Tourism accelerates as transport infrastructure gradually synchronizes

Groundbreaking ceremony of 35ha subdivision The Grand Ho Tram.

Seize the opportunity

In May 2025, Ba Ria - Vung Tau had 3 major tourism projects started. Specifically, on May 8, Apple Tree Group broke ground on the construction of Song Ray tourist area in Ben Cat hamlet, Phuoc Thuan commune, Xuyen Moc district. On May 15, The Grand Ho Tram - the resort leading the high-end tourism capital Ho Tram - started construction to expand by 35 hectares. On May 16, the 3/2 Street urban area project invested bySun Group started construction, marking a turning point in the tourism real estate market in Ba Ria - Vung Tau.

Each project has its own highlight. The 3/2 Street urban area has a scale of 96 hectares in Wards 10 and 11, Vung Tau City with a total capital of about 37,000 billion VND, oriented by Sun Group to become a new symbol of the city, meeting the housing needs of about 13,000 residents and being a tourist and entertainment destination attracting 11,000 visitors each year.

The Grand Ho Tram aims to increase the total number of rooms to 7,500, adding entertainment facilities, a casino, a world- class convention and exhibition center under the MICE model, serving 18,000 guests at the same time. The project contributes to creating a Ho Tram tourist area with diverse international services, supporting the development of Ho Chi Minh City after the merger.

Song Ray tourist area aims for a European resort style in harmony with the indigenous ecosystem and the historical relic of Loc An Wharf without numbers, with a total area of ​​8.1 hectares and a total investment of 68 million USD.

The fact that investors are bold in starting and expanding projects at this time, in addition to committing to invest according to regulations, is also motivated by the progress of inter-regional transport infrastructure. In the near future, the tourism industry will benefit greatly from macro policies when Ba Ria - Vung Tau merges with Ho Chi Minh City, expanding the market and attracting new investment capital.

Mr. Eric Jean Bernard Merlin, Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of Song Ray Tourist Area Company Limited, said that key expressways such as Bien Hoa - Vung Tau, Ben Luc - Long Thanh, connecting to Long Thanh International Airport and Cai Mep - Thi Vai International Seaport are about to be completed. The Ho Tram - Long Thanh International Airport expressway, scheduled to start construction on September 2, will strongly promote tourism in Ho Tram and neighboring areas. "We believe that Song Ray - Ho Tram will become a prominent destination, contributing to raising the level of tourism in Ba Ria - Vung Tau and Vietnam," Mr. Merlin expected.

Reinvest to improve quality

In addition to the expressways, investment in intra-provincial transport infrastructure is also being focused on. The DT994 route - the coastal axis connecting tourist areas - is accelerating construction progress, expected to be completed in 2026. The project to renovate Thuy Van and Bai Sau roads is also being implemented on schedule.

The Grand Ho Tram offers full entertainment facilities for guests.

In addition, traffic routes such as the Ring Road 4 section connecting Phu My, Chau Duc with Bien Hoa - Vung Tau and Dong Nai expressways; upgrading Road 991 connecting National Highway 51 with Ring Road 4 of Ho Chi Minh City have also been allocated capital in the period of 2026-2030.

The increasingly synchronous and modern transportation network, effectively connecting with neighboring localities, is opening up great opportunities to enhance local tourism. In particular, the merger with Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong further motivates Ba Ria - Vung Tau to become the sea and island tourism hub of the southern central urban area, increasing international visitors, organizing large-scale events, promoting socialized investment in tourism infrastructure, entertainment and shopping.

The tourism industry is focusing on product depth and service quality, extending the chain of experiences, building destination brands, and anticipating the trend of connecting traffic. Ho May Park develops night entertainment services, enhances daytime experiences, and implements the Hon Ngu Aquarium project. The Maris Vung Tau regularly organizes playgrounds, music performances, and dragon and lion kites. Malibu Vung Tau Hotel has just completed its upgrade and has been recognized as meeting 5-star standards. Palace Long Hai Resort maintains 4-star quality, expanding check-in spaces, restaurants, cafes, and bars to watch the sunset on the sea.

Mr. Vu Hong Thuan, Acting Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said that 2025 is a turning point for the tourism industry when many strategic infrastructure projects are completed. The Department has coordinated with the Tourism Association to sign agreements to organize special tourism and sports events; established a 3-party working group to implement communication campaigns, promote international and domestic tourism; accompany communication, promote tourism brands; support businesses in accessing business space, planning information, investment incentives; organize periodic policy dialogues, thematic seminars, and contribute ideas on annual tourism development strategies.

The tourism industry is also completing the planning of night markets, entertainment areas, walking streets, check-in points, marinas, and theme parks. Festivals and events with the identity of the sea and local communities are promoted, along with tourism sports competitions such as street running, kayaking, windsurfing, sea swimming, mountain biking, etc. to stimulate tourism. At the same time, the industry also adds data on homestays, motels, and informal services for management; proactively linking localities in the province and with Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong to build inter-regional tours, anticipating the trend of administrative mergers to become a major tourism hub of the entire region.

Article and photos: DANG KHOA

Source: https://baobariavungtau.com.vn/du-lich/202505/du-lich-tang-toc-khi-ha-tang-giao-thong-dan-dong-bo-1043398/