Postal codes (also known as ZIP codes) are sequences of characters consisting of numbers, letters, or a combination of both, used to identify geographic areas within a country’s postal system, enabling faster, more accurate, and more efficient sorting, processing, and delivery of mail, parcels, and goods, while also playing an important role in fields such as e-commerce, logistics, and transportation services.
Early mail sorting systems were primarily based on place names and transportation routes. By the 19th century, as trade and transportation expanded rapidly, many large cities began dividing their territories into smaller postal districts to improve the efficiency of mail sorting and delivery. These early practices laid the groundwork for modern postal code systems, although it was not until the mid-20th century that such systems were widely implemented at the national level.
In 1941, Germany became one of the first countries to introduce a nationwide postal code system (Postleitzahl). From the 1960s onward, this model gradually became a global standard, as more countries developed and refined their own postal code systems to suit their geographic characteristics and transportation networks.
In Vietnam, the postal code system was officially introduced in 2004 in accordance with guidelines from the Universal Postal Union.
2. Postal Code Terms in Different Countries
• ZIP Code: United States, Philippines
• Postal Code: Canada (also used as a general term worldwide)
• Postcode: United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand
• CAP: Italy
• CEP: Brazil
• PIN: India
3. Vietnam Postal Code Structure
The national postcode consists of five numeric digits (1-5). Each digit or group of digits identifies a different administrative level:
• The first two digits identify the province or centrally governed city.
• The last three digits indicate the specific postal delivery area, typically corresponding to a ward, commune, or equivalent administrative unit.• All five digits together identify the specific postcode-assigned entity.
Entities assigned a postcode include:
• Communes, wards, and equivalent administrative units
• Public postal service points within the national postal network
• Postal service points and service units of the special postal network serving the Communist Party of Vietnam and the State of Vietnam, as designated by the Prime Minister
• Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates
• Representative offices of international organizations located in Vietnam
This structure allows each postal code to clearly identify the region, the province or centrally governed city, the local administrative unit (such as a ward or commune), and the specific postal service point or administrative location.
Example: 11120 - Ba Đình Ward, Hanoi
• The first two digits (11) designate Hanoi, a centrally governed municipality (provincial-level administrative unit).
• The last three digits (120) identify the specific local administrative unit, in this case Ba Đình Ward, and its corresponding postal delivery area.
The postal code 11120 indicates that the address is located in Hanoi, specifically in Ba Đình Ward, within the designated postal delivery zone defined by the national postal system.
4. How to Look Up Vietnam Postal Codes
Find detailed Vietnam postal codes here:
https://mabuuchinh.vn/
• Looking Up a Postal Code by Location or Organization Name
You can find a postal code by entering the name of the assigned entity, such as a ward/commune (or equivalent administrative unit), post office or service point within the public postal network, government or Party agencies, mass organizations, diplomatic missions, or international organizations in Vietnam.
In the “Search” box, enter the name of the location or organization.
Example 1:
Enter “Hoàn Kiếm Ward” in the search box
The result will return the postal code for that ward in Hà Nội, which is 11024
• Looking Up a Location or Organization by Postal Code
You can also search in reverse to identify the assigned entity using a postal code.
In the “Search” box, enter the postal code.
Example 2:
Enter “11024”
The result will show the assigned entity as Hoàn Kiếm Ward, Hanoi
5. How to Write a Postal Code
• The sender’s and recipient’s addresses must be clearly written on the mail item (envelope, parcel, or package) or on any related documents and materials.
• The postal code is an essential part of the address. It should be placed immediately after the name of the province or city, separated by at least one space.
• The postal code must be printed or handwritten clearly and legibly.
• If the mail item includes designated boxes for the postal code in the address section, write one digit per box. Each digit must be clear, easy to read, and written without corrections or cross-outs.
6. Vietnam Postal Codes by Province and City
The regional code for each province or city is represented by the first two digits of the postal code. If the specific local code is unknown, you can add “000” to use a general code (for example: Điện Biên Province: 32000).
However, this general code typically only routes mail to the central post office, so it is recommended to use the full 5-digit postal code for faster and more accurate delivery.
1. An Giang: 90, 91, 92
2. Bắc Ninh: 16, 26
3. Cà Mau: 97, 98
4. Cao Bằng: 21
5. TP. Cần Thơ: 94, 95, 96
6. TP. Đà Nẵng: 50, 51, 52
7. Đắk Lắk: 56, 63, 64
8. Điện Biên: 32
9. Đồng Nai: 67, 76
10. Đồng Tháp: 81, 84
11. Gia Lai: 55, 61, 62
12. TP. Hà Nội: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
13. Hà Tĩnh: 45, 46
14. TP. Hải Phòng: 03, 04, 05
15. TP. Hồ Chí Minh: 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 78
16. TP. Huế: 49
17. Hưng Yên: 06, 17
18. Khánh Hòa: 57, 59
19. Lai Châu: 30
20. Lạng Sơn: 25
21. Lào Cai: 31, 33
22. Lâm Đồng: 65, 66, 77
23. Ninh Bình: 07, 08, 18
24. Nghệ An: 43, 44
25. Phú Thọ: 15, 35, 36
26. Quảng Ninh: 01, 02
27. Quảng Ngãi: 53, 54, 60
28. Quảng Trị: 47, 48
29. Sơn La: 34
30. Tây Ninh: 80, 82, 83
31. Tuyên Quang: 20, 22
32. Thái Nguyên: 23, 24
33. Thanh Hóa: 40, 41, 42
34. Vĩnh Long: 85, 86, 87
7. Benefits of Using Postal Codes
For Postal Service Users
• Mail and packages are delivered faster, more accurately, and more securely.
• Fewer deliveries fail due to incorrect or incomplete addresses.
• Potential cost savings on shipping services.
• Overall service quality is improved.
For Postal Service Providers and Businesses
• Enables faster and more accurate sorting and routing of mail, reducing processing and delivery time.
• Helps determine the correct destination even when addresses are unclear, minimizing operational errors.
• Improves overall service quality.
• Lowers service costs, especially for bulk shipments.
• Simplifies internal management, accounting, and statistical tracking through data linked to postal codes.
• Supports the use of software systems for operations and management across post offices and service points, streamlining workflows and improving business planning and sales management.
• Creates additional revenue opportunities by supporting market research needs for organizations and individuals.
8. Conclusion
Postal codes play a vital role in the delivery of goods, mail, and e-commerce. Knowing the correct postal code not only helps ensure faster shipping and delivery but also makes it easier to enter accurate information when completing online payments.
