Ho Chi Minh City develops former cemetery site into public school, park

05/07/2025 14:40

Construction is underway on the first public elementary school at the former Binh Hung Hoa Cemetery site in Ho Chi Minh City, part of a major project transforming what was once one of the city's largest graveyards into an urban community space.

Ho Chi Minh City redevelops former cemetery site into public school, park - Ảnh 1.

A construction site for Tran Dai Nghia Elementary School is seen on the former grounds of Binh Hung Hoa Cemetery in Binh Hung Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, July 4, 2025. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre

After more than a decade of planning and relocation, over 32,000 graves have been exhumed from the site in the Binh Hung Hoa Ward. 

Authorities said the third and final phase of the relocation project, covering the remaining graves—many of which are unclaimed—remains ongoing. 

These remains will be cremated and stored at a designated memorial site.

Ho Chi Minh City redevelops former cemetery site into public school, park - Ảnh 2.

A motorbike taxi driver passes a project signboard for the new Tran Dai Nghia Elementary School in Binh Hung Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre

The site of the former cemetery is now being developed into multiple public-use facilities. 

The first of two planned schools—Tran Dai Nghia Elementary School—is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of this year. 

Ho Chi Minh City redevelops former cemetery site into public school, park - Ảnh 3.

Construction machinery operates at the site of the future Tran Dai Nghia Elementary School in Ho Chi Minh City, July 4, 2025. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre

The remaining area will be converted into parks and sports facilities for community use.

The Binh Hung Hoa Cemetery once held more than 54,000 graves and was known for long-standing concerns over sanitation and public safety. 

Ho Chi Minh City redevelops former cemetery site into public school, park - Ảnh 4.

Workers are seen at the construction site of Tran Dai Nghia Elementary School in Ho Chi Minh City, July 4, 2025. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre

Officials say the redevelopment will provide green space and educational infrastructure for thousands of local residents.

On Friday, workers could be seen laying the foundations of the new school under intense sun, as cranes and excavators operated across the site, which is now fenced off and marked with a project board outlining the planned facilities.

Ho Chi Minh City redevelops former cemetery site into public school, park - Ảnh 5.

Workers are seen at the construction site of Tran Dai Nghia Elementary School in Ho Chi Minh City, July 4, 2025. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre

Ho Chi Minh City redevelops former cemetery site into public school, park - Ảnh 6.

A worker is seen at the construction site of Tran Dai Nghia Elementary School in Ho Chi Minh City, July 4, 2025. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre

Ho Chi Minh City redevelops former cemetery site into public school, park - Ảnh 7.

A worker is seen at the construction site of Tran Dai Nghia Elementary School in Ho Chi Minh City, July 4, 2025. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre

Ho Chi Minh City redevelops former cemetery site into public school, park - Ảnh 8.

A construction worker toils under the midday sun at the site of Tran Dai Nghia Elementary School, Ho Chi Minh City, July 4, 2025. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre

Ho Chi Minh City redevelops former cemetery site into public school, park - Ảnh 9.

Nguyen Van Thuyet and his wife, residents of Binh Hung Hoa Ward, speak about the new school and planned green spaces in their neighborhood, Ho Chi Minh City, July 4, 2025. Photo: Phuong Nhi

Ho Chi Minh City redevelops former cemetery site into public school, park - Ảnh 10.

Le Van Duyen, a 77-year-old neighborhood security team leader, speaks about the new school and planned green spaces in Binh Hung Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, July 4, 2025. Photo: Phuong Nhi

Tran Dai Nghia Elementary School is under construction on the former grounds of Binh Hung Hoa Cemetery in Ho Chi Minh City, July 4, 2025, compared with the same site before redevelopment on February 21, 2024. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre

Bao Anh - Ngoc Khai - Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre News

Link nội dung: https://news.tuoitre.vn/ho-chi-minh-city-develops-former-cemetery-site-into-public-school-park-103250705151248404.htm