A new impetus in urban development

When Dong Nai becomes a centrally-governed city, it will create new momentum and impetus to become a national-level growth pole in the Southeast region and the Southern area, contributing to the implementation of the national urban development strategy.

A view of Binh Phuoc ward, Dong Nai province. Photo: Contributor.

This is also an opportunity for Dong Nai to accelerate the process of restructuring its urban space, aiming to build a smart, modern city based on the application of information technology and especially digital technology .

Formation of a multi-centered urban area

Currently, there are 22 urban areas in Dong Nai province. According to Decision No. 972/QD-UBND dated March 20, 2026, of the Provincial People's Committee on the announcement of the list of Type II and Type III urban areas, implemented according to Article 15 of Resolution 111/2025/UBTVQH15, the transitional urban system of Dong Nai province includes 3 Type II urban areas: Bien Hoa urban area, Long Khanh urban area, and Dong Xoai urban area. In addition, there are 19 urban areas in the province classified as Type III urban areas.

According to the revised Dong Nai Provincial Planning Project for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, in the urban system planning scheme for the province, Dong Nai identifies that: The development of the urban system needs to take into account regional linkages, towards sustainable, smart, green cities that are adaptable to climate change, in line with the trend of modern urban development, livability, and the long-term development requirements of the province.

According to Decision No. 615/QD-TTg dated April 4, 2026, of the Prime Minister on adjusting the Southeast Region Planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, the establishment of Dong Nai City as a centrally-governed city is determined to enhance Dong Nai's role as a driving force in the development of the Southeast region; closely and harmoniously linking with Ho Chi Minh City in creating and developing the economic and urban space of the region.

"At the same time, in the new development trend, urban development in the province will also be linked to the TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) model, compact and mixed-use development, and the establishment of distinctive spaces around public transport stations," said Ms. Truong Thi Huong Binh, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Director of the Department of Finance.

In particular, according to the Provincial People's Committee, becoming a centrally-governed city will create significant changes in the approach to urban planning and spatial organization in Dong Nai. This is a favorable condition for improving the quality of urban architecture and gradually forming a synchronized, modern, and distinctive landscape system.

Specifically, with the transition to a centrally-governed city model, the urban planning system has the opportunity to be comprehensively reviewed and adjusted. Existing planning projects need to be updated to suit new development requirements, especially in the context of major drivers emerging such as: Long Thanh International Airport, an international-scale logistics system, inter-regional transport corridors, and areas planned for the development of innovation centers. Updating planning in a multi-sectoral integrated manner will help organize urban space more effectively, limit uncontrolled development, and improve the quality of urban living.

Accelerate urban spatial restructuring.

According to assessments, upon becoming a centrally-governed city, with the goal of building a smart, modern urban area based on the application of information technology, especially digital technology, it will contribute to shortening the development time and moving towards effective and efficient city governance.

A view of Tran Bien ward, the central urban area of ​​Dong Nai province. Photo: Pham Tung.

This will facilitate the acceleration of urban spatial restructuring according to the multi-center city model of Bien Hoa - Long Thanh - Nhon Trach - Long Khanh - Dong Xoai - border area, with organic links in infrastructure, human resources, and ecology with the urban system in the region from Ho Chi Minh City.

Smaller towns in Dong Nai also have the opportunity to receive more comprehensive investment, helping to alleviate pressure on the larger central area.

In Dong Nai's multi-centered city model, the Bien Hoa - Long Thanh - Nhon Trach "triangle" is the most important driving force, playing a pivotal role in the economy, urban development, and logistics of the entire urban system. Within this area, Bien Hoa continues to serve as the traditional administrative, financial, and commercial center; while also being gradually transformed from old industrial zones into service, innovation, and high-quality urban areas. The development of spaces along the Dong Nai River is being promoted to create landscape axes and public spaces, contributing to improved living environments and urban identity.

Meanwhile, Long Thanh urban area is identified as a new growth pole of the central urban region, linked to the formation of Long Thanh Airport and Long Thanh Airport City.

According to architect Khuong Van Muoi, former Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Architects, the Long Thanh Airport City will be formed after the airport is completed. Therefore, once formed, this city will attract investment projects with the most complete and modern structures, applying Industry 4.0 technology and developing high-tech industries.

With its advantageous location on strategic transportation routes, Nhon Trach urban area is envisioned to develop into a large-scale riverside and industrial-logistics city, playing a connecting role between the Dong Nai metropolitan area and Ho Chi Minh City and the seaport system of the Southeast region.

Pham Tung

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/de-an-thanh-lap-thanh-pho-dong-nai/202604/suc-bat-moi-trong-phat-trien-do-thi-c3b3616/