Approved under Decision 1668 by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, the master plan spans Hanoi's 30 administrative units, covering 3,359.84 square kilometers. The plan is set in phases, with short-term goals through 2030, long-term objectives by 2045, and a vision extending to 2065.

By 2030, Hanoi’s population is projected to reach 12 million, with an urbanization rate of 65–70%. This figure is expected to rise to 14.6 million by 2045, with urbanization exceeding 75%.

The plan earmarks between 124,000–125,000 hectares for urban development by 2045, with an emphasis on balancing modern infrastructure and ecological preservation.

Three new cities

The plan envisions three new cities within Hanoi's administrative boundaries, each tailored to specific economic, social, and environmental roles:

1.     Northern City: Located in Dong Anh, Me Linh, and Soc Son, this city will capitalize on the proximity to Noi Bai International Airport, developing as a modern, smart urban hub. It aims to support the central city by focusing on green, clean, and innovative industries. Plans include international-standard entertainment complexes, diverse commercial services, and nighttime economy initiatives.

2.     Western City: Centered around Hoa Lac, Xuan Mai, and Son Tay, the western area will become a hub for science, technology, and high-quality education. It will integrate cultural tourism and ecological services to enhance its role as a key scientific and ecological center for the region.

3.     Southern City: Encompassing Thuong Tin and Phu Xuyen, the southern region will emphasize public services, logistics, and industrial support. Industrial zones in Phu Xuyen will facilitate the relocation of manufacturing from inner-city areas and serve as a regional logistics hub, connecting with neighboring provinces like Ha Nam.

Urban zones and connectivity

The plan divides Hanoi into five urban zones, with each playing a distinct role:

·        The southern zone of the Red River includes the historical core and extended urban areas in districts such as Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem, and Hai Ba Trung. The focus will be on reducing congestion by relocating central government offices, universities, and hospitals, transforming vacated land into public facilities, green spaces, and cultural hubs.

·        The eastern zone covers Long Bien and Gia Lam, emphasizing trade, logistics, healthcare, and education.

·        The northern zone, beyond the envisioned Northern City, includes comprehensive plans for clean energy, eco-tourism, and smart urban initiatives linked to the Red River’s landscape.

·        The western zone supports national science, technology, and ecological tourism industries, aligning with its role as a hub for advanced education.

·        The southern zone targets logistics and industrial development to bolster economic integration with other Red River Delta provinces.

Infrastructure and development

Hanoi's urban framework will revolve around a network of radial and ring roads connecting the central city with suburban areas and satellite towns. These include major highways such as Ring Roads 1 through 5, the Thang Long Avenue, and strategic economic corridors like the Noi Bai-Japan Tan Road.

The plan also prioritizes sustainable land use and technological integration to ensure Hanoi’s growth remains environmentally responsible and economically competitive.

By 2065, Hanoi aspires to become a global urban leader in sustainability, innovation, and quality of life. The three new cities will be pivotal in reshaping the capital’s urban landscape, fostering balanced development, and positioning Hanoi as a regional and international economic powerhouse.

Hong Khanh