Vietnam’s Hidden Gem Transformed: How Can Gio is Becoming the New Urban Powerhouse of Ho Chi Minh City!

Can Gio, once considered a remote and overlooked district of Ho Chi Minh City, is rapidly transforming into a bustling urban hub. This change is largely driven by a groundbreaking 2,870-hectare coastal urban project backed by Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate. The ambitious initiative, launched six months ago, has injected new life into the area, marking a significant shift in the district’s development trajectory.

For years, Can Gio was isolated from the city’s rapid urban expansion. The area was difficult to access, surrounded by dense forests, and could only be reached by ferry. However, this perception is now changing as the massive development project reshapes the region. The project is not only intended to improve the local infrastructure but is also viewed as a major economic catalyst for Ho Chi Minh City, extending its urban footprint toward the sea.

A Game-Changing Project for Can Gio’s Future

The launch of this major land reclamation project has been described as a “game changer” by locals. The once quiet coastal area is now a hub of activity, with construction workers operating heavy machinery around the clock. In just a few months, hundreds of hectares of land have been filled and stabilized, and the rapid progress has surprised even experts.

According to Prof. Pham Van Song, president of the Mien Dong University of Technology, the scale and speed of development have been remarkable. He noted that the rapid transformation of the area from a remote location to a dynamic urban space is a testament to the project’s potential to change Can Gio’s status within the region.

This project, spearheaded by Vingroup through its real estate arm, Vinhomes, is not just a typical development. It represents one of the group’s most ambitious coastal urbanization efforts, combining residential, tourism, and infrastructure projects into a comprehensive master plan. With billions of dollars invested, it aims to place Can Gio at the forefront of the city’s economic expansion and development.

Infrastructure Developments Boosting Connectivity

The development of Can Gio is supported by a series of major infrastructure projects designed to improve connectivity and accessibility. One of the most significant projects is the construction of the Phu My Hung-Can Gio high-speed railway, which is set to begin construction by the end of 2025. This railway will have an impressive design capable of reaching speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour, linking Can Gio with the southern urban core of Ho Chi Minh City. This railway is expected to dramatically reduce travel times and make the area far more accessible to residents and visitors.

In addition to the railway, the highly anticipated Can Gio Bridge is scheduled to break ground in 2026. Once completed, the bridge will reduce travel time to the city center to about 45 to 60 minutes, providing an efficient direct route to and from Can Gio.

The Rung Sac interchange, with an investment of 3,000 billion VND (around 120 million U.S. dollars), will further connect Can Gio with the Ben Luc-Long Thanh Expressway. Scheduled for completion in 2028, this infrastructure project will create direct links between Can Gio and the Southwest and Southeast regions of Vietnam, including the future Long Thanh International Airport.

Additionally, Vingroup has proposed a sea-crossing expressway that would stretch more than 10 kilometers across the sea, linking Can Gio and Vung Tau. This 50-meter wide expressway could reduce travel time between the two coastal cities to just 15 minutes, fostering economic ties and improving connectivity between key coastal regions.

Can Gio’s Rising Economic Potential

These transformative infrastructure projects are all part of a broader regional development plan that aims to integrate various modes of transportation, including road, rail, water, and sea transport. Can Gio International Transshipment Port, set to cover 571 hectares with an investment of 50,000 billion VND, is another monumental project in the pipeline. This port is designed to be a hub for Vietnam’s growing maritime economy, and its first phase is expected to begin operations in 2027, with full completion slated for 2045.

Prof. Pham Van Song highlights that the combination of infrastructure investment and Vingroup’s developments is poised to make Can Gio a central economic hub for the region. The port and transportation projects, alongside the residential and commercial developments, are expected to drive significant growth, particularly in terms of the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP). As more infrastructure is completed, the number of residents and visitors in Can Gio is projected to increase, enhancing the district’s economic standing and transforming it into a prosperous urban center.

Investor Interest and Market Growth

The progress in Can Gio has already sparked significant interest among investors. According to Dinh Minh Tuan, southern regional director of Batdongsan.com.vn, the number of online searches for Can Gio real estate has tripled since the beginning of the year. Following the groundbreaking of the Vinhomes Green Paradise project, property interest in the district has doubled, indicating strong investor confidence.

This pattern mirrors past trends in other parts of Ho Chi Minh City. In the 1990s, Nguyen Van Linh Boulevard helped turn southern Ho Chi Minh City into a thriving urban area, attracting nearly two million residents. Similarly, the Thu Thiem Tunnel and Bridge in the 2010s drew more than a million people to the city’s east. Experts like Tuan believe that Can Gio, with its strong infrastructure push, is poised for similar success, offering a significant opportunity for investors looking to capitalize on the region’s growth.

Can Gio’s Promising Future

With a population of around 80,000, Can Gio has long struggled with limited connectivity. However, with the ongoing large-scale investments in infrastructure and development, the district is expected to experience rapid growth. Tuan believes that Can Gio is now set to outpace many of the earlier urban developments in Ho Chi Minh City, thanks to its strategic location and extensive investment in modernization.

The completion of key infrastructure projects, along with Vingroup’s ambitious coastal urban development, will likely position Can Gio as a major urban center in the coming years. The combination of residential, tourism, and commercial projects, coupled with strong investor interest, points to a bright future for this once-isolated district.

Conclusion

The transformation of Can Gio from a remote and isolated area into a rapidly developing urban hub exemplifies the power of targeted investment and strategic infrastructure development. With billions of dollars being poured into the region’s growth, Can Gio is set to become a central part of Ho Chi Minh City’s economic and urban landscape. As Vingroup’s coastal urban development continues to reshape the area, Can Gio’s economic potential will likely rise, drawing both residents and investors to this newly emerging district. The future of Can Gio is unfolding, and the district is set to become one of the most important growth engines for the southern metropolis of Vietnam.

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