Best Maps for Vietnam

by Christopher O'Keeffe July 25, 2026

Vietnam is not a destination where one map should be expected to do everything. A successful journey may require national coverage for the long route between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, detailed waterproof mapping of northern and southern Vietnam, specialist coverage of Hue and central Vietnam, a separate map for the Mekong Delta and, for planning at home, a large wall map that reveals how mountains, river deltas, cities and more than 3,000 kilometres of coastline shape one of Asia’s most compelling countries.

Vietnam is a country that makes far more sense when you see the whole map.

Hanoi sits in the north beside the Red River Delta.

Ha Long Bay lies towards the coast.

Mountains rise towards China and Laos.

Hue occupies the narrow centre of the country.

Da Nang and Hoi An sit along the central coast.

The land then stretches south through highlands and coastal plains before reaching Ho Chi Minh City and finally dissolving into the rivers, canals and islands of the Mekong Delta.

Look at Vietnam only through hotel bookings and it can seem like a collection of destinations.

Hanoi.

Ha Long Bay.

Hue.

Hoi An.

Da Nang.

Ho Chi Minh City.

The Mekong Delta.

Look at a map and those destinations become one journey.

That is why the best map for Vietnam depends on what sort of journey is being planned.

For a single national overview, Mapworld’s Vietnam ITMB Map is the natural starting point.

For more detailed regional touring, the Vietnam North National Geographic Folded Map and Vietnam South National Geographic Folded Map divide the country into two durable, waterproof maps.

For travellers spending more time in central Vietnam, the Hue & Central Vietnam ITMB Map provides much closer regional and urban detail.

For Ho Chi Minh City and southern Vietnam, the Ho Chi Minh & Vietnam South ITMB Map combines city mapping with broader regional coverage.

And for the great river landscape of southern Vietnam, the Cambodia & Mekong Delta ITMB Map provides a much stronger geographic picture of the delta than a general country map can.

Mapworld’s broader Asia Maps, Guides & Road Atlases collection brings these products together with maps of neighbouring countries, while the Wall Maps of Countries & Regions collection provides large-format maps for planning, education and display.

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Best Maps for Vietnam: Quick Recommendations

Purpose	Recommended Mapworld map
Best single national map	Vietnam ITMB Map
Best map for northern Vietnam	Vietnam North National Geographic Folded Map
Best map for southern Vietnam	Vietnam South National Geographic Folded Map
Best specialist map for Hue and central Vietnam	Hue & Central Vietnam ITMB Map
Best detailed map for Ho Chi Minh City and the south	Ho Chi Minh & Vietnam South ITMB Map
Best specialist map for the Mekong Delta	Cambodia & Mekong Delta ITMB Map
Best multi-country map	Vietnam Laos Cambodia ITMB Map
Best dedicated wall map	Vietnam Wall Map 864 × 1118 mm
Best collection for neighbouring countries	Mapworld Asia Collection

The strongest map kit is usually not the largest one.

It is the combination that matches the trip.

A traveller flying between Hanoi, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City may need only the national ITMB map plus one detailed city or regional map.

A motorcyclist riding through the north may prefer the National Geographic North map.

Someone spending five days around Hue and Hoi An will gain more from the dedicated central Vietnam map than from carrying two national touring sheets.

A Mekong-focused trip deserves its own delta map.

The map should follow the journey rather than the other way around.

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1. Vietnam ITMB Map

The Best Single Map of Vietnam

The Vietnam ITMB Map is the strongest choice when the traveller wants one map covering the whole country.

Its greatest advantage is not simply that it shows Vietnam from north to south.

It also combines that national overview with inset mapping of several major destinations.

That gives it an unusually practical role.

It can be used to plan the national journey while still providing useful city-scale orientation once the traveller reaches major stops.

What It Helps You See

The national map makes it easy to understand:

• the relationship between Hanoi and northern Vietnam;

• the position of Ha Long Bay;

• the long coastal corridor towards central Vietnam;

• where Hue and Da Nang sit relative to one another;

• the distance between central Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City;

• the position of the Central Highlands;

• the shape and scale of the Mekong Delta;

• the location of major roads, railways and cities.

