Ho Chi Minh City’s $42mn seaside park project faces damage from careless visitors

The coastal site was formerly administered by Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, which was merged into neighboring Ho Chi Minh City as part of a major restructuring drive in which Vietnam's provincial-level administrative units were reduced to 34 from 63, effective from July 1.

The park project, launched a year ago, was designed to create a modern and green public space for both residents and tourists.

Spanning 3.2 kilometers in Tam Thang and Vung Tau Wards, the park features flower gardens, trees, pedestrian bridges, sports areas, and beachside promenades.

Yet despite its fresh appearance, the site has been marred by poor visitor behavior.

Motorbikes and cars frequently enter the park illegally, damaging the new paving stones and grass lawns.

Informal vendors crowd pathways, leaving behind packaging waste that turns the pristine landscape into a messy scene.

Local residents and tourists have voiced their concerns over the situation.

“The park is meant for walking, sightseeing, and community activities,” said Ngoc Bich, a resident of Tam Thang Ward.

“Vehicles speeding through not only ruins the experience but also poses safety risks, especially for children.”

Minh Thu, a visitor from former Ho Chi Minh City, agreed that authorities must take tougher action to stop such bad behaviors and restore a healthy public space for the community.

Local authorities acknowledge the challenge.

Doan Hai Linh, director of the Vung Tau project management board, the project developer, said it was extremely difficult to prevent people from breaking the rules.

“When the crowd grows, people walk and drive in freely. We put up barriers, but they tear them down,” Linh explained.

Even though vehicles are officially banned, except for construction and service vehicles, motorbikes and electric bicycles are common inside the park.

Recently, a tourist bus damaged the stone tiles in the Tam Thang Square area, forcing replacements.

The board has reported the situation to local authorities.

However, Linh elaborated that the large park area and limited personnel makes it impossible to fully control, emphasizing that public awareness was key.

Le Xuan Tu, chairman of the Tam Thang Ward People’s Committee, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the local administration had just issued a dispatch to strengthen order, safety, and urban aesthetics at the Thuy Van park.

Police are now tasked with patrolling entrances, setting up checkpoints, and cracking down on violations such as street vending, unauthorized food stalls, and vehicles entering the park.

Temporary parking areas will be arranged from September 17 until the park’s official management unit is assigned.

Parking fees must be publicly posted and comply with authorized rates, Tu added.