Can Gio: Vietnam’s Hidden Coastal Gem Set To Transform Into A Thriving Tourism Hotspot

Published on December 27, 2025

Can Gio, a district that has been thought of as a neglected part of Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City for years, is experiencing a fantastic change. The big infrastructure investments together with the Vinhomes Green Paradise project, which is very ambitious, are making this previously isolated area the most significant tourist destination of Vietnam.

Nestled along the southern coast of Vietnam, Can Gio was historically isolated due to its dense forests and limited access, primarily by ferry. However, the landscape of this area is rapidly changing, with grand projects shaping the district into a new growth frontier for both real estate and tourism.

A New Chapter for Can Gio: Large-Scale Investments Reshape the Region

One of the most significant drivers behind Can Gio’s transformation is the large-scale urban development spearheaded by Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate. The launch of the Vinhomes Green Paradise project, a 2,870-hectare coastal urban initiative, has been dubbed a game changer. This vast project, expected to include housing, tourism, and modern infrastructure, represents a monumental step towards extending Ho Chi Minh City’s urban sprawl towards the sea. The goal is not only to provide more housing options but also to create an environment that encourages tourism by offering a combination of beach resorts, modern amenities, and ecological attractions.

Prof. Pham Van Song, president of Mien Dong University of Technology, notes that the speed of development has been surprising, with large portions of land already filled and stabilized in a matter of months. This fast-paced progress has drawn attention from both investors and locals, with the district’s development now in full swing.

Improved Connectivity Enhances Tourism Potential

A key challenge that Can Gio faced for years was its isolation. The district was difficult to access, which limited its potential as a tourism destination. However, with a series of major infrastructure projects underway, this barrier is being eliminated. By the end of 2025, the Phu My Hung–Can Gio high-speed railway is expected to begin construction, connecting the district to Ho Chi Minh City’s southern urban core. This high-speed railway, designed to travel at speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour, will significantly reduce travel time to Can Gio, making it more accessible for both tourists and residents.

The construction of the Can Gio Bridge in 2026 will further enhance connectivity, reducing the journey to the city center to just 45-60 minutes. Additionally, the Rung Sac interchange and a proposed sea-crossing expressway between Can Gio and Vung Tau will revolutionize travel between coastal cities, connecting Can Gio to the broader southern region, including the major Long Thanh International Airport. These developments will open up Can Gio to visitors from across the country, positioning it as a prime spot for coastal tourism.

Tourism and Infrastructure Convergence

Alongside residential and commercial growth, Can Gio is investing heavily in tourism infrastructure. The district’s transformation will include the creation of the Can Gio International Transshipment Port, a massive port project covering 571 hectares. The first phase of the port is slated to open in 2027, with full completion expected by 2045. This port is designed to become a central hub for Vietnam’s maritime economy, further cementing Can Gio’s position as a key node in the region’s economic and tourism landscape.

Local tourism experts, including Dinh Minh Tuan, Southern Regional Director of Batdongsan.com.vn, note that the development of Can Gio is already attracting significant investor interest. Since the groundbreaking of the Vinhomes Green Paradise project, searches related to Can Gio have tripled, and property interest has doubled. The rapid surge in interest echoes previous growth patterns in Ho Chi Minh City, where key infrastructure projects have spurred population and economic growth in other districts.

Can Gio’s Role in Vietnam’s Tourism Future

As Can Gio continues its evolution, it is not just becoming a new urban centre, but a major player in Vietnam’s tourism sector. The district is expected to attract both domestic and international visitors, particularly with its new transportation links and the expansion of its coastal offerings. According to experts, Can Gio is set to become a major draw for eco-tourism, with its mix of forested landscapes, beaches, and cultural attractions.

The development of Vinhomes Green Paradise is just the beginning. By 2028, the region will host more than 100,000 residents, many of whom will work in the tourism and real estate sectors. This population growth will drive demand for new tourist attractions, from resorts and hotels to cultural and leisure facilities, further enhancing Can Gio’s reputation as a must-visit destination.

The future of Can Gio is indeed bright. As the district undergoes a rapid transformation, its potential as a key tourist destination will be realised. With a rich cultural history, beautiful landscapes, and the latest in modern infrastructure, Can Gio is well on its way to becoming a global tourist hub, contributing significantly to the continued growth of Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam’s tourism sector.

Can Gio’s Future as Vietnam’s Coastal Gem

With major infrastructure projects underway and billions of dollars being invested in the district, Can Gio’s future is undoubtedly bright. Once a secluded area, it is now awakening as a thriving urban and tourist hub. As transportation links, modern housing, and tourism infrastructure continue to evolve, Can Gio will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Ho Chi Minh City and becoming one of Vietnam’s key tourism destinations.

Eager and optimistic, one can already foresee that Can Gio, with its unspoiled and beautiful beaches and high-tech facilities, will be the next most wanted place not only by the Vietnamese but also by the international tourists who are after the new, energetic places to go. By the time the change is complete, the district would have already made its mark as a coastal wonder, waiting to be seen by the world’ s travelers.