This is particularly useful before departure.

A trip that appears logical on a booking screen may look very different once the destinations are placed on a national map.

Why Choose ITMB?

The ITMB map is particularly good for:

• first-time visitors;

• general touring;

• backpacking;

• rail travel;

• people visiting several regions but not exploring every one in great detail;

• travellers who want one compact overview rather than several separate maps.

It also works well as a planning companion to digital navigation.

The paper map provides context.

The phone provides live detail.

Its Limitation

Any single national map must compromise.

Northern mountain roads, central regional detail and the intricacies of the Mekong Delta cannot all be shown at the same level.

That is where the more specialised maps become valuable.

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2. Vietnam North National Geographic Folded Map

The Best Map for Northern Vietnam

The Vietnam North National Geographic Folded Map is a stronger option when northern Vietnam is a major part of the journey.

Produced at 1:650,000, it gives the northern half of the country more room than a single national sheet can provide.

The map is printed on waterproof, tear-resistant synthetic material, making it particularly suitable for field use.

What It Covers

The map includes:

• Hanoi;

• Ninh Bình;

• Ha Long Bay;

• Sa Pa;

• Hà Giang;

• Cao Bằng;

• mountain areas towards China;

• northern routes towards Laos;

• railways;

• secondary roads;

• tracks;

• ferry routes;

• airports;

• cultural and natural attractions.

Why It Is Useful

Northern Vietnam contains some of the country’s most varied terrain.

The Red River lowlands around Hanoi quickly give way to:

• limestone landscapes;

• mountain roads;

• remote valleys;

• border regions;

• highland settlements.

This is where a more detailed regional map begins to pay for itself.

For a short Hanoi–Ha Long Bay journey, the national ITMB map may be enough.

For a road trip through Sa Pa, Hà Giang or Cao Bằng, the National Geographic North map is the more useful tool.

Best For

Choose it for:

• northern road trips;

• motorcycle touring;

• cycling;

• independent travel;

• mountain routes;

• long journeys beyond Hanoi;

• travellers who want a durable waterproof map.

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3. Vietnam South National Geographic Folded Map

The Best Broad Map for Central and Southern Vietnam

The Vietnam South National Geographic Folded Map provides the same 1:650,000 scale and waterproof format for the lower half of the country.

It covers a broad area stretching from central Vietnam through the south.

What It Covers

Key areas include:

• Hue;

• Da Nang;

• Quy Nhơn;

• Pleiku;

• coastal Vietnam;

• the Central Highlands;

• Ho Chi Minh City;

• the Mekong Delta;

• Vũng Tàu;

• Phú Quốc;

• border areas with Cambodia.

It also identifies roads, railways, airports, ferry terminals and major tourism features.

Why It Is Useful

The south is far more varied than simply Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong.

The map reveals the continuity between:

• the central coast;

• highland regions;

• southern cities;

• river systems;

• islands;

• Cambodia-facing border areas.

It is particularly useful for travellers touring widely rather than concentrating on one city.

Best For

Choose it for:

• long road trips through central and southern Vietnam;

• motorcycle or bicycle touring;

• coastal journeys;

• travellers continuing south from Hue or Da Nang;

• broad Mekong Delta planning;

• journeys involving Phú Quốc or the Cambodian border.

Its Limitation

Although the map covers Hue, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, it is not designed to provide the same close urban detail as the dedicated ITMB city and regional maps.

That distinction is important.

Broad touring map for movement.

Specialist map for depth.

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4. Hue & Central Vietnam ITMB Map

The Best Specialist Map for Central Vietnam

The Hue & Central Vietnam ITMB Map is one of the most useful maps in the range because central Vietnam deserves closer attention than most national maps can provide.

It combines detailed mapping of Hue with a wider regional map extending across central Vietnam and towards Laos.

That makes it valuable for both city exploration and regional travel.

Hue in Detail

Hue is a city where geography and history are closely linked.

The map helps travellers understand:

• the Perfume River;

• the Imperial City;

• major historic sites;

• modern urban districts;

• surrounding roads;

• the relationship between the city and its wider region.

A national map tells you where Hue is.

This map helps explain how Hue fits together.

