Da Nang is considering more than 2,050 hectares of land reclamation for urban development under its master plan through 2050, with the proposed coastal areas expected to accommodate around 400,000 residents.
Da Nang Bay is among the main areas being considered for coastal land reclamation.
On October 21, Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc signed a decision approving Da Nang City's master plan through 2050, with a vision toward 2075.
Under the plan, Da Nang will develop into an ecological, smart and polycentric coastal city, aiming to become a national growth hub and a major economic center in Southeast Asia.
The city's population is projected to reach approximately 5.5 million by 2040 and exceed 6.5 million by 2050, including residents of proposed reclaimed coastal areas.
By 2050, Da Nang is expected to have around 30 urban areas, comprising 23 existing urban centers and seven new ones developed from commune-level administrative units.
Four of these, Da Nang, Tam Ky, Hoi An and Dien Ban, are designated as Class II urban centers.
Notably, the Da Nang urban area, encompassing its existing urban core and proposed reclaimed coastal developments, will serve as the city's principal growth engine.
It is envisioned as an international financial center and a major national economic hub for tourism, free trade, financial and banking services, and logistics.
According to the master plan, the Da Nang urban area will cover approximately 67,773 hectares, including 2,050 hectares of proposed reclaimed land.
Its population is forecast to exceed 2.26 million by 2050, with around 400,000 people expected to live in the reclaimed coastal developments.
Major reclamation areas identified along Da Nang's coastline
The proposed land reclamation projects are concentrated in several coastal locations.
The largest area under consideration is Da Nang Bay, where approximately 1,500 hectares could be reclaimed.
Another 450 hectares are being studied near Lien Chieu Port, while around 100 hectares are proposed south of the Son Tra Peninsula.
Other potentially suitable locations in the southern part of the city are also being considered.
Beyond its economic role, Da Nang is planned to become a major center for culture, sports, education, scientific research, technology and innovation serving central Vietnam and the Central Highlands.
The city also holds an important strategic position in national defense and security for the south-central region, the Central Highlands and the country as a whole.
Green development and environmental conservation prioritized
Da Nang's master plan also emphasizes the preservation of important natural landscapes, including the Son Tra Peninsula.
The master plan places significant emphasis on green urban development.
Ecological corridors, flood retention zones, wetland parks, green spaces and waterways will form the framework for the city's spatial development.
At the same time, Da Nang aims to preserve major natural and cultural landscapes, including the Son Tra Peninsula, Hai Van Pass, Cham Islands, Marble Mountains and Hoi An Ancient Town.
The plan also calls for the development and expansion of industrial parks integrated with transport and logistics infrastructure.
Priority will be given to high-tech industries, supporting industries and manufacturing sectors with high added value.
In particular, Da Nang Hi-Tech Park is planned to expand into Lien Chieu Ward and Ba Na Commune, reaching a total area of approximately 1,710 hectares.
Priority industries will include semiconductor microchips, artificial intelligence, digital technology, biotechnology, advanced materials and clean energy.
Urban rail and major infrastructure projects planned
To meet future development needs, Da Nang plans to invest in high-capacity public transport systems, including urban railways and light rail networks.
The city will also promote transit-oriented development (TOD), concentrating urban growth around major public transport hubs.
During the 2026-2030 period, Da Nang will focus on completing its planning framework and prioritizing transport connectivity infrastructure.
Key development projects involving free trade, the international financial center and reclaimed coastal urban areas will also be prioritized, provided they fully satisfy applicable legal requirements.
The master plan establishes a long-term framework for Da Nang's expansion, although the proposed land reclamation developments remain subject to further study and regulatory requirements.