Urbanization is a comprehensive transition process of many aspects, including economy, society, culture, and environment that transformed rural into urban landscapes. Urbanization is both a condition, a means, and a goal of economic and social development that closely relates to industrialization and modernization. After Vietnam carried out the reform in 1986, the urbanization process took place strongly in many big cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Can Tho, Hai Phong, etc. It can be said that urbanization has changed the face of the country, promoting economic development, industrialization, modernization, and improving people’s living standards. Besides these positive aspects, however, urbanization prompted many social problems that urgently needed addressing. This article aims to discuss some of the main issues that have arisen in Vietnam from 1986 to the present, notably migration from rural to urban areas, problems of labour and employment, social inequality, housing and environmental challenges.
