Life-changing prospects from reclaimed coastal urban project in Ho Chi Minh City’s Can Gio District

Duong Ngoc Hai, vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, said the project is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs, boost commerce and services, increase tax revenue, and raise living standards for local residents.

Nguyen Phuoc Hung, secretary of the Can Gio District Party Committee, echoed this optimism, highlighting the project's potential to attract investment, generate employment, and drive economic growth in the district and beyond.

Thousands of workers have already arrived near the project site to prepare for construction. 

Large camps have sprung up along Thanh Thoi Street, while Dong Tranh Cape in Long Hoa Commune is now bustling with barges, boats, machinery, and construction crews.

In nearby areas such as Thanh Thoi and Luong Van Nho Streets, and Phuoc Loc residential area, rental signs for boarding houses are seen everywhere. 

Mai Thi Cam Nhung, a local resident, said entire houses are being rented out to teams of workers, with monthly rents ranging from VND10 million (US$384) to VND20 million ($768) each.

Local businesses are also seeing renewed activity. The Mangrove Hotel near Hang Duong Market, once struggling due to low visitor numbers, is now fully booked. 

The hotel has shifted its focus to accommodate engineers, managers, and project supervisors, said manager Tran Thi Phuong Lan.

"I really look forward to the day when the sea reclamation tourism urban area is completed. Can Gio will be more vibrant and attractive, making it easier to do business and improve life for everyone," she said.

Tran Kim Duyen, a vendor at Hang Duong Market, shared similar hopes: "Business was slow for years, but now I'm selling more food to project workers. In the future, tourists and investors will bring even more opportunities."

A promising future

The project's groundbreaking attracted curious crowds and excitement among locals. On TikTok, content creator Khang Can Gio shared footage of the event, drawing nearly 90,000 views.

Huynh Van Minh Khang, 25, started his channel to promote Can Gio's hidden gems like Dong Tranh Cape, Tac Xuat Beach, and the Can Gio Mangrove Forest. His videos have garnered millions of views, and he now leads guided tours.

"With this project, even more tourists will come," Khang said. "That means more opportunities for people like me."

Nguyen Thi Ngan, who runs a real estate office in Can Gio, is closely following infrastructure updates, especially proposals to improve connectivity. 

She is particularly excited about a planned high-speed rail line from Phu My Hung in District 7 to Can Gio, which would take just 16 minutes. 

Coastal roads and bridges linking Can Gio to Vung Tau and nearby provinces are also under consideration.

"Can Gio is beautiful but isolated," she said. "Most people just pass through. I hope this project brings real prosperity to our community."

Benefits beyond Can Gio

Dr. Vu Ngoc Long, former director of the Southern Institute of Ecology, said the development could help introduce new types of jobs, especially in sustainable tourism.

"Former clam farmers are receiving financial support and vocational training," he explained.

"Some now work as security guards or construction staff, and others may soon lead eco-tours to the mangroves, salt-making villages, and local festivals. 

"It's a path to sustainable, green livelihoods."

Le Hoang Chau, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Real Estate Association, described the project as comparable in scale to the South Saigon urban development launched three decades ago.

He believes the Can Gio sea reclamation urban area—along with the proposed Can Gio transshipment port and infrastructure improvements—will raise land values and boost demand in neighboring areas including Nha Be District in Ho Chi Minh City), Nhon Trach District in Dong Nai Province, Go Cong Dong District in Tien Giang Province, and Can Giuoc District in Long An Province.

The project affects nearly 1,000 households involved in clam farming and fishing across more than 1,200 hectares.

Pham Van Thang, chief of staff for the Can Gio District People's Committee, said the local government is coordinating with the investor to ensure fair compensation and support for job transitions.

Le Trung Tin, 51, used to farm clams on three hectares and received VND210 million ($8,066) in compensation in 2019. He now runs a seafood distribution business.

"Thanks to the compensation, I transitioned smoothly and put my kids through school," he said. "I hope the project continues to create jobs and a better life for us."

Ho Van Viet, 37, once collected clams for a living. He now works as a security guard at the construction site under a local hiring policy.

"I have a stable salary, insurance, and meal support. It's a big improvement," he said.

Vingroup officially broke ground on the Can Gio sea reclamation tourism urban area—named Vinhomes Green Paradise—on April 19.

Nguyen Viet Quang, vice-chairman and CEO of Vingroup, said the 2,870-hectare project is envisioned as a world-class ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) mega-urban area.

Its centerpiece will be the Blue Wave Theater, a seven-hectare venue designed by leading architecture firm Gensler. 

The theater will feature 5,000 seats and house the largest convention, wedding, and exhibition center in Southeast Asia, as well as an outdoor square for up to 50,000 people.

The development will also include the world's largest artificial saltwater lagoon—the 443-hectare Paradise Lagoon—alongside the five-star Landmark Harbour international port, two golf courses designed by Tiger Woods and Robert Trent Jones II, and the 30,000-square-meter Winter Wonderland amusement park with an ice rink.