HCM City’s Expansion Ushers in New Era for Marine Tourism and Coastal Development

Ho Chi Minh City, The Gulf Observer: The merger of Ho Chi Minh City (HCM City) with Bình Dương and Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu provinces has created a unified development zone, paving the way for a breakthrough in marine tourism and the emergence of a green, smart, and world-class coastal destination.

According to the city’s Department of Tourism, the newly expanded HCM City now enjoys an extensive and continuous coastline stretching from Cần Giờ to Vũng Tàu, encompassing the picturesque Gành Rái Bay. Previously limited to the mangrove forests of Cần Giờ, the city’s marine tourism offerings now span nearly 100 kilometres of sandy beaches across Vũng Tàu, Long Hải, Hồ Tràm, Bình Châu, and Côn Đảo Island.

Natural reserves such as the Bình Châu–Phước Bửu Nature Reserve and Côn Đảo National Park present vast potential for eco-tourism, forest exploration, and environmental education. Currently, the area attracts over 16 million visitors annually and provides more than 28,520 accommodation rooms, including 12 five-star hotels and resorts.

Võ Thành Mỹ, Vice Chairman of the HCM City Tourism Association, stated that the geographic merger would enable the city to adopt a unified strategy for coastal development.
“This coastal megacity can now consolidate its resources and direct investments toward key priorities more effectively,” he remarked.

Sustainable Tourism Vision

Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu, long renowned for its beach resorts, is diversifying into eco-tourism, cultural–spiritual travel, and marine sports. Large-scale resort and entertainment complexes under construction are expected to drive sustainable, high-quality growth.

Key infrastructure projects — including the Biên Hòa–Vũng Tàu Expressway, Vũng Tàu–Long Hải–Bình Châu coastal road, and Phước An Bridge — are being fast-tracked. City-led projects such as Ring Road 4 and the Long Thành–Hồ Tràm Expressway will further enhance regional connectivity.

Several luxury resorts are already operational, among them The Grand Hồ Tràm, Six Senses Côn Đảo, Lan Rừng, Le Palmier Hồ Tràm, and Melia Hồ Tràm.

Nguyễn Thái Bình, General Director of Kim Sa Travel, which manages the Le Palmier Hồ Tràm Resort, noted that once new expressways and Long Thành International Airport become operational, “Hồ Tràm will attract a massive influx of domestic and international tourists.”

Following the merger, the expanded HCM City has a population exceeding 13.6 million and a combined GRDP of approximately VNĐ3 quadrillion (US$120 billion), making it the country’s largest domestic tourism market and injecting new momentum into marine tourism.

At the groundbreaking ceremony for the VNĐ10 trillion ($380 million) Five Star Odyssey and Five Star Poseidon condo-hotel projects in Vũng Tàu, Nguyễn Trùng Khánh, Director General of the Việt Nam National Authority of Tourism, emphasized that the new HCM City would draw large-scale investment once key infrastructure is completed.

Rising Coastal Potential

With a strong economy, vast domestic market, and rapidly improving infrastructure, HCM City is positioning itself as an international-class marine tourism hub along Việt Nam’s eastern coast.

The Department of Tourism, in collaboration with travel enterprises, has launched 15 new programmes featuring traditional craft villages, mangrove eco-tours, and marine and island exploration.

Trần Đình Huy, General Director of Bắc Trung Nam Bản Việt Travel, said marine tourism would perfectly complement the city’s urban attractions, offering diverse experiences to both local and international travellers.

Similarly, Lê Hồng Tú, Director of BT Tour, revealed that his company is developing a new tourism route focused on Vũng Tàu and Hồ Tràm, featuring golf retreats and nature-based experiences.

In Vũng Tàu, the Thùy Vân Boulevard redevelopment project — slated for completion in 2025 — is set to transform the Bãi Sau (Back Beach) area into a modern, unified resort destination.

Recently, Vũng Tàu was named Asia’s Leading Beach Destination 2025 by the World Travel Awards, recognizing its upgraded infrastructure, luxury resorts, and enhanced visitor experience. The recognition solidifies Vũng Tàu’s global profile and encourages further high-end investment in the region.

Trần Thị Bích Vân, Vice Chairwoman of the People’s Committee of Vũng Tàu Ward, said local authorities are working to enhance beach management and promote a friendly, responsible tourism environment.
“Every resident should act as a tourism ambassador,” she said.

Strategic Vision for 2025–2030

According to the draft Political Report of the National Congress of the Communist Party of Việt Nam, for the 2025–2030 tenure, HCM City aims to attract high-quality investment, diversify tourism products, and strengthen its cultural identity.

Future plans include health and wellness tourism, an international exhibition and fashion centre, and accelerated development of eco-resorts and marine tourism zones.

With its extended coastline, robust investment flow, and dynamic domestic market, the expanded HCM City stands poised for a transformative leap — evolving its eastern coast into one of Asia’s premier marine tourism destinations in the coming years.