Da Nang and Hoi An

The regional side also helps connect:

• Da Nang;

• Hoi An;

• coastal roads;

• mountain routes;

• regional towns;

• cross-country roads towards Laos.

Da Nang and Hoi An are geographically close enough to be combined easily, but their relationship becomes much clearer when viewed within the wider central Vietnam corridor.

The Hai Van Region

Central Vietnam narrows dramatically between mountain ranges and the coast.

This is particularly evident around the Hai Van Pass.

The map helps explain why road and rail routes follow the geography they do.

That understanding adds considerably to a journey through the region.

Best For

Choose this map for:

• Hue;

• Da Nang;

• Hoi An;

• central Vietnam road trips;

• historical touring;

• regional exploration;

• travellers staying several days in the centre of the country.

This is a good example of where a specialist regional map offers more practical value than a broad national one.

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5. Ho Chi Minh & Vietnam South ITMB Map

The Best Map for Ho Chi Minh City and Its Surrounding Region

The Ho Chi Minh & Vietnam South ITMB Map combines detailed city mapping with a broader map of southern Vietnam.

This gives it two distinct uses.

One side helps the traveller understand Ho Chi Minh City.

The other puts the city into its southern regional setting.

Why City Detail Matters

Ho Chi Minh City can be difficult to understand when viewed only through turn-by-turn navigation.

A city map allows travellers to see:

• major districts;

• the Saigon River;

• arterial roads;

• transport hubs;

• parks;

• markets;

• major landmarks;

• the relationship between the historic centre and the wider city.

Instead of simply following a blue line, you begin to build a mental map.

Beyond the City

The regional side helps explain how Ho Chi Minh City connects with:

• southern Vietnam;

• routes towards the Mekong Delta;

• coastal areas;

• Cambodia-facing border regions.

This makes the map useful even after leaving the city.

Best For

Choose it for:

• Ho Chi Minh City sightseeing;

• business travel;

• southern touring;

• journeys beginning or ending in Saigon;

• travellers who want more city detail than a general regional map can provide.

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6. Cambodia & Mekong Delta ITMB Map

The Best Specialist Map for the Mekong Delta

The Cambodia & Mekong Delta ITMB Map performs a very different role from the national and north–south touring maps.

It focuses on the river landscape.

That makes it the strongest choice when the Mekong Delta is more than a day trip.

Why the Delta Needs Its Own Map

The Mekong Delta is not organised like northern or central Vietnam.

Its geography is based on:

• rivers;

• distributaries;

• canals;

• floodplain agriculture;

• towns connected by waterways and roads;

• border routes towards Cambodia.

A broad map may show Can Tho and Chau Doc.

A specialist map helps explain the landscape between them.

Best For

Choose it for:

• Can Tho;

• Chau Doc;

• river travel;

• multi-day delta exploration;

• journeys towards Phnom Penh;

• border crossings;

• travellers interested in the relationship between Vietnam and Cambodia.

The Main Benefit

The map makes the delta understandable as one regional system rather than a collection of towns.

That is precisely what a specialist map should do.

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7. Vietnam Laos Cambodia ITMB Map

The Best Map for a Multi-Country Journey

The Vietnam Laos Cambodia ITMB Map becomes useful when Vietnam is only one part of a larger Southeast Asian journey.

Rather than concentrating on one country, it shows the regional relationships between:

• Vietnam;

• Laos;

• Cambodia;

• major cities;

• international roads;

• rivers;

• border crossings;

• regional transport corridors.

Why It Is Valuable

Multi-country trips are often planned one country at a time.

That can hide geographic logic.

A regional map shows:

• why Hue sits relatively close to Laos;

• how southern Vietnam connects with Cambodia;

• how the Mekong runs through several countries;

• why some border crossings make sense and others require major detours.

Best For

Choose it for:

• backpacking through Indochina;

• overland journeys;

• regional bus travel;

• cross-border road trips;

• long itineraries involving several countries;

• historical and geographic context.

For a substantial Laos trip, add the Laos ITMB Map.

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8. Laos ITMB Map

The Best Companion Map for Travel West of Vietnam

The Laos ITMB Map is useful where Laos becomes a major destination rather than simply neighbouring context.

