The Five Busiest Cargo Ports in Vietnam

Vietnam's ports are vital to its role in global manufacturing and exports, supporting the country’s rapidly growing economy and international trade.

1. Port of Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai Terminal) (VNSGN)

The largest port in Vietnam and fifth largest port in southeast Asia, the Port of Ho Chi Minh City is a key driver of the nation's booming export economy, especially in manufacturing.

• Location: The Port of Ho Chi Minh City is situated in southern Vietnam on the Saigon River, which flows into the South China Sea. It serves the country's most populous city, Ho Chi Minh City, a major economic and industrial hub.
• Annual Container Throughput: 7.9 million TEU in 2022 (Lloyd's List)
• Annual Cargo Volume: 142.9 million tonnes in 2022 (Statista)
• Key Commodities: Textiles, footwear, electronics.

2. Port of Hai Phong (VNHPH)

The Port of Hai Phong is the primary gateway for Northern Vietnam's trade, strategically linking the region to global markets and nearby China.

• Location: Located in northeastern Vietnam, the Port of Hai Phong sits on the Cấm River near the Gulf of Tonkin. It serves the city of Hai Phong, the third-largest city in Vietnam and a critical industrial and logistics center.
• Annual Container Throughput: 5.6 million TEU in 2022 (Lloyd's List)
• Annual Cargo Volume: 170.1 million tonnes in 2023 (VnEconomy)
• Key Commodities: Machinery, agricultural products, textiles.

3. Vũng Tàu / Port of Cai Mep-Thi Vai (VNVUT)

A part of the Vũng Tàu Port group, the Port of Cai Mep-Thi Vai is one of Vietnam's most advanced deep-water ports, connecting the country to major global markets like Europe and the U.S.

• Location: Situated in southern Vietnam near the mouth of the Thi Vai River, close to the city of Vung Tau, the port is strategically positioned on the Southeast Asia maritime route that connects to the Pacific Ocean.
• Annual Container Throughput: 5.6 million TEU in 2022 (Lloyd's List)
• Annual Cargo Volume: 106.7 million tonnes in 2022, including all ports in the Vũng Tàu Port group (Customs News)
• Key Commodities: Petroleum, chemicals, electronics.

4. Port of Da Nang (VNDAD)

An important logistics hub for Central Vietnam, the Port of Da Nang supports regional industries and plays a significant role in international shipping routes. The Da Nang free trade zone is comprised of Da Nang Port, My Khe Port and Lien Chieu Port.

• Location: The port is located in central Vietnam, along the Han River, opening into the South China Sea. Da Nang is one of Vietnam's largest cities and a significant economic and tourism center.
• Annual Cargo Volume: 10.7 million tonnes between the three ports in the group in 2020 (JICA)
• Key Commodities: Coffee, textiles, seafood.

5. Port of Quang Ninh (VNQNH)

The Port of Quang Ninh is central to the export of Northern Vietnam's minerals, playing a vital role in the country’s natural resource-based trade.

• Location: Located in northern Vietnam along the coast of Ha Long Bay, the port provides easy access to the Gulf of Tonkin and the broader Southeast Asian maritime network.
• Annual Cargo Volume: More than 8 million tonnes (Quang Ninh Port)
• Key Commodities: Coal, limestone, cement.