Top 6 Most Prominent Economic Regions in Vietnam

The Northern Midlands and Mountainous Region is a vital economic area in Vietnam, covering an area of 101,000 km², accounting for 30.5% of the country's total land area. It borders China, Laos, and is adjacent to the Red River Delta, the Northeast, and the Gulf of Tonkin. Rich in natural resources, this region has developed a thriving economy, contributing significantly to the country's economic value.

The region boasts several economic strengths such as:

• Mining, mineral processing, and hydropower generation.
• Cultivation and processing of industrial crops, medicinal plants, and temperate & subtropical fruits and vegetables.
• Cattle farming.
• Marine economy.

These factors underscore the importance of the Northern Midlands and Mountainous Region as a key economic zone in Vietnam, which continues to receive significant attention today.

The Mekong Delta, covering an area of 40,000 km² (12% of the country's total area), is a region bordering the Southeast, Cambodia, and the East Sea. True to its name, the Mekong Delta is the largest alluvial plain in Vietnam.

Composed primarily of fertile alluvial soil, the region contains three main types of land:

• Sweet alluvial soil along the Tien and Hau Rivers, covering 1.2 million hectares (30% of the area), which is ideal for rice cultivation.
• Acid sulfate soil, covering 1.6 million hectares (41% of the region), found in the Long Xuyen Quadrangle, the central swamp area, and the Cà Mau Peninsula.
• Saline soil, covering 750,000 hectares (19% of the area), located along the East Sea coast and the Gulf of Thailand.

The region is also crisscrossed with rivers, canals, and streams, providing water for irrigation, desalinization, and flood control. This supports the development of transport, aquaculture, and local needs. With its favorable subtropical climate for agriculture, the Mekong Delta is renowned for being the largest rice-producing area in Vietnam, supplying both domestic consumption and export markets. It is an economic region that deserves much attention today.

The Central Coastal Region consists of five provinces and cities that are part of the key economic zone in central Vietnam, including Thua Thien Hue, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Quang Binh, and Da Nang. Additionally, this area includes four provinces of the South Central Coast: Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, and Binh Thuan.

The Central Coastal Region is an area rich in economic development opportunities, especially in marine economy. The region hosts large fishing grounds, primarily in the South Central Coast. Sand dunes formed by the wind create natural barriers to protect lagoons and coastal areas.

Furthermore, the region is actively developing its tourism industry, focusing on coastal resorts, islands, and historical and cultural landmarks. Key destinations include the Da Nang - Hoi An stretch, Quy Nhon - Phu Yen, Nha Trang - Cam Ranh - Ninh Chu, and Mui Ne. Additionally, Da Nang and Cam Ranh International Airports, two of the largest airports in the region, play a key role in facilitating both domestic and international tourist arrivals.

The first economic region that garners significant attention is the Red River Delta. Situated in the key economic zone of northern Vietnam, it plays a critical role in driving regional growth, influencing surrounding areas, and benefiting from abundant natural resources and a large labor force. This has enabled the region to thrive economically.

The Red River Delta spans 15,000 km², accounting for 4.5% of the country's total area, with a population of 18.2 million (as of 2006), or 21.6% of the national population. This population density has created significant pressure on housing and urban quality. Additionally, the presence of Hanoi, the capital city and economic hub of the country, has made this region a focal point for attention and development.

Covering 23,600 km² (7.1% of the total national area), the Southeast Region is a relatively small area with a moderate population. It has long been recognized for its advanced commodity economy, surpassing other regions in economic development. The region is home to a highly skilled labor force and boasts the most advanced infrastructure in the country, particularly in transportation and telecommunications.

Furthermore, being part of the key economic zone in southern Vietnam, the Southeast Region attracts considerable attention and investment, especially foreign capital. However, the rapid development also brings challenges, such as environmental pollution, which requires ongoing attention and solutions.

The Central Highlands is composed of five provinces: Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, and Lam Dong. Covering an area of 54,700 km² (16.5% of the country's total area), it borders Cambodia and Laos, and is the only region in Vietnam that does not have a coastline. This geographical advantage allows the region to easily foster cooperation in defense, security, and economic matters. A political figure once said, 'Mastering the Central Highlands is mastering the Indochinese Peninsula,' highlighting its importance to the nation's economy.

The region has seen significant growth in the cultivation of perennial industrial crops, timber extraction, and hydroelectric power combined with irrigation. These strengths make the Central Highlands a highly important economic region that continues to attract attention today.