It allows travellers to move from the broad regional picture of the Vietnam–Laos–Cambodia map into a more detailed national map.

That is particularly useful for journeys involving:

• Luang Prabang;

• Vientiane;

• southern Laos;

• overland travel from Vietnam;

• Mekong-based itineraries.

The same principle applies across Mapworld’s Asia collection:

start broad, then add detail where the journey requires it.

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Vietnam by Rail

Vietnam’s long north–south railway is one of the best examples of why carrying a map can add so much to a journey.

The Vietnam ITMB Map is particularly good for seeing the complete route.

The National Geographic North and South maps provide more regional detail where travellers want to follow the journey more closely.

The map helps reveal:

• how the line runs south from Hanoi;

• where it approaches the coast;

• how it passes through central Vietnam;

• the position of Hue and Da Nang;

• how far Ho Chi Minh City lies from the north.

A timetable provides time.

A map provides place.

Together, they transform a train ride into a journey through geography.

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Vietnam by Motorcycle

For motorcycle touring, durability and road detail become more important.

The National Geographic North and South maps are particularly useful here because they are:

• waterproof;

• tear resistant;

• easy to fold;

• detailed enough for broad road planning;

• suitable for repeated handling.

But they are not the only useful maps.

The national ITMB map remains valuable for the complete route.

The Hue map becomes useful when exploring central Vietnam in detail.

The Mekong map becomes useful when the journey shifts from roads through mountains to roads through river country.

The best motorcycle map kit depends entirely on the route.

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Vietnam by Bicycle

Cyclists often need a different level of understanding again.

A cyclist is far more sensitive to:

• distance;

• terrain;

• road type;

• secondary towns;

• alternative roads;

• crossings;

• highland regions.

The National Geographic North and South maps provide a useful touring foundation.

The ITMB regional maps add extra detail where a cycling journey concentrates on central or southern Vietnam.

A cyclist does not merely need to know where the destination is.

They need to understand the country between the starting point and the destination.

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9. Vietnam Wall Map

The Best Dedicated Wall Map of Vietnam

For planning at home, education or permanent display, choose the Vietnam Wall Map 864 × 1118 mm.

The value of this map lies in scale.

Vietnam is difficult to appreciate on a small screen because of its unusual shape.

A large wall map makes the geography obvious.

You can see:

• the northern mountains;

• the Red River Delta;

• Hanoi;

• the long central coastline;

• the narrow central corridor;

• the highlands;

• Ho Chi Minh City;

• the Mekong Delta.

Best For

Choose the wall map for:

• planning a long trip;

• classrooms;

• travel agencies;

• Vietnamese community organisations;

• offices;

• international businesses;

• homes;

• recording previous journeys.

Why Wall Maps Matter

Folded maps belong in luggage.

Wall maps belong where the journey is imagined.

They allow an entire trip to remain visible at once.

That makes itinerary planning easier and often more realistic.

Browse the wider Wall Maps of Countries & Regions collection for broader regional coverage.

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Historical Vietnam Mapping

Vietnam also has considerable historical significance for Australian families, military historians, researchers and veterans.

Mapworld stocks specialist historical maps including the Vietnam War — Phước Tuy Province Wall Map.

This is not a current travel map.

Its value is historical.

It can help provide geographic context for:

• Australian operations in Vietnam;

• Nui Dat;

• Phước Tuy Province;

• military history;

• family research;

• museums;

• schools;

• veterans’ organisations.

Modern travel maps tell you how Vietnam is organised today.

Historical maps show how particular regions were represented at another point in time.

Both have value.

They simply serve very different purposes.

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Which Vietnam Map Should You Buy?

One Map for the Whole Country

Choose:

Vietnam ITMB Map

Best for a simple national overview and multi-region holiday.

Northern Vietnam in Detail

Choose:

Vietnam North National Geographic

Best for Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sa Pa, Hà Giang, Cao Bằng and northern touring.

Central Vietnam in Detail

Choose:

Hue & Central Vietnam ITMB

Best for Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An and the wider central region.

