Vietnam has emerged as a prominent manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia, attracting significant foreign direct investment (FDI) and driving economic growth. The country’s strategic location, competitive labour costs, and supportive government policies have contributed to its manufacturing prowess. Several key locations have emerged as focal points for industrial development and production.
These key manufacturing hubs have played a crucial role in Vietnam’s economic transformation and continue to drive the country’s export-oriented growth strategy.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, often abbreviated as HCMC or still widely referred to as Saigon, is Vietnam’s economic heartland. Its dynamic business environment, coupled with a strategic geographic location, has solidified its position as a premier destination for foreign investment and business expansion in Southeast Asia. This bustling metropolis offers a unique blend of traditional Vietnamese culture and modern urban living, creating a vibrant atmosphere for both locals and expatriates. Read more: Doing Business in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hanoi
Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, offers a dynamic business environment for manufacturing firms seeking to tap into the Southeast Asian market. As the country’s political, economic, and cultural hub, Hanoi provides access to a relatively skilled workforce and a growing consumer market. The city’s strategic location within the region facilitates trade and logistics, making it an attractive location for businesses across various sectors. Read more: Doing Business in Hanoi, Vietnam
Hai Duong
Hai Duong province, located in the Red River Delta region of Vietnam, has emerged as a dynamic manufacturing hub. With its strategic location, proximity to Hanoi, and a skilled workforce, the province has attracted significant domestic and foreign investment. Known for its rapid industrialization, Hai Duong has transformed from an agricultural-based economy into a manufacturing powerhouse. Read more: Doing Business in Hai Duong, Vietnam
Danang
Da Nang, often referred to as the “city of bridges,” has emerged as a dynamic economic and tourism hub in Vietnam. Its strategic location on the central coast offers a balance of natural beauty and urban development, making it an attractive destination for manufacturing businesses and investors. With a focus on sustainable development and a strong commitment to improving the business environment, Da Nang has positioned itself as a competitive city for domestic and foreign enterprises. Read more: Doing Business in Danang, Vietnam
Bac Giang
Bac Giang province has rapidly transformed into a thriving industrial hub in Vietnam. Its strategic location, coupled with a business-friendly environment and a skilled workforce, has attracted significant foreign and domestic manufacturing investments. The province offers a compelling proposition for businesses looking to tap into the Vietnamese market and leverage the country’s growing economic potential. Read more: Doing Business in Bac Giang, Vietnam
Dong Nai
Dong Nai province, located in the southeastern region of Vietnam, has emerged as a dynamic manufacturing hub in recent years. Its strategic location, coupled with robust infrastructure and a supportive government, has positioned it as an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign investors. The province boasts a thriving industrial landscape, with a particular focus on manufacturing, processing, and export-oriented activities. Read more: Doing Business in Dong Nai, Vietnam
Hai Phong
Hai Phong, a dynamic coastal city in northern Vietnam, has emerged as a thriving manufacturing hub. Its strategic geographic location, coupled with robust infrastructure development, has positioned it as a prime destination for foreign investors. As Vietnam’s second-largest seaport, Hai Phong offers access to both domestic and international markets, making it an ideal base for manufacturing, logistics, and trade operations. Read more: Doing Business in Hai Phong, Vietnam
Bac Ninh
Bac Ninh province has rapidly emerged as a top choice for foreign investors seeking to tap into Vietnam’s thriving manufacturing sector. Its strategic location within the Red River Delta, coupled with solid manufacturing infrastructure and a skilled workforce, has propelled the province into a manufacturing powerhouse. Read more: Doing Business in Bac Ninh, Vietnam
Long An
Long An province has emerged as a promising investment destination in Vietnam, particularly for manufacturing and agriculture. Its strategic location, coupled with government support, has attracted a growing number of domestic and foreign investors. Read more: Doing Business in Long An, Vietnam
Binh Duong
Binh Duong province has emerged as a dynamic economic hub in Vietnam, attracting significant foreign direct investment. Its strategic location, coupled with a well-developed infrastructure and a relatively supportive government, has made it a prime destination for manufacturing and industrial operations. The province boasts a large concentration of industrial parks, offering ready-made facilities and utilities for businesses. Read more: Doing Business in Binh Duong, Vietnam
FAQ
What are the major manufacturing hubs in Vietnam?
The major manufacturing areas in Vietnam include the Northern Key Economic Zone (Hanoi, Hai Phong, Bac Ninh), the Central Key Economic Zone (Da Nang, Quang Nam), and the Southern Key Economic Zone (Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Dong Nai).
Where is most manufacturing located in Vietnam?
Much of the manufacturing in Vietnam is concentrated in the southern provinces around Ho Chi Minh City, as well as the northern region around Hanoi and Hai Phong.
Which cities in Vietnam are big manufacturing center?
Ho Chi Minh City is a major manufacturing center in Vietnam. Other significant manufacturing cities include Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, and Bac Ninh.
Is northern Vietnam good for manufacturing?
Yes, northern Vietnam is a significant and growing manufacturing hub, particularly for electronics and high-tech industries. Key provinces include Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, and Hanoi.
What industries are in Da Nang?
Da Nang has a growing manufacturing sector, particularly in electronics, textiles, and footwear. It is also becoming a center for high-tech industries like semiconductors and AI.
What’s next?
Each location offers unique advantages and challenges, attracting different types of industries and investors. The southern provinces’ established infrastructure and large consumer market make them ideal for manufacturing products with high production volumes and diverse supply chains. The northern provinces’ focus on electronics and high-tech manufacturing benefits from their proximity to research institutions and abundant labour. Whereas the central region’s combination of coastal location and growing presence of industrial parks presents opportunities for export-oriented industries and logistics companies.
All of that said, these key manufacturing hubs have played a crucial role in Vietnam’s economic transformation and continue to drive the country’s export-oriented growth strategy. Vietnam’s investment environment, however, is dynamic and frequently changing. With this in mind, foreign firms and business persons looking at, or already doing, business in Vietnam should make sure to keep up to date with the latest developments by subscribing to the-shiv.
First published August 19, 2024. Last updated May 12, 2025.