll join a lively mix of people from Vietnam and other countries. Our get-togethers and just everyday chats at The Sentry can help you make useful contacts, team up with others, and learn more about how business works here.
• We Handle the Office Stuff: We look after running the office, like having someone at the front desk, cleaning, and upkeep. That way, you can put all your energy into your main business and what you want to achieve.
• We Get Vietnam: Because we’re right here in Ho Chi Minh City, we know how business works in Vietnam. We offer a helpful setting that understands what companies need to do well here.

So, picking The Sentry isn’t just about finding an office. It’s like having someone on your side as you build your business in Vietnam. We help you find your way through all the chances Ho Chi Minh City has to offer, feeling sure of yourself and comfortable.