Building a modern & distinctive city
Following its merger, Hai Phong has entered a new phase of development with the ambition of rising as a modern megacity.
Expanding urban space
After nearly two decades living abroad, Mr. Nguyen Van Khai, aged 60, from Thuy Nguyen Ward returned home this year to celebrate Tet. As his car crossed Hoang Van Thu Bridge, the Bac Song Cam urban area unfolded before him with a modern skyline that left the expatriate impressed by the rapid transformation of Hai Phong.
The city is steadily asserting its role as a national urban center, pursuing a path of green, civilized and modern development while gradually extending its urban space toward the sea. The 2025 merger of Hai Phong City and Hai Duong Province marked a turning point, opening up a new development chapter.
Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Hai Phong Municipal Party Committee and Head of the city’s National Assembly Delegation Le Tien Chau described the merger as a “historic opportunity” to position Hai Phong as a modern megacity. Following consolidation, the city’s area nearly doubled to almost 3,200 square kilometers, with a population exceeding 4.6 million and the third-largest economy nationwide. This expanded scale provides fresh momentum and capacity for the city’s urban expansion.
Toward a livable city
Observing the city’s daily transformation, Chairman of the Hai Phong Association of Architects Vo Quoc Thai compared the urban structure to a large painting with the city center forming its focal point. From that center, urban corridors extend like petals of a flower as the city continues to expand. While broadening modern and civilized urban space, Hai Phong remains committed to preserving its identity as a historic port city, where residents’ quality of life serves as a key benchmark for every development decision. The city’s master plan through 2050, with a vision to 2075, clearly reflects this orientation.
Urban technical infrastructure is being developed in an environmentally friendly and sustainable direction, with more green spaces along major streets, additional public parking facilities in densely populated areas. Comprehensive drainage and flood prevention solutions are also being implemented, enhancing the city’s resilience to climate change.
In housing development, Hai Phong is building new urban areas with fully integrated infrastructure while accelerating social housing programs to provide better living conditions for residents. Deteriorating apartment blocks are gradually being rebuilt, contributing to a more modern, civilized and livable urban environment.
Hai Phong News