Dong Nai Province Approves Major Zoning Plan for Dai Phuoc 1 Smart Riverside Urban Area to Drive Regional Growth and Innovation

The People’s Committee of Dong Nai Province has officially approved the 1/2,000 scale subdivision planning for the Dai Phuoc 1 area, a massive development project covering more than 3,131 hectares. This approval marks a pivotal moment in the province’s urban development strategy, setting the stage for a sophisticated, smart riverside urban area designed to serve as a primary economic engine for the region. Located in the strategic gateway between Dong Nai and Ho Chi Minh City, the Dai Phuoc 1 subdivision is envisioned not only as a residential hub but also as a center for scientific research, technological innovation, and ecological preservation. This decision aligns with the province’s long-term goal of transforming into a modern industrial and logistics powerhouse while strengthening its connectivity within the Southern Key Economic Zone.

Strategic Location and Geographical Significance

The planned area for Dai Phuoc 1 is situated within Dai Phuoc Commune, forming a critical part of the western Nhon Trach new urban area. Its geographical positioning is highly advantageous, as it directly borders the Dong Nai River and provides a natural bridge to the eastern districts of Ho Chi Minh City. According to the planning documents, the subdivision’s boundaries are meticulously defined to maximize regional integration. To the north, the area is bordered by the Ong Chuoc and Cau Tau rivers, as well as the adjacent Dai Phuoc 2 subdivision. To the south, it is bounded by the Tac Mieu and Ong Mai canals, alongside the Dai Phuoc 3 subdivision. The eastern boundary aligns with the planned Cat Lai road axis, a vital corridor for future cross-river transit, while the western edge faces the Dong Nai River, offering expansive waterfront views and direct proximity to the Ho Chi Minh City metropolitan area.

This location is particularly significant given the ongoing infrastructure projects in the region. Nhon Trach has long been considered a "satellite city" for Ho Chi Minh City, but development has historically been hampered by the lack of direct bridge connections. The Dai Phuoc 1 project is expected to capitalize on the upcoming Cat Lai Bridge and the Ring Road 3 projects, which will drastically reduce travel times between the two localities. By establishing a high-density, high-tech urban zone here, Dong Nai aims to alleviate the population pressure on Ho Chi Minh City while creating a self-sustaining economic ecosystem that attracts high-income residents and specialized professionals.

Vision for a Smart and Innovative Urban Ecosystem

The core philosophy behind the Dai Phuoc 1 subdivision is the creation of a "Smart Riverside City" that integrates living spaces with a dedicated science and innovation center. Unlike traditional residential developments, Dai Phuoc 1 is designed to be a driver of creative and technological growth. The province intends for this area to serve as a hub for research and development (R&D), fostering a environment where academia and industry can collaborate. This focus on innovation is intended to provide a competitive edge to Nhon Trach and its surrounding areas, positioning the district as more than just an industrial zone.

Demographically, the project is ambitious. The planned population capacity is estimated to reach between 180,000 and 230,000 residents. To accommodate this influx, the urban space will follow a "compact city" model, emphasizing high-density development around transit hubs while maintaining vast open spaces for public use. This model is designed to optimize land use efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and ensure that essential services—such as healthcare, education, and retail—are within walking or cycling distance for all inhabitants.

Detailed Land Use and Structural Allocation

The 3,131-hectare expanse has been subdivided with a clear focus on balancing economic utility with environmental sustainability. The land use structure is categorized as follows:

Residential and Unit Land Use

Approximately 616 hectares, or roughly 20% of the total area, have been allocated for residential units. Within this category, 413 hectares are specifically designated for housing groups. The planning allows for a diverse range of housing types, including high-rise apartments, low-rise villas, and mixed-use residential complexes. This variety aims to cater to different socio-economic segments, from young professionals working in the innovation centers to families seeking a high-quality riverside lifestyle.

Commercial, Service, and Research Hubs

A significant portion of the land—over 1,598 hectares, accounting for 51% of the total area—is dedicated to functions outside of primary residential units. This space is earmarked for commercial centers, service complexes, urban-level public works, and specialized training and research centers. This large allocation underscores the province’s commitment to making Dai Phuoc 1 a functional economic destination rather than a "dormitory town." It will house the infrastructure necessary for the digital economy, including data centers, laboratories, and co-working spaces.

