Nam Kỳ Lục tỉnh is not just a historical landmark but a symbol of the pioneering spirit of the southern people. This land has experienced nearly four centuries of formation and development, from dense coastal jungles to the most dynamic economic center in the country. This article will take you back in time to explore the origins of Nam Kỳ Lục tỉnh, understand its development through different periods, and provide updates on the important changes in the 2025 provincial-level administrative restructuring.

Historical Context and the Ancient Land

Before becoming part of Vietnamese territory, present-day Southern Vietnam was once part of the weakening Khmer Empire, characterized by dense forests and a network of rivers and canals. During this period, the region was also the center of the powerful Kingdom of Phù Nam, with its brilliant Óc Eo culture (1st to 7th centuries AD). Archaeological sites discovered in the Óc Eo area (Ba Thê Mountain, An Giang Province) reveal a highly developed civilization with an international trading system.

The Southward Expansion and the Formation of the Six Provinces

The Vietnamese southward expansion began in the 17th century, with the first milestone in 1623 when Lord Nguyễn Phúc Nguyên established tax collection stations at Prei Nokor (present-day Saigon area). In 1831-1832, Emperor Minh Mạng carried out a major administrative reform, abolishing Gia Định Citadel and dividing the region into 6 provinces, marking the birth of the name “Nam Kỳ Lục tỉnh” (Six Provinces of Southern Vietnam).

Folklore further divides the region into 3 Eastern provinces (Gia Định, Định Tường, Biên Hòa) and 3 Western provinces (Vĩnh Long, An Giang, Hà Tiên). The name Nam Kỳ (Cochinchina) officially appeared in 1834, referring to the entire southern territory.

In 1867, French colonial forces completed the occupation of all of Cochinchina and abolished the name Liù Tỉnh (Six Provinces) in administration, replacing it with districts (arrondissements) and then provinces. They called the region Cochinchina. Under French rule, Cochinchina became the largest rice-producing region in all of Indochina. An extensive canal system was built for transportation and irrigation. Major urban centers like Saigon – Chợ Lớn were re-planned, becoming commercial, industrial, and financial hubs.

Southeast Region: The Economic Locomotive

The Southeast region, with Ho Chi Minh City as its center, is the key economic zone of the south. This is where industrial parks, export processing zones, deep-water seaports, and Vietnam’s largest international airport are concentrated. Today, the Southeast region comprises 6 provinces and cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Bình Dương, Bình Phước, Đồng Nai, Tây Ninh, and Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu.

Mekong Delta: The Land of Nine Dragons

The Mekong Delta has long been known as the “rice bowl,” “fruit basket,” and “seafood basket” of Vietnam. This region currently includes 13 provinces and cities: Long An, Tiền Giang, Vĩnh Long, Bến Tre, Trà Vinh, Đồng Tháp, Sóc Trăng, Cần Thơ, Hậu Giang, An Giang, Kiên Giang, Bạc Liêu, and Cà Mau.

Provincial Adjustments After the 2025 Reform

The 2025 administrative reform restructured the map of provinces in the region. As a result:

• Unchanged: Ho Chi Minh City, Đồng Nai, Tây Ninh, Cần Thơ, Vĩnh Long, Đồng Tháp, Cà Mau, An Giang
• Boundary adjustments: Bình Phước, Long An, Tiền Giang, Bến Tre, Trà Vinh, Sóc Trăng, Bạc Liêu, Hậu Giang, Kiên Giang

• Regional connectivity infrastructure: The North-South Expressway (Eastern Route) and expressways connecting the Mekong Delta with the Southeast region and Ho Chi Minh City are being accelerated.
• Sustainable agriculture: The “1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice” project enhances the value of Vietnamese rice.
• Ecotourism development: Leveraging the cultural values of the Khmer and Cham ethnic groups and the scenic riverine landscapes.
• Climate change challenges: Saltwater intrusion, land subsidence, and drought demand sustainable adaptation solutions.