Vietnam is divided into 58 provinces and 5 centrally governed cities. These provinces are grouped into three main regions: Northern Vietnam, Central Vietnam, and Southern Vietnam, with the Mekong Delta often considered a distinct area within the south.

The five special municipalities, which are cities with provincial status due to their economic and administrative importance, are Hanoi (the capital), Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hai Phong, and Can Tho. These cities serve as major cultural and economic hubs, each with its own distinct character and attractions.