Ho Chi Minh City has proposed investing more than VND29.317 trillion (USD1.12 billion) to develop the Nha Rong - Khanh Hoi Cultural Park and expand public green space at Bach Dang Wharf, creating a continuous riverside landscape corridor along the Saigon River.

On June 19, at the mid-year session of the municipal People's Council, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong presented an investment proposal for the Nha Rong - Khanh Hoi Cultural Park and Bach Dang Green Park projects under a build-transfer (BT) contract model.

The project covers approximately 73 hectares and is scheduled for implementation between 2026 and 2029 across the Nha Rong - Khanh Hoi and Bach Dang areas. It aims to establish a large-scale cultural, recreational and public space complex, connecting Ba Son with Nha Rong - Khanh Hoi along the Saigon River waterfront.

Recreating the historic ship that carried Ho Chi Minh abroad

At the Nha Rong - Khanh Hoi site, the city plans to build the Nha Rong Cultural Park and transform the former Saigon Port headquarters into a venue for offices, exhibitions, libraries and public events.

One of the project's most notable features is a proposal to recreate the Amiral Latouche-Tréville, the ship associated with President Ho Chi Minh's departure from Vietnam in 1911 to begin his journey in search of national independence. The replica would serve both as an exhibition attraction and as a vessel capable of operating on the river.

A pedestrian bridge is also planned to directly connect Nha Rong Port - Khanh Hoi with Bach Dang Wharf, creating a new architectural landmark in the city centre while improving public access to the riverfront.

The project will also include parks, public squares, riverside landscapes, cultural, sports and service facilities, a cruise passenger terminal and underground parking areas.

Transport infrastructure in the surrounding area will be upgraded in parallel. Planned works include widening Nguyen Tat Thanh Street to eight to 10 lanes, constructing the Hoang Dieu underpass, building a new six-lane Tan Thuan 1 Bridge, expanding Tan Thuan 2 Bridge to eight lanes and widening Huynh Tan Phat Street between Tan Thuan 1 Bridge and Luu Trong Lu Street.

Comprehensive upgrade for Bach Dang Wharf

At Bach Dang Wharf, the proposal includes placing part of Ton Duc Thang Street underground, constructing an underground parking facility combined with a subterranean commercial centre, and expanding the riverbank and embankment system.

Green parks, viewing platforms, ferry piers and supporting infrastructure will also be upgraded to increase public space and make better use of the Saigon River landscape.

According to the city government, the Ba Son, Bach Dang and Nha Rong - Khanh Hoi areas are currently developed separately and lack connectivity. Once completed, the project will unite the three areas into a single riverside destination, enhancing the city's waterfront landscape and expanding public amenities.

The city noted that Nha Rong - Khanh Hoi holds particular historical and cultural significance because of its connection with the Special National Relic Site of Nha Rong Wharf, while Bach Dang Wharf serves as one of Ho Chi Minh City's most important riverfront public spaces.

Authorities expect the coordinated development of the two areas to expand green space in the city centre and create a new landmark destination along the Saigon River.

Phuoc Sang