Vietnam’s Provincial Merger from 63 to 34 Provinces | What Cruise Passengers Should Know

If your upcoming cruise includes Vietnam, you may hear about a national plan to reduce the number of provinces from 63 to just 34. This sounds like a big change, but don’t worry. Your cruise itinerary, shore excursions in Vietnam, and favorite destinations will remain exactly as wonderful as ever. You can still enjoy the same unforgettable experiences offered by Shore Excursions Asia, with no impact on your travel plans.

Here’s everything cruise guests need to know about this important update from Vietnam.

What is Changing in Vietnam?

In 2025, the Vietnamese government approved a plan to restructure its provincial system. The number of provinces and centrally-managed cities will be reduced from 63 to 34. This involves merging some neighboring provinces and reorganizing local administration.

The goals of this reform include:

• Making local governance more efficient
• Reducing overlap in public services
• Improving transportation and economic planning
• Supporting long-term growth and tourism development

The reform was officially adopted in April 2025 and will be gradually implemented through late 2025 and early 2026.

Will This Affect My Cruise in Vietnam?

The short answer is no.

Your cruise ship will still dock at the same ports. Shore excursions, tour guides, cultural experiences, and local attractions remain unchanged. You will still enjoy the same world-famous destinations, delicious Vietnamese cuisine, and beautiful natural scenery.

What may change in the future are the names of the provinces listed on maps or official documents. The port city will remain exactly where it is, but it may become part of a new, larger province.

Popular Cruise Ports in Vietnam

Cruise ships visiting Vietnam usually dock at the following ports. These remain fully active and welcoming for international visitors:

• Halong International Cruise Port (Quang Ninh Province): gateway to Halong Bay
• Chan May Port (Thua Thien Hue Province): access to Hue and Hoi An
• Tien Sa Port (Da Nang City): gateway to Da Nang, Ba Na Hills, and Hoi An
• Nha Trang Port (Khanh Hoa Province): known for beaches and islands
• Phu My Port (Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province): access point for Ho Chi Minh City
• Saigon Port (Ho Chi Minh City): smaller ships may dock directly in the city
• Hon Gai Port (alternative port in Halong Bay for smaller ships)

As of July 1, 2025, many provinces in Vietnam have officially been merged into larger administrative regions. This includes some cruise port areas. For instance, Nha Trang, while still the same sunny beach city visitors know and love, is now part of a newly merged province that includes its neighbor, Ninh Thuan.

These changes are part of a national restructuring effort, but they do not affect how cruise passengers experience Vietnam. You will still arrive at the same ports, take the same shore excursions, meet the same friendly locals, and enjoy the same scenery. Only the province names on maps and official signage may look different in the future.

When Will the Changes Happen?

The government officially approved the province merger plan in April 2025, and the first wave of mergers took effect on July 1, 2025. While the administrative changes are in motion, some updates to signage, travel documents, and digital maps may continue into late 2025 and early 2026.

As a cruise guest, you are unlikely to notice any difference during your visit. Everything from port operations to tour logistics continues as normal.

Merged Cities and Provinces: What the New Map Looks Like

Here is a summary of the new provincial units formed through recent mergers. These changes are mostly administrative and designed to improve governance. They may appear in future travel maps or official documents, but they do not impact tourist attractions or shore excursions.

Why Is Vietnam Doing This?

This is part of a long-term plan to become a high-income, globally competitive country by 2045. Larger provinces with unified administration can:

• Improve infrastructure and transport between regions
• Attract more international investment
• Offer better tourism management and services
• Support regional cultural and environmental preservation

For cruise passengers, this means improved roads, smoother day trips, and more coordinated Vietnam shore excursions in the future.