Red River Delta

The Red River Delta is a low-lying plain in northern Vietnam where rice paddies, waterways, settlements and two major cities spread across flat alluvial land. The region is crisscrossed by a dense network of river branches, canals and dikes that protect the land from flooding and support agriculture.

The delta region has been the center of Vietnamese civilization for more than 2,000 years, with rice cultivation shaping its landscape continuously. In 2004 it was recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, marking international acknowledgment of its ecological importance.

Across the delta, craft villages keep alive techniques in silk weaving, pottery and woodworking passed down through many generations. Travelers can observe artisans at work in these communities and see how traditional skills remain part of everyday life.

Hanoi and Haiphong serve as main transport hubs and provide access to smaller towns and rural areas within the eight provinces. The flat terrain and developed road connections make traveling between different parts of the region straightforward.

Around 22 million people live here on just 5 percent of Vietnam's total land area, making this the most densely populated region in the country. The combination of fertile soil and dense settlement shows itself in the almost unbroken succession of villages and fields along the waterways.

Location: Vietnam

Inception: 2004

Shares border with: Northeast Vietnam, North Central Coast, Northwest Vietnam

GPS coordinates: 21.03333,105.85000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 21:00