Why Dong Hai is Emerging as Hai Phong’s New Central Business District (CBD)?

Dong Hai: From Logistics Gem to Emerging Economic Hub (CBD)

Global experience shows that cities controlling global supply chains become leading economic centers. Shanghai surpasses Beijing, Dubai outshines Abu Dhabi, and Sydney drives Australia’s economy despite not being the capital. Hai Phong is following this trajectory as its development axis shifts toward the sea, moving the economic center from Hong Bang to Dong Hai—a region poised to become a regional and international hub.

Dong Hai’s core strength lies in its status as a national logistics gem. Strategically located near Cat Bi International Airport and the largest port cluster in the North, it handles 70% of the region’s container cargo. The Lach Huyen deep-water port accommodates 132,000 DWT vessels, enabling global trade connections. Cat Bi Airport aims to serve 13 million passengers by 2030, becoming a key aviation and logistics hub in the North.

Its potential multiplies with the upcoming Hai Phong – Hanoi – Yunnan railway, set to break ground in December. This positions Hai Phong as the shortest gateway for Southwest China to access seaports and a critical link in the trans-Asian transport network. The shift from seaports to Sea-Rail Intermodal further enhances Dong Hai’s role, as it sits adjacent to the railway terminus, making it a core logistics service hub for this trade route.

To capitalize on these global trade shifts, the North’s first Free Trade Zone (FTZ) spanning 6,292 hectares was approved in October, with the Dinh Vu – Cat Hai Economic Zone in Dong Hai occupying 1,077 hectares. The FTZ’s special tax incentives and mechanisms will accelerate FDI inflows, particularly in export manufacturing, logistics, and international trade.

Surrounding Dong Hai is Hai Phong’s largest industrial ecosystem, including Deep C, MP Dinh Vu, Nam Dinh Vu, and Trang Cat, covering nearly 70% of the city’s industrial zones. Over 40 countries operate here, including global leaders like LG, Pegatron, Bridgestone, and SK. This industrial growth drives demand for offices, warehouses, and banking services.

Four strategic factors are accelerating the economic shift to Dong Hai, mirroring trends in the world’s most vibrant economies: new CBDs emerge near ports, where global flows converge daily.

Undervalued Prices – A Golden Opportunity for Early Investors

In Hanoi, prime commercial properties range from 700 million to nearly 2 billion VND/m², while in Ho Chi Minh City, they range from 500 million to over 1 billion VND/m². Even in Hong Bang, streets like Phan Boi Chau and Hoang Van Thu command 200–330 million VND/m². Higher foot traffic means higher prices.

Dong Hai, still in its early stages, offers undervalued prices in the townhouse market. For instance, the newly launched Lumira Ville urban area (11.8 hectares) features 370 units surrounded by four major roads: Lien Phuong, Dang Kinh, WorldBank, and more. These 30–68m wide roads serve as the city’s