Vietnam’s 2025 Province Merger: Essential Info for Travelers and Photographers

🇻🇳 Vietnam has officially implemented a major administrative reform, reducing the number of provinces and centrally governed cities from 63 to 34. The change, effective from July 1, 2025, aims to enhance regional development, improve governance, and streamline public services. But for travelers and photographers, this also means important updates that could improve and reshape your journey across the country.

Vietnam’s new structure merges neighboring provinces and cities to form larger, more efficient administrative units. Key examples include:

• Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong & Ba Ria–Vung Tau: These three have merged to form an expanded Ho Chi Minh City, now the largest metropolitan area in Vietnam. Travelers should consider the entire region as one destination, covering vibrant urban centers, industrial zones, and coastal areas.

• Quang Nam & Da Nang: Merged into a single centrally governed city that retains the name Da Nang City. This new city covers the combined area and population of both, offering seamless access to urban, cultural, and natural attractions across the former province and city.

• Ha Nam, Nam Dinh & Ninh Binh: Merged and now officially called Ninh Binh Province, after the largest city and main tourism hub.

• Lao Cai & Yen Bai: Combined and kept the name Lao Cai Province, known for mountainous landscapes and ethnic cultures.

• Lam Dong, Dak Lak & Dak Nong: Merged into Lam Dong Province, centered around Da Lat’s cooler climate and scenic beauty.

• Binh Dinh & Gia Lai: Continued as Binh Dinh Province, covering coastal and highland areas.

• Thai Nguyen & Bac Giang: Combined under the name Thai Nguyen Province, an important northern industrial and cultural region.

• The six centrally governed cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang (now expanded), Hai Phong, Can Tho, and Bien Hoa—retain their status, names, and expanded boundaries where applicable.

These mergers aim to:

• Improve coordination and infrastructure development

• Simplify governance and reduce bureaucracy

• Encourage investment, tourism, and cultural preservation

✅ More Efficient Itineraries

Larger provinces cover more ground, so travelers can explore a wide variety of landscapes, cities, and heritage sites without crossing between multiple jurisdictions.

✅ Improved Transport and Access

Mergers support upgrades in airports, roadways, and intercity connectivity—especially helpful for photographers needing to reach remote sunrise or cultural festival spots quickly.

✅ Unified Tourism Planning

Tourism authorities can now develop integrated regional experiences. For example, the new Central Highlands province can offer misty highlands, ethnic culture, coffee farms, and nature reserves under one tourism strategy.

✅ Cultural Richness Remains

Despite administrative changes, Vietnam’s diverse local identities—ethnic groups, dialects, festivals—remain intact. Photographers can still capture a vibrant tapestry of traditions, crafts, and ceremonies.

• International Airports: Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), and Da Nang continue to operate as usual.

• eVisa & Visa-on-Arrival: Unaffected by administrative changes.

• Border Crossings: Still located at key points near China, Laos, and Cambodia. Some may be reclassified under new provincial names.

🧭 Tip: When applying for visas or booking flights, use city names (e.g. Hanoi, Da Nang) rather than province names to avoid confusion during the transition.

• Balanced Development: Larger provinces reduce pressure on popular hotspots by spreading tourist flow across broader regions.

• More Resources for Ecotourism: Provincial governments now have greater capacity to invest in nature reserves, clean energy, and community-based tourism.

• Opportunity for Responsible Photography: With support for minority cultures and rural communities, photographers can engage in ethical, respectful documentation.

Make your travels smoother with these updated resources:

• Google Maps & Zalo Maps: Both are rolling out new administrative maps reflecting the 34 provinces.

• Vietnam Travel App (VNAT): Offers updated province information, events, and local highlights.

• Facebook/Zalo Community Groups: Join local forums (e.g. “Travel Vietnam 2025”) for real-time tips on the merger, places to shoot, and guides.

For the next 6–12 months, expect to see:

• Mixed use of old and new province names on signs, tickets, and websites

• Locals referring to former names in conversation (e.g. “I’m from Ninh Binh” even though it’s now part of a larger province)

• Conflicting listings on booking sites—double-check with hosts if unsure

✅ Solution: Ask locals politely if you're unsure, and use GPS apps for real-time navigation.

1. Look for Hidden Diversity in Bigger Provinces

Merged provinces now contain multiple terrain types—mountains, rivers, coastlines, and cultural villages—within driving distance. Use this to plan more dynamic photo journeys.

2. Track Local Festivals Across the Merged Region

New provinces may host regional cultural weeks or cross-district festivals that are rich with color, movement, and heritage—ideal for documentary and portrait photography.

3. Check Local Rules on Drones and Permits

With administrative changes, drone regulations and photo permits may now be handled by different (or consolidated) authorities. Always verify with tourism offices in the capital of the new province.

4. Work With Local Guides and Creatives

Engage with local photographers, especially in rural or newly integrated areas. They can help you discover authentic locations and avoid tourist traps.

Vietnam’s shift from 63 to 34 provinces isn’t just an administrative move; it is a transformation that will affect how travelers and photographers experience the country. With smarter planning, richer cultural access, and improved travel logistics, this new structure could make your journey more meaningful, efficient, and visually stunning than ever before.

Whether you are chasing light in the highlands, capturing local crafts in small towns, or planning a cross-country route, understanding this new map of Vietnam will help you make the most of every frame and every moment.