Freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionoida) have high species diversity and some endemic species in Vietnam. These organisms are considered to be among the most threatened freshwater mollusc faunas. Up to 13 threatened species listed in IUCN Red List (2012) out of 16 threatened freshwater mollusc species listed for the Indo-Burma region have been recorded in North Vietnam. However, studies on freshwater mussels in Vietnam are limited, the available data do not fully reflect the diversity of mussels in the country, and the information about the species is deficient and taxonomy out of date.

This study aims to investigate freshwater mussels in Vietnam in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the biodiversity, taxonomy and phylogeny of this group. The results of this study will constitute a scientific basis to propose conservation measures for local and national governments. They will also be used for assessing the conservation status of freshwater mussels in upcoming compilations of the IUCN Red List.