Where to invest in Vietnam

Best Regions to Invest in Vietnam (2026 Update)

Regional Investment Opportunities, Economic Zones, and Industrial Hubs

Vietnam offers one of Asia’s most dynamic investment environments, supported by competitive labor costs, strategic geographic positioning, expanding infrastructure, and government incentives for foreign investors. However, choosing the right region is critical, as investment advantages vary significantly by province, industry cluster, logistics access, and workforce availability.

This updated guide explains Vietnam’s newly restructured provincial landscape, emerging economic zones, and the most attractive regions for business investment in 2026 and beyond.

Vietnam’s New Administrative Structure (2025 Reform)

Vietnam has implemented a major administrative restructuring that reduced provincial-level units from 63 to 34, effective mid-2025. The new structure includes:

• 6 centrally governed cities
• 28 provinces formed through consolidation

This reform aims to:

• Improve administrative efficiency
• Strengthen regional economic coordination
• Enhance infrastructure planning
• Boost investment competitiveness.

The restructuring also supports Vietnam’s broader strategy of creating larger economic corridors capable of competing regionally.

Expansion of Coastal Economic Access

Following the mergers:

• Coastal provinces decreased from 28 to 21
• However, all remaining coastal provinces now have seaport access
• Two inland provinces (Dong Nai and Tay Ninh) also operate major ports.

This means most provinces now benefit from:

• Improved export logistics
• Lower transportation costs
• Stronger global supply chain integration.

The expansion of maritime infrastructure is expected to significantly increase Vietnam’s attractiveness for manufacturing, logistics, and export-oriented industries.

Mega Port Development and Logistics Transformation

One of the most significant outcomes of the restructuring is the creation of larger logistics hubs.

Expanded Ho Chi Minh City Metropolitan Region

The merger of Ho Chi Minh City with Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau has created:

• Nearly 100 seaports, including offshore oil and gas ports
• Direct access to the Cai Mep–Thi Vai deep-sea port cluster
• Vietnam’s largest integrated industrial-logistics ecosystem.

This new mega-region strengthens southern Vietnam as a global manufacturing and export powerhouse.

Mekong Delta Coastal Integration

The expanded Can Tho region now has direct coastal access, transforming it into:

• A maritime logistics center
• A fisheries, aquaculture, and renewable energy hub
• A strategic agricultural export gateway.

Vietnam’s Key Socio-Economic Regions (Post-Reform)

Vietnam’s traditional six socio-economic regions remain relevant but are evolving under the new administrative framework.

Northern Midlands and Mountainous Region

Emerging Industrial Resources and Cross-Border Trade

Key provinces include:

• Thai Nguyen
• Phu Tho
• Lao Cai
• Son La
• Cao Bang
• Dien Bien
• Lai Chau
• Lang Son
• Tuyen Quang.

This region offers:

• Rich mineral and rare earth reserves
• Strategic proximity to China
• Potential for heavy industry and resource processing.

Challenges remain in infrastructure and workforce skills, but government policies aim to achieve 9–10% annual growth through 2030.

Major investments include:

• Electronics manufacturing (Samsung in Thai Nguyen)
• Renewable energy projects
• Textile and industrial manufacturing expansions.

Red River Delta

Vietnam’s High-Tech Manufacturing Powerhouse

Core localities include:

• Hanoi
• Hai Phong
• Bac Ninh
• Hung Yen
• Quang Ninh
• Ninh Binh.

This region is characterized by:

• Dense industrial infrastructure
• Highly skilled workforce
• Strong logistics connectivity
• Leading FDI inflows.

Key industries:

• Electronics and semiconductors
• Automotive manufacturing
• Logistics and port services
• High-tech industrial production.

Major investors include Samsung, LG, Foxconn, Canon, Hyundai, Amkor, and Goertek.

Planned infrastructure such as Gia Binh International Airport will further strengthen logistics capacity by 2030.

North Central Coast

Energy, Petrochemicals, and Industrial Expansion

Key provinces include:

• Thanh Hoa
• Nghe An
• Ha Tinh
• Quang Tri
• Hue.

Investment strengths:

• Large coastal industrial zones
• Energy infrastructure
• Petrochemical complexes
• Emerging electronics manufacturing.

Notable projects:

• Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical Complex
• Formosa Steel Complex in Ha Tinh
• High-tech manufacturing expansion in Nghe An.

Government targets annual regional growth of around 10–10.5% through 2030.

South Central Coast and Central Highlands

Integrated Manufacturing, Tourism, and Renewable Energy

This region includes:

• Da Nang
• Quang Ngai
• Gia Lai
• Dak Lak
• Khanh Hoa
• Lam Dong.

Key investment opportunities:

• Tourism and hospitality development
• Renewable energy projects
• Logistics and port development
• Agriculture processing and exports.

Da Nang is emerging as a regional innovation hub, supported by:

• Free Trade Zone development
• Semiconductor investments
• Deep-sea port expansion
• International financial center plans.

Southeast Region

Vietnam’s Primary Economic Engine

This region now includes:

• Ho Chi Minh City
• Dong Nai
• Tay Ninh.

It contributes roughly one-third of Vietnam’s GDP and remains:

• The country’s most industrialized region
• The largest FDI recipient
• A key global manufacturing base.

Key industries:

• Electronics
• Textiles and garments
• Consumer goods manufacturing
• Logistics and export services.

Major global investors include Intel, Nestlé, Coca-Cola, Bosch, Lego, Toshiba, and Hyosung.

Mekong Delta

Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Renewable Energy Growth

Core provinces include:

• Can Tho
• An Giang
• Dong Thap
• Vinh Long
• Ca Mau.

This region remains Vietnam’s agricultural heartland while expanding into:

• Offshore wind energy
• Food processing industries
• Coastal logistics
• Tourism development.

Improved sea access following administrative restructuring is expected to accelerate economic diversification.

Industrial Parks and Investment Zones in Vietnam

Vietnam’s industrial zones offer:

• Ready-built infrastructure
• Tax incentives
• Logistics connectivity
• Simplified licensing support.

Key Industrial Zones Examples

Northern Vietnam – Dinh Vu Industrial Zone

• Heavy industry and petrochemicals
• Close to Hai Phong Port and Cat Bi Airport
• Corporate tax incentives available.

Central Vietnam – Hoa Khanh Industrial Zone

• Electronics and garments manufacturing
• Access to Da Nang Port and airport
• Rail connectivity.

Southern Vietnam – Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP)

• High-tech manufacturing
• Food processing and industrial production
• Excellent access to ports and airports.

These zones are particularly attractive for export-oriented investors.

Choosing the Best Investment Location in Vietnam

The optimal location depends on business priorities:

Manufacturing & Export:

• Southeast Region
• Red River Delta

Technology & Electronics:

• Northern industrial clusters
• Da Nang innovation hub

Energy & Heavy Industry:

• North Central Coast

Agriculture & Food Processing:

• Mekong Delta

Tourism & Services:

• South Central Coast.

Final Thoughts: Vietnam’s Regional Investment Outlook

Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, infrastructure expansion, and regional economic integration are reshaping the country’s investment landscape. Larger provinces, enhanced logistics access, and coordinated development strategies are expected to:

• Improve efficiency
• Strengthen supply chains
• Attract higher-quality foreign investment.

For investors seeking long-term growth in Asia, Vietnam continues to offer diverse regional opportunities across manufacturing, technology, logistics, agriculture, energy, and services.