As a result of the strong similarity in physical nature between the Netherlands and Viet Nam on water related issues, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam has requested to the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management of the Netherlands for technical assistance on flood control issues.In order to decide what kind of protective measures should be taken in case of coastal defence problems, different preceding activities must be realized. On the one hand the causes and the extent of the coastal problem should be assessed by means of a study into the boundary conditions and the morphological processes in the area considered.On the other hand an evaluationshould be made of the different interests, which may be related to safety, agriculture, environment, economy, etc. An overview is given of the hydraulic boundary conditions in Vietnam and the types of dikes. Regional reviews of the provinces of Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Thai Binh, Nam Ha and Ninh Binh.