The skylines of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are undergoing a dramatic transformation. At the start of the 2000s there were only a handful of buildings standing taller than 20 stories. Today, skyscrapers are can now be found in both cities as well as in other parts of the country. Developers continue to build higher with even more towers in the works and the tallest buildings in Vietnam are a sign of the country’s growth and ambitions.
Related: Southeast Asia skyscrapers spring up at an impressive rate
Tallest buildings in Vietnam
Tallest Building
Landmark 81
Mixed-use Building
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Height: 461 meters (1,514 feet)
Completed: 2018
When it was completed, Landmark 81 was the tallest skyscraper in both Vietnam and Southeast Asia. And while it has been surpassed in the latter category by The Exchange 106, the iconic building still towers above all others in Vietnam. The design of Landmark 81 is special. It features several characteristics of Vietnamese culture and draws inspiration from the shape of bamboo. A 5-star hotel, luxury residences, office space and a retail center can all be found in the tower.
The Former Tallest Building
Landmark 72
Mixed-use Building
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Height: 350 meters (1,148 feet)
Completed: 2012
Before Landmark 81 came along, Landmark 72 held the title of Vietnam’s tallest skyscraper and it remains tops in Hanoi. The design of Landmark 72 is very straightforward as it was completed during the early stages of Vietnam’s skyscraper rush. The mixed-use tower has 72 stories and is home to the InterContinental Hotel, Calidas Service Residences, commercial offices and a retail podium.
The Legend
Bitexco Financial Tower
Office Building
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Height: 262 meters (861 feet)
Completed: 2010
With its unique helipad sticking out like a blossoming lotus bud, Bitexco Financial Tower remains arguably the most recognizable skyscraper in Vietnam even if it is no longer the tallest. The world-famous Carlos Zapata is the architect behind the Bitexco Financial Tower and he designed it in a way he felt captured the energy and aspirations of the Vietnamese public. The majority of the skyscraper holds offices while an observation deck can be found on the 49thfloor.
The Branded Building
Lotte Center Hanoi
Mixed-use Building
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Height: 272 meters (892 feet)
Completed: 2014
South Korean conglomerate Lotte Group has branded almost every single element of Lotte Center Hanoi. The 65-story mixed-use tower is the second tallest building in Hanoi and remains one of the city’s preeminent destinations thanks in large part to its observation deck at the top that provides several unique photo opportunities. Lotte Department Store can be found on the lower levels while a Lotte Hotel is situated on the upper floors along with high-end residences.