Ecological Preservation and Open Spaces

One of the most striking features of the Dai Phuoc 1 plan is the preservation of natural landscapes. Approximately 917 hectares, or nearly 30% of the area, consists of natural rivers, canals, and streams. The planning authorities have committed to maintaining these water bodies to develop open spaces, public parks, and riverside landscapes. This approach leverages the area’s natural topography to create an "ecological urban" atmosphere, integrating tourism and service activities with environmental conservation. This green-blue infrastructure is expected to mitigate urban heat island effects and provide a high standard of living for residents.

Infrastructure and Smart Connectivity

To support a population of nearly a quarter-million people, the infrastructure plan for Dai Phuoc 1 is both comprehensive and forward-looking. The transportation network is built around several major axes, including the Phu My – 25C route and the provincial roads DT.769F and DT.769G. These roads will link the subdivision to the Long Thanh International Airport and the various port systems along the Dong Nai and Nha Be rivers.

Furthermore, the plan emphasizes multi-modal transportation. Waterway transport will be a key feature, utilizing the extensive river and canal system to connect with neighboring regions. Internally, the project will feature a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, integrated with smart traffic management technologies. To promote green energy, the urban area will include an extensive network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and dedicated parking facilities for eco-friendly transport.

A hallmark of the "smart" designation is the commitment to undergrounding all technical infrastructure. Water supply, wastewater treatment, power lines, and telecommunications cables will be installed in synchronized underground galleries. This not only improves the aesthetic quality of the urban landscape but also enhances the resilience and maintainability of the city’s vital systems.

Development Timeline and Implementation Strategy

The implementation of the Dai Phuoc 1 project is structured across several decades, reflecting its scale and complexity. Dong Nai province has already initiated the bidding process for two significant land parcels within the subdivision, totaling nearly 1,800 hectares. The selection of investors is expected to take place within a 180-day window, ensuring a competitive and transparent process to attract capable developers.

The official roadmap for development is divided into three distinct phases:

• 2025–2030: Focus on completing the framework infrastructure, including primary roads, bridges, and underground utility systems.
• 2030–2040: Development of core service works, commercial centers, and the science and innovation hub.
• By 2045: Completion of the entire urban area, including all residential sectors and specialized parks.

This phased approach allows for the gradual absorption of the population and ensures that infrastructure stays ahead of residential demand.

The Broader Context: Dong Nai’s Transformation

The approval of Dai Phuoc 1 comes at a time of unprecedented administrative change for the province. Following the merger with Binh Phuoc Province in July 2025, the "new" Dong Nai has become a demographic and economic titan in Vietnam. With a population exceeding 4.5 million, it ranks as the third most populous locality in the country, trailing only Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Spanning 12,730 square kilometers, it holds the 9th largest land area.

In light of this growth, the Vietnamese government has recently submitted a proposal to the National Assembly to establish "Dong Nai City" as a centrally-managed municipality. This shift would grant the region greater autonomy and resources to develop as a multi-center urban area, sharing the economic and social functions currently concentrated in Ho Chi Minh City. The Dai Phuoc 1 project is a cornerstone of this "centrally-managed city" vision, acting as a modern gateway that bridges the gap between the traditional industrial heartland of Dong Nai and the financial hub of Ho Chi Minh City.

Implications for the Southern Key Economic Zone

The development of Dai Phuoc 1 is expected to have far-reaching implications for the Southern Key Economic Zone. By creating a high-tech, smart urban center near the Long Thanh International Airport—which is slated to become one of the region’s busiest aviation hubs—Dong Nai is positioning itself to capture significant foreign direct investment (FDI).

Experts suggest that the focus on "innovation" and "science" within the planning will attract a new demographic of skilled labor, potentially shifting the province’s economic profile from labor-intensive manufacturing to high-value technology and services. Furthermore, the integration of ecological preservation with urban development serves as a model for sustainable growth in a country that is rapidly urbanizing.

As the project moves from planning to construction, it will likely trigger a surge in real estate interest in the Nhon Trach area. However, the provincial government has emphasized that the primary goal remains the creation of a functional, livable, and smart city that contributes to the national economy. With the 2045 completion date in sight, Dai Phuoc 1 stands as a testament to Dong Nai’s ambition to lead Vietnam into a new era of smart, sustainable, and integrated urban living.