The North Upland of Vietnam is characterized by biophysical, social and cultural diversity as well as its important role in the national economy's development. However, the region, like those in other developing countries, suffers from serious environmental problems such as deforestation, soil degradation, loss of biodiversity and unsustainable livelihoods. Major causes are attributed to ineffective institutional arrangements such as inadequate property rights and enforcement, lack of local participation and empowerment, and misguided government policies. This study aimed to determine the better institutional structures for promoting sustainable forest management in the North Upland using the multiple criteria decision making and participatory approaches. In other words, the study assessed and compared various forest management regimes against different socio-economic, environmental and institutional variables.