Across Hanoi, the sounds of drilling, demolition and construction now echo through old neighborhoods as the capital enters a rare period of large-scale urban transformation.

As Hanoi prepares for sweeping redevelopment along the Red River, the city faces growing questions about compensation, fairness and belonging.

After decades of developing by "turning its back on the river," Hanoi stands before a historic transformation opportunity with the Red River Landscape Boulevard project.

From a sea-crossing tunnel to airport rail links, Ho Chi Minh City is accelerating major infrastructure investments across the southern region.

Ring Road 5 around the Capital Region has been identified as a national priority project, with authorities aiming to begin development during the 2026–30 period to strengthen regional transport links and support economic growth in northern Vietnam.

Hanoi plans to build large resettlement urban areas in Long Bien, Linh Nam and Bat Trang for residents affected by the Red River landscape boulevard project.

From bridges spanning the Red River to new ring roads and urban developments, Hanoi is accelerating site clearance for some of its largest projects in years.

The historic campus of Hanoi University of Pharmacy at 19 Le Thanh Tong Street is set to be preserved under a “living heritage” model aimed at balancing historical conservation with the continuation of academic life.

Hanoi’s new master plan outlines ambitious infrastructure goals, from relocating interprovincial bus terminals to building an airport city in the south.

Experts believe the Red River mega boulevard project could turn Hanoi into one of Asia’s most distinctive riverfront capitals while preserving the cultural soul of northern Vietnam.

The Hanoi People’s Council on May 11 approved a resolution on the investment policy for the Red River Landscape Boulevard project, one of the capital’s largest-ever urban infrastructure and redevelopment schemes.

Hanoi plans to develop a night economy zone along the Red River scenic boulevard into a creative economic center bringing together high-value cultural, artistic and commercial activities.

Hanoi has agreed on a long-term plan to gradually relocate communities living outside the Red River dike system, aiming to reshape both riverbanks into a unified urban space for the next century.

Regarding the city’s long plan with a 100-year vision, information about the relocation of 860,000 people from inner Hanoi was “inaccurate.”

HCM City is experiencing land subsidence at an average rate of 2cm per year, with some densely built areas sinking by as much as 5-7cm annually. Over the past two decades, parts of the city have subsided by 0.5-0.7 meters.

Dr Hoang Dinh Phi has suggested that not all universities in Hanoi should be relocated and schools with deep historical roots should be retained to maintain the vitality of the inner city.

Hanoi University of Pharmacy believes that the proposal to convert its school space into a museum should be considered carefully.

Hanoi is planning to expand major inner-city traffic corridors.

Inflexible hourly fees for parking are creating unnecessary pressure and driving consumers away.