For manufacturers, exporters, and importers, the choice of port can determine whether goods arrive on time, at the right cost, and with minimal risk. A company shipping electronics from northern Vietnam might save thousands of dollars by using Hai Phong’s deep-water terminals instead of routing through southern ports. Similarly, an exporter in Ho Chi Minh City could cut days off transit time and avoid congestion by shifting cargo to Cai Mep–Thi Vai. 

In this article, we’ll break down Vietnam’s port landscape, examine the strengths of its major seaports, and show you exactly how to select the best port for faster, more cost-effective shipping in 2025. 

1.Vietnam’s Seaport Landscape: 2025 Snapshot 

Vietnam’s port system is massive and growing rapidly. According to the Ministry of Transport’s official planning documents, the country operates between 286 to 296 terminals and ports, depending on classification. These facilities include general cargo wharves, specialized berths for industries like oil and coal, and world-class container terminals. 

In 2024, Vietnam handled nearly 700 million tonnes of cargo, including close to 30 million TEUs of containerized goods. This puts the country in the same league as established global players like Thailand and Malaysia. Three of its ports — Saigon Port (Ho Chi Minh City), Hai Phong, and Cai Mep–Thi Vai — are consistently ranked among the world’s Top 50 container ports, proving Vietnam’s role as a rising star in international shipping. 

But statistics alone don’t tell the full story. Vietnam’s seaports are part of an interconnected logistics ecosystem that links factories in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City with global markets in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The government’s Seaport Master Plan to 2030 aims to raise capacity to 1.5 billion tonnes annually, supported by investments of nearly USD 13 billion in dredging, green port initiatives, and smarter hinterland connections. 

>> How to Optimize Textile Logistics with VICO's China-Vietnam LCL Consolidation Service

2. Vietnam Regional Shipping Port Clusters and Their Roles 

4. Recent Developments and Policy Context of Vietnam Shipping ports 

Vietnam is not resting on its current success. The government’s Seaport Master Plan 2030 lays out ambitious goals: 

• Capacity Expansion: Raising handling capacity to 1.25–1.5 billion tonnes annually. 

• Investment: Allocating USD 12.8–13.7 billion for modernization. 

• Green Ports: Promoting sustainability through eco-friendly dredging and electrification. 

• Smart Ports: Introducing digital tracking, automated terminals, and AI-driven logistics. 

Recent highlights include: 

• New smart container terminals in Hai Phong with automated cranes. 

• Expanded facilities at Cai Mep–Thi Vai, making it more attractive to major shipping alliances. 

• Upgraded berths in Ba Ria–Vung Tau, capable of handling larger vessels. 

These improvements reduce Vietnam’s reliance on foreign transshipment hubs and position it as a direct competitor to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Port Klang (Malaysia). 

5. How Port Choice Impacts Cost and Transit Time 

Port selection isn’t just about geography—it has a direct impact on shipping costs, delivery speed, and even supply chain reliability. Let’s break it down with practical examples. 

Port selection isn’t just about geography—it has a direct impact on shipping costs, delivery speed, and even supply chain reliability. Let’s break it down with practical examples. 

5.2 Northern vs. Southern Manufacturers 

A manufacturer in Hanoi has two main choices: 

• Ship through Hai Phong/Lach Huyen, which provides direct routes to Asia and Europe. 

• Or move cargo south to Saigon/Cai Mep, which can sometimes mean better global connections but adds inland trucking costs of $1,000+ per container and 2–3 extra days of transit. 

The lesson? Proximity matters. For northern factories, Hai Phong saves time and reduces unnecessary inland transport. For southern exporters, Cai Mep avoids costly transshipment via Singapore. 

5.3 Congestion Costs at Saigon Port 

Saigon’s Cat Lai is Vietnam’s busiest container terminal. While it handles huge volumes, it often suffers from congestion. Truck queues, customs bottlenecks, and limited yard space can delay shipments by 24–48 hours. This not only increases storage costs but can also cause missed sailings—something global exporters can’t afford. 

Shifting to Cai Mep may involve slightly longer trucking distances from Ho Chi Minh City, but the direct vessel calls to Europe and the U.S. often result in lower overall freight costs and faster delivery times. 

5.4 LCL vs. FCL Considerations 

• Less-than-Container Load (LCL): Smaller shipments benefit from direct-call ports like Cai Mep or Hai Phong because they minimize the number of handlings, reducing the risk of damage and lowering transshipment fees. 

• Full Container Load (FCL): High-volume exporters can save big by consolidating shipments through direct global ports, even if inland trucking is slightly more expensive. 

5.5. Transshipment vs. Direct Calls 

Vietnam historically relied on Singapore and Hong Kong for transshipment. But direct calls from Cai Mep to Los Angeles, Rotterdam, and Hamburg now bypass those hubs. The result? Transit times are reduced by 5–7 days, and costs per container can drop by $300–500. 

👉 The bottom line: Choosing the wrong port can quietly drain profits, while the right port can be a game-changer for competitiveness. 

6. How VICO Logistics Supports Shippers with Vietnam Shipping Port Selection and Supply Chain Solutions 

1. Cost Modeling & Route Planning: By comparing total costs (inland trucking, port tariffs, ocean freight), logistics providers identify the true cheapest route—not just the closest one. 

2. Carrier Negotiations: With strong relationships with shipping lines, they can secure space guarantees and better rates at strategic ports. 

3. Customs Expertise: Understanding which ports have faster clearance and which cargo types face scrutiny helps minimize delays. 

4. End-to-End Integration: Logistics partners align port choice with factory schedules, warehousing, and customer delivery windows. 

Conclusion 

Vietnam’s port network is expanding rapidly, with strategic investments that enhance capacity and connectivity. By selecting the most suitable port — whether it’s the deep-water Cai Mep–Thi Vai, the industrial hub of Hai Phong, or the central gateway of Da Nang — shippers can optimize their Vietnam freight cost and improve supply chain efficiency. Partnering with an experienced logistics provider ensures that port selection aligns with both commercial needs and operational realities. 

Learn more our article 

Guide to Exporting and Transporting PVC Resin from Vietnam to Cambodia - VICO Logistics​
​Understand the Quotation of Cross-Border Trucking from Vietnam to Cambodia | VICO Logistics
Common Types of Warehouses in Vietnam and How to Choose the Right One​

---