Ho Chi Minh City 9 Billion USD Can Gio Coastal Urban Development Plan to Boost Tourism and Create 25,000 Jobs

Published on October 11, 2024

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Ho Chi Minh City is set to transform its only coastal district, Can Gio, into a major urban and tourism hub, with the city’s People’s Committee recently approving the Can Gio Coastal Urban Area development plan. Covering an expansive area of 2,870 hectares, this highly anticipated project is expected to attract $9 billion in private investment and create 25,000 job opportunities, reshaping the district’s economic landscape and elevating its tourism potential.

Situated in the Long Hoa Commune and Can Thanh Town, the Can Gio Coastal Urban Area will be a comprehensive development strategically positioned near key ecological sites. It is located about 18 kilometers from the UNESCO-designated Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, offering easy access to natural attractions and facilitating eco-tourism in the area.

Can Gio Coastal Urban Area: Vision for a Smart, Ecological Coastal City

The ambitious plan for Can Gio’s urban transformation is focused on creating a dynamic, multi-faceted coastal tourism destination, encompassing four subdivisions designed to accommodate up to 230,000 residents. These subdivisions will incorporate modern residential zones, resorts, and smart city infrastructure, making Can Gio a prime destination for international and domestic tourists alike.

One of the core objectives of the Can Gio project is to foster a sustainable tourism economy that leverages the district’s unique natural resources while promoting eco-friendly practices. The initiative will establish Can Gio as a model for coastal tourism development, blending urbanization with environmental preservation.

Strategic Location Boosts Can Gio’s Tourism Potential

Can Gio District boasts a 13-kilometer coastline, rich in mangroves and intertwined with rivers, canals, and diverse ecosystems. The region’s prime location near the Xoai Rap and Long Tau rivers, and proximity to popular attractions like Monkey Island and the Vam Sat Ecological Tourist Area, further enhances its tourism potential. Currently, Can Gio faces accessibility challenges due to limited infrastructure, with ferry service being the primary means of transport.

However, the proposed construction of new bridges connecting Can Gio with the rest of Ho Chi Minh City is expected to significantly improve access to the district, encouraging more visitors and investors. These bridges will link the Can Gio peninsula to the city center, which is located 50 kilometers away, facilitating easier travel and opening up the district to more commercial opportunities.

Ecological and Cultural Attractions in Can Gio

Can Gio is already renowned for its mangrove forests, recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2000, and its natural assets are expected to serve as the cornerstone of its tourism growth. Covering more than 33,000 hectares, the Can Gio Mangrove Forest is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including migratory birds, monkeys, and reptiles, making it a popular destination for eco-tourists and wildlife enthusiasts.

The district’s tourism offerings also include community-based tourism experiences, with attractions such as salt-making villages, swallow nest areas, and seafood and fruit gardens. Can Gio’s Nghinh Ong (Whale Worshiping) Festival, an important cultural celebration, has been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

Tourism in Can Gio has progressed slowly in recent years, largely due to limited accessibility. However, visitor numbers have seen a steady increase, with the district experiencing an annual growth rate of 50% in recent years. As the district improves its transport infrastructure, it is expected to host 8.9 million tourists annually, further boosting its economy.

Sustainable Development and Urbanization

The Ho Chi Minh City government has outlined plans to turn Can Gio into a smart ecological urban area. The district’s potential for eco-tourism, community-based tourism, and resort tourism will play a significant role in its development. With a focus on sustainability, the plan envisions a coastal hub that harmonizes with the environment while providing modern amenities for residents and visitors.

The planning phase for the Can Gio Coastal Urban Area is expected to last six months, with the project’s overall development expected to be completed in 11 years. Once operational, the urban area will contribute significantly to the district’s revenue generation, supporting the city’s efforts to promote urbanization and improve quality of life for its residents.

By combining elements of modern urban living with natural beauty, the Can Gio Coastal Urban Area aims to create a balanced urban environment that meets the needs of both tourists and local communities. The project is also expected to mitigate some of the environmental challenges facing Can Gio, particularly through the preservation of its mangrove forests, which serve as crucial natural filters for gray water and regulators of flood flows.

Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve: A Key Environmental Asset

As part of Can Gio’s unique appeal, its mangrove ecosystem will continue to play a central role in the district’s sustainable development. The Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve is not only a natural asset for eco-tourism but also plays a vital role in environmental protection, acting as a buffer against coastal erosion and climate change. By preserving this vital ecosystem, the district can maintain its reputation as a top destination for nature-based tourism, while contributing to the overall environmental health of the region.

Economic Growth and Job Creation

With an expected influx of private investment totaling $9 billion, the Can Gio Coastal Urban Area will drive significant economic growth for the district. The project is designed to create 25,000 jobs, providing new opportunities for local residents in sectors such as tourism, construction, and hospitality.

Moreover, the district’s improved infrastructure and enhanced accessibility will attract additional private investors and tourism operators, fostering long-term economic stability. The city’s broader efforts to urbanize Can Gio are aligned with Vietnam’s national development goals, which aim to boost regional growth through targeted investments in infrastructure and sustainable industries.

Can Gio’s Future: A Coastal Tourism and Ecological Urban Hub

The development of the Can Gio Coastal Urban Area represents a transformative step for Ho Chi Minh City’s only coastal district. The project will bring together modern urban planning and sustainable tourism to create a thriving coastal destination that appeals to both international visitors and local communities.

As the project moves forward, Can Gio will become a showcase for how coastal urban development can successfully balance economic growth with environmental protection. With its strategic location, rich natural resources, and diverse tourism offerings, Can Gio is set to become one of the leading coastal destinations in Vietnam, attracting millions of tourists each year and contributing significantly to the growth of Ho Chi Minh City as a major tourism and economic hub.