Dong Xoai's journey through various transformations.

Dong Xoai ward as seen from above today. Photo: Phu Quy

For those who were present in this "land of fire" from the early days of the re-establishment of Binh Phuoc province, and who witnessed the times when the name Dong Xoai was associated with the name of a new administrative unit, their hearts are filled with nostalgia and their love for this land grows even stronger.

From a remote village…

Twenty-eight years have passed, but I still haven't forgotten the disheartening feeling of my first day setting foot in Dong Xoai, the "land of fire," in 1997. At that time, it was just a small town, and Binh Phuoc province had only recently been re-established. Days of incessant rain left the road from the humble eatery on Provincial Road 741 to the boarding house a muddy mess of red earth. Back then, houses in Dong Xoai town were sparse and dilapidated. A few households had to run long, cumbersome power lines from far away just to get a faint red light, while most relied on oil lamps. It was the peak of the dry season, with scorching sun due to the El Niño influence. The orchards were withered from lack of water, and the roads were covered in red dust, darkening the leaves and trees. Traveling on those roads, even after changing clothes and dipping them in water at night, the clothes were still stained red. Dust got into my eyes, nose, ears, and hair... So, everyone covered their faces to protect themselves from the sun, wind, and dust.

The rainy season arrives. The rains in the Southeast region of Vietnam are unlike anywhere else: sudden and torrential. After just a few early season showers, the thick layers of dust clinging to branches and leaves are washed away, revealing the fresh, vibrant leaves of cashew, rubber, and pepper plants. The lush, green cashew and rubber plantations, with their rapidly spreading canopies covering the hillsides, not only promise a bountiful harvest but also evoke a sense of peace with their endless green expanse, connecting the countryside and becoming a defining characteristic of the Southern region. Although it was the economic and political center of Binh Phuoc province in the past, Dong Xoai's conditions were then inferior to those of the central districts of Binh Long, Phuoc Long, and Loc Ninh. In the early days of the province's re-establishment, officials and staff of provincial-level agencies had to work in temporary rooms at the Dong Xoai town People's Committee. The workload was immense due to a shortage of staff, requiring everything to be started from scratch, while the remuneration was low. In those difficult circumstances, it was the empathy, sharing, and encouragement from the provincial leaders during simple meals in the communal kitchen that kept those who were truly committed and wanted to contribute to this land from leaving.

Then came the times when they "renovated" their appearance.

On January 1, 2000, just three years after the re-establishment of Binh Phuoc province, Dong Xoai town "transformed" into a city. For the hardworking people of Dong Xoai town, accustomed to the harsh sun and rain of farming, the title "city" was a new and proud moment.

People gradually became accustomed to urban life, to houses with numbers and streets with names. Then, following the laws of development, as transportation infrastructure, electricity infrastructure, and construction projects for the provincial administrative center, along with urban development projects, were implemented, the entire Dong Xoai area quickly became bustling and vibrant. Cashew plantations and orchards gradually gave way to restaurants, grocery stores, and budget guesthouses. Then, restaurants, hotels, and shopping centers quickly sprang up, meeting the needs of officials, civil servants, residents, and tourists .

The Veterans Association of Dong Xoai Ward is implementing a solar power line project in Tan Thanh 2 neighborhood.

Then, 18 years later, this place acquired a new name – Dong Xoai City. Honestly, even in my wildest dreams, I couldn't have imagined that this small town would one day become a city, given its unique challenges. And even with the utmost optimism, it took a considerable amount of time and extraordinary effort from the Party committee, the government, and every citizen, along with support from central ministries and agencies, for Dong Xoai to overcome its difficulties and become a city.

Amidst the nationwide streamlining of administrative apparatuses and provincial mergers, Dong Xoai is once again undergoing significant changes. On July 1, 2025, Dong Xoai ward was established by merging the entire area and population of Tien Thanh ward and Tan Thanh commune, covering an area of 81.33 km² and a population of over 35,800 people. With its natural advantages of connecting to the Be River, Phuoc Hoa Lake, and the surrounding Suoi Cam 3, 4, and 5 terraced lakes, along with approximately 700 hectares of public land; and with planned road networks connecting to National Highway 14, Provincial Road 741, the expressway, and neighboring wards and communes in the northern part of the province, Dong Xoai ward holds a strategic position as a key transportation artery connecting wards and communes in the northern part of Dong Nai province with Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh province, and the Central Highlands provinces; simultaneously playing a crucial role in strengthening regional connectivity.

Building a smart and sustainable urban area in Dong Xoai.

Given that the locality originated from Tien Thanh ward (which was recently upgraded from a commune to a ward) and Tan Thanh commune – an area with a high proportion of agricultural development – the solutions and roadmap for realizing the goal of building a smart and sustainable Dong Xoai city have been set out to suit the actual situation.

The Resolution of the Dong Xoai Ward Party Congress for the 2025-2030 term identifies the goal of making the ward a driving force in the overall development of the province. The ward Party Committee sets specific goals and a roadmap for Dong Xoai to become a smart, sustainably developed city, worthy of its historical significance; striving to increase per capita income by 60% by 2030 compared to 2025; and ensuring 100% of households have access to the national power grid and clean, hygienic water…

The overall goal set by the Party Committee and the ward government is to strive to make Dong Xoai a civilized, ecological urban area by 2030, with a high increase in per capita income; trade and services as the main economic sector, and gradually affirming its role as a service and tourism center of Dong Nai province. The proportion of the industry and construction sector will reach 54.84% of the economic structure. The proportion of the trade and service sector will reach 35.59% of the economic structure. The proportion of agriculture will be reduced to 9.57%, moving towards high-tech agriculture and production along the value chain. 50 new businesses and 200 newly registered business households will be developed…

Driving slowly through the thin mist that blankets the streets shaded by crape myrtle and bougainvillea trees, I felt as if the roads in the ward were like soft silk ribbons draped loosely over a young woman's shoulders, giving Dong Xoai a dreamy, mystical appearance under the streetlights as night falls. My love for this beloved land came to me through every slope, every tree-lined road. Twenty-eight years have passed since I chose Dong Xoai as my home, and this land has undergone many transformations. The names town, city, and now ward Dong Xoai have been associated with the place. But no matter the name, pride in this land always overwhelms me. And more than anyone else, those citizens born, raised, educated, worked, and connected to Dong Xoai since its difficult times can truly appreciate the immense changes and great values that Dong Xoai possesses today.

Linh Tam

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/xa-hoi/202512/dong-xoai-nhung-lan-thay-ao-moi-54f1476/