Strategic planning has been widely applied internationally in both the public and private sectors. It has been criticized for using a top down approach and for not drawing on the insights and lived experiences of the people and for not supporting two – way communication. This article is based on an analysis of strategic planning in three local government case studies in Vietnam. The research is based on original empirical research for a PhD degree. It develops an argument for a more participatory approach based on two –way communication and a consideration of many domains of knowledge to be considered to support governance decisions. This approach is called systemic governance and participatory planning for decision making. This article is based on empirical research. It explores the extent to which strategic planning has been applied in Vietnam