Broad Southern Touring

Choose:

Vietnam South National Geographic

Best for long-distance travel through lower central and southern Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City in Detail

Choose:

Ho Chi Minh & Vietnam South ITMB

Best where city-scale mapping matters.

Mekong Delta in Detail

Choose:

Cambodia & Mekong Delta ITMB

Best where the delta itself becomes a major part of the trip.

Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia

Choose:

Vietnam Laos Cambodia ITMB

Best for multi-country travel.

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Paper Maps and Digital Navigation

Vietnam is exactly the sort of destination where paper and digital navigation should work together.

Digital maps are excellent for:

• live traffic;

• immediate walking directions;

• hotel addresses;

• rideshare pickups;

• restaurant locations;

• transport information.

Paper maps are stronger for:

• understanding the complete country;

• comparing routes;

• planning several days at once;

• following rail journeys;

• understanding borders;

• interpreting regional geography;

• seeing how destinations fit together.

The point is not to replace a phone.

It is to avoid reducing the journey to a sequence of instructions.

Read:

• GPS vs Paper Maps: Why Paper Maps Still Matter

• Paper Maps vs Google Maps: Which Is Better for Trip Planning?

• GPS Disruption and Why Paper Maps Matter

• How Maps Improve Spatial Thinking

• The Decline of Map Reading Skills—and Why It Matters

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Vietnam and the Wider Asian Journey

Vietnam is often combined with other destinations across Southeast and East Asia.

Mapworld’s Asia Maps, Guides & Road Atlases collection allows travellers to build a wider map kit for journeys involving countries such as:

• Thailand;

• Cambodia;

• Laos;

• Indonesia;

• Japan;

• China.

Relevant Mapworld guides include:

• Best Maps for Thailand

• Best Maps for Indonesia

• Best Maps for Japan

• Best Maps for Cruising

A regional holiday is easiest to understand when broad maps and detailed maps are used together.

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Complete Mapworld Vietnam Map Directory

National Vietnam

• Vietnam ITMB Map

Northern Vietnam

• Vietnam North National Geographic Folded Map

Southern Vietnam

• Vietnam South National Geographic Folded Map

Central Vietnam

• Hue & Central Vietnam ITMB Map

Ho Chi Minh City and the South

• Ho Chi Minh & Vietnam South ITMB Map

Mekong Delta

• Cambodia & Mekong Delta ITMB Map

Regional Indochina

• Vietnam Laos Cambodia ITMB Map

• Laos ITMB Map

Wall and Historical Maps

• Vietnam Wall Map 864 × 1118 mm

• Vietnam War — Phước Tuy Province Wall Map

Collections

• Asia Maps, Guides & Road Atlases

• Wall Maps of Countries & Regions

• Wall Maps

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Related Mapworld Articles

Continue planning with:

• Best Maps for Thailand

• Best Maps for Indonesia

• Best Maps for Japan

• Best Maps for Cruising

• GPS vs Paper Maps: Why Paper Maps Still Matter

• Paper Maps vs Google Maps: Which Is Better for Trip Planning?

• GPS Disruption and Why Paper Maps Matter

• How Maps Improve Spatial Thinking

• The Decline of Map Reading Skills—and Why It Matters

• Mapworld and the Travel Industry

• Why Specialist Map Shops Remain Important

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best overall map of Vietnam?

For a single map, choose the Vietnam ITMB Map.

It provides the simplest all-country overview and is ideal for travellers visiting several regions.

What is the best map for northern Vietnam?

The Vietnam North National Geographic Folded Map is the strongest choice for detailed northern touring.

It is particularly useful for Sa Pa, Hà Giang, Cao Bằng, Ha Long Bay and journeys beyond Hanoi.

What is the best map for central Vietnam?

The Hue & Central Vietnam ITMB Map is the strongest specialist choice because it combines closer mapping of Hue with regional coverage of Da Nang, Hoi An and surrounding areas.

What is the best map for southern Vietnam?

For broad touring, use the Vietnam South National Geographic Folded Map.

For Ho Chi Minh City and its surrounding region, use the Ho Chi Minh & Vietnam South ITMB Map.

What is the best map for the Mekong Delta?

The Cambodia & Mekong Delta ITMB Map is the strongest specialist option where the delta is a major part of the itinerary.

Do I need both Vietnam North and Vietnam South National Geographic maps?

Not necessarily.

They are ideal for travellers who want more detailed road coverage across the whole country.

For a simpler holiday, the Vietnam ITMB national map may be sufficient.

Are the National Geographic Vietnam maps waterproof?

Yes. The North and South Adventure Maps are produced on waterproof, tear-resistant material, making them well suited to repeated travel use.

Which map is best for Hanoi?

For Hanoi plus detailed northern travel, choose Vietnam North National Geographic.

For Hanoi plus a complete national overview, choose Vietnam ITMB.

Which map is best for Hue?

The Hue & Central Vietnam ITMB Map is the best detailed option.

Which map is best for Hoi An and Da Nang?

The Hue & Central Vietnam ITMB Map is the strongest specialist map because it places both destinations within their wider central Vietnam context.

Which map is best for Ho Chi Minh City?

The Ho Chi Minh & Vietnam South ITMB Map provides the most useful combination of city and regional coverage.

What is the best map for Vietnam by motorcycle?

For extensive road touring, the waterproof Vietnam North and Vietnam South National Geographic maps are strong choices.

Regional ITMB maps can then be added where more local detail is required.

What is the best map for Vietnam by train?

The Vietnam ITMB map is excellent for following the complete north–south journey.

The National Geographic maps provide additional regional detail.

What map should I use for Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia?

Choose the Vietnam Laos Cambodia ITMB Map.

Is there a dedicated Laos map?

Yes. Mapworld stocks the Laos ITMB Map.

Is a paper map still useful in Vietnam?

Yes.

Digital navigation is excellent for immediate directions.

Paper maps are better for understanding the wider country, planning several stages and comparing routes.

What is the best wall map of Vietnam?

The Vietnam Wall Map 864 × 1118 mm is the strongest dedicated large-format option.

Does Mapworld stock historical Vietnam maps?

Yes. Mapworld stocks the Vietnam War — Phước Tuy Province Wall Map for historical, military and research use.

Where can I buy Vietnam maps in Australia?

Mapworld stocks national, regional, city, waterproof touring and wall maps for Vietnam, together with maps of neighbouring Asian countries.

Browse the Asia Maps, Guides & Road Atlases collection.

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Final Verdict

There is no single best Vietnam map for every journey.

That is the point.

Best Single National Map

Choose the Vietnam ITMB Map.

It is the best all-round starting point.

Best Northern Touring Map

Choose Vietnam North National Geographic.

Best Southern Touring Map

Choose Vietnam South National Geographic.

Best Central Vietnam Map

Choose the Hue & Central Vietnam ITMB Map.

Best Ho Chi Minh City Map

Choose the Ho Chi Minh & Vietnam South ITMB Map.

Best Mekong Delta Map

Choose the Cambodia & Mekong Delta ITMB Map.

Best Multi-Country Map

Choose the Vietnam Laos Cambodia ITMB Map.

Best Wall Map

Choose the Vietnam Wall Map 864 × 1118 mm.

Best Complete Vietnam Map Kit

For a substantial north-to-south journey, a balanced kit might include:

• Vietnam ITMB for the national overview;

• Vietnam North National Geographic for detailed northern touring;

• Hue & Central Vietnam ITMB for the centre;

• Vietnam South National Geographic for broad southern touring;

• Ho Chi Minh & Vietnam South ITMB for city detail;

• Cambodia & Mekong Delta ITMB where the river region is a major destination;

• digital navigation for live information;

• a Vietnam wall map for planning the complete journey at home.

Few travellers will need every map.

That is not the aim.

The aim is to choose the right level of mapping for each part of the journey.

Vietnam rewards that approach.

The northern mountains.

The Red River Delta.

The long central coast.

Hue and Da Nang.

The highlands.

Ho Chi Minh City.

The Mekong.

Each region has its own geography.

Each deserves to be understood at the right scale.

A booking itinerary divides Vietnam into reservations.

A good map collection puts the country back together.

Written by Christopher O’Keeffe
Managing Director of Mapworld and specialist in maps, navigation and cartographic products.

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