Lào Cai Population 2026
Lào Cai has a population of 130,671, making it the #108 biggest city in 🇻🇳 Vietnam, located in Lao Cai. Roughly 0.1% of Vietnam's population lives here. It is about 107× smaller than Ho Chi Minh City, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
130,671
Rank in Vietnam
#108
Coordinates
22.49°N, 103.97°E
~86 m elevation · Asia/Bangkok
Distance to capital (Hanoi)
252 km
156 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Lao Cai
| City | Population | Rank in Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Yên Bái | 100,631 | #138 |
| Nghĩa Lộ | 68,206 | #171 |
| Thị Trấn Phố Lu | 32,800 | #224 |
Cities near Lào Cai
- Thị Trấn Phố Lu32,800 people · ~29 km away
- Lai Châu42,973 people · ~54 km away
- Thị Trấn Việt Quang16,072 people · ~86 km away
- Bắc Quang118,690 people · ~92 km away
- Mường Lay20,450 people · ~102 km away
- Ít Ong16,153 people · ~108 km away
FAQ
What is the population of Lào Cai?
Lào Cai has a population of 130,671 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #108 biggest city in Vietnam.
What region is Lào Cai in?
Lào Cai is located in Lao Cai, Vietnam.
Is Lào Cai the capital of Vietnam?
No, the capital of Vietnam is Hanoi, about 252 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
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