It is the third foreign military ship to anchor at Cam Ranh Port since the port was opened in March.
The visit aims to increase co-operation between the armed forces and navies of the two countries.
The 21,500-tonne vessel, one of the French Navy’s biggest, is 200 metres long, 32 metres wide and about 48 metres high.
Vietnam and France have seen their bilateral relations, particularly in defence, growing stronger over recent years.
This is the second time Tonnerre has berthed at a Vietnamese port. It first visited Ho Chi Minh City in 2013 on the celebration of the 40th anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic ties.
During the ship’s visit to Vietnam, its commanders will meet with the provincial authority, the Khanh Hoa Military Command, the 4th Naval Zone Command and the Vietnam Naval Academy.
Crew members of Tonnerre and officials of the 4th Naval Zone will conduct a joint military exercise which includes search and rescue operations.
