Discover the 3 Most Populated Cities in Vietnam

Vietnam is officially known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and is located in Southeast Asia. The country has a total land area of 311,699 square kilometers (120,348 square miles) and a total population of around 96 million, making it the 15th most populated in the world. Vietnam occupies the eastern portion of mainland Southeast Asia, and according to experts, the area that the country now occupies has been inhabited for as long as the Paleolithic age, roughly 2.5 million years ago to 10,000 B.C. 

As is expected of a country that old, Vietnam has a pervasive history and rich culture. Most of the country’s extensive cultural practices are a result of its interaction with China in the 3rd BCE. Vietnam has a long history of involvement with countries with rich records and utilizing the concepts, structures, and technological advancements of that civilization for domestic reasons.

Vietnam’s rapid economic growth and emergence as one of the most populous countries in the world are a result of this strategic incorporation. The nation and its cities have advanced even more despite several years of war and political unrest. This article will touch on three of Vietnam’s most populated cities.

3. Da Nang -1,188,000

With over a million inhabitants, Da Nang is Vietnam’s third most populated city. It is one of the most significant port cities in Vietnam and is located at the mouth of the Han River on the East Sea coast of the country. As the main city in the region, Da Nang serves as the commercial and academic hub of Central Vietnam. Mountains surround the city to the west and the South China Sea to the east. Because of its proximity to the sea, the city is susceptible to natural disasters like typhoons. The city’s history dates as far as the ancient kingdom of Champa, which was established in 192 AD. This ancient kingdom covered most of Central Vietnam. Despite having existed so long ago, its ruins can still be found all over the city, making the city a sure stop for tourists interested in Vietnamese history.

Apart from history lovers, the city offers more attractions for other tourists. Three UNESCO World Heritage sites– the Hue Citadel, the historic village of Hoi An, and the My Son Sanctuary- are connected through Da Nang. Because of its proximity to the beach, Da Nang is a coastal city with a 60-km-long shoreline. With pristine, sandy beaches extending along the coast, the city is regarded as one with one of the best beaches in the world. The city is also known for its peaceful environment, and unlike most would think, there is no trouble getting there. The city’s international airport has launched numerous direct airline routes and runs at maximum capacity, handling around 6 million people a year.

Da Nang is known as the tourist capital of South-Central Vietnam and is littered with old buildings from the French colonization period, beaches with clear waters, national parks, mountains, and a bunch of other attractions.

2. Hà Noi – 5,067,000

The second most populated city in Vietnam is Hà Noi, with over five million residents. Hà Noi is also the capital of Vietnam and covers an area of 3,359.82 square kilometers (1,297.2 square miles). The city sits in northern Vietnam on the bank of the Red River to the west, not too far from the South China Sea. Hà Noi has gone by a number of names in different periods. It was called Dong Kinh during the Later Le dynasty between 1428 and 1787 and Tonkin during the French colonial period between 1883 and 1945. However, by 1831, the city was renamed Hà Noi by the Nguyen dynasty, meaning “Between Two Rivers.”

The city has also been Vietnam’s capital several times before becoming the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. In 1902, it was made the capital of French Indochina, but by 1945, it became the capital of the then-Democratic Republic of Vietnam. By 1976, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam was declared, and the city stayed the capital. Hà Noi also became a commercial city early enough, transforming into an agricultural and industrial center.

Several historical and natural landmarks still exist in the city despite the fact that its ancient monuments and palaces were destroyed by invasion and civil war. These ancient ruins attract many tourists from all over the world to the city. Along with these historical ruins, the ancient city has been revitalized with cutting-edge stores, top-notch dining establishments, and hip art galleries. The city is also in a position that makes it easy to access other parts of the country, either by rail, road, or air routes.

1. Ho Chí Minh City – 9,200,000

The most populated city in Vietnam is Ho Chí Minh City, with a little over nine million inhabitants. The city was formerly known as Saigon, although it’s still popularly called that by the locals. It is in the southeast region of Vietnam, surrounding the Saigon River and covering about 2,061 square kilometers (796 square miles). The area the city sits in was a part of the kingdom of Cambodia, but the Vietnamese eventually gained entry into the area around the 17th century. By the 19th century, at the time the French had settled in Vietnam, they extended their settlement into the area that is now Ho Chí Minh City.

Today, Ho Chi Minh City is a popular tourist destination due to its fascinating culture, museums that tell the city’s history, architectural sites from the Chinese dynasty, and a lot of breathtaking natural scenery. The city is also known as one of Vietnam’s major commercial hubs, with many tourist attractions. One of the most interesting things about the city is that although Ho Chí Minh City is still very much a growing metropolis, it is still deeply rooted in its culture. Some of the most popular tourist attractions include the Cu Chi and Ben Dinh Tunnels, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Saigon Opera House, and Central Post Office.

Summary of the 3 Most Populated Cities in Vietnam

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/HuyThoai