Google Maps is about to undergo major changes in Vietnam.

Google Maps is reportedly updating its address recognition and classification system based on the new administrative divisions in Vietnam.

The Google Maps logo. Photo: Bloomberg .

Google is reportedly updating its method of identifying and classifying addresses in Vietnam. This information was recorded on IssueTracker , a tool for tracking bugs and update requests for Google products, used internally and by external partners/developers.

Currently, the names of communes, wards, and geographical locations on Google Maps still display the old addresses as in the 4-tier government model, while Vietnam has adopted a 3-tier administrative model consisting of: central level, provincial/city level, and commune/ward level since July 2025.

According to IssueTracker , the adjustments were applied to the Google Maps Platform. This is the data source for Google Maps and many services such as ride-hailing, delivery, and directions.

The adjustment process is expected to begin in mid-February, aiming to "more accurately simulate the postal address system in Vietnam." The announcement on the website clarifies that the changes will affect addresses and components such as centrally governed cities, provinces, communes, wards, or special administrative regions.

Google's tools indicate that the adjustments are being rolled out in stages. For platforms using the Google Maps Platform, the changes will affect features such as location auto-completion, location search, and location details.

According to IssueTracker , the first phase involves removing results for districts, cities under provincial administration, towns, and counties. Results for communes and wards are upgraded from level 3 to level 2, and results for special zones are added, along with some technical changes and level labeling. This phase is primarily dedicated to database improvements.

Information regarding adjustments to how place names are classified and displayed in Vietnam on the IssueTracker tool.

In phase 2, changes were applied to the address autocomplete feature when users entered keywords into the search box. After a few weeks, these adjustments will be applied to addresses containing street names, which is part of phase 3.

In phase 4, levels such as centrally-governed cities, wards/communes within provinces, and wards/communes within centrally-governed cities are more clearly classified. There is no specific timeframe for adjustment in this phase yet.

Currently, Google has not made any official announcement regarding map address updates in Vietnam. Tri Thức - Znews has contacted Google Vietnam for more information.

Overall, the adjustments do not change the geographical location or boundaries on the map, but only revolve around the way place names are labeled and classified. Other data such as residential areas, neighborhoods, hamlets, villages, etc., remain unchanged in terms of classification.

Source: https://znews.vn/google-chuan-bi-cap-nhat-dia-chi-tai-viet-nam-post1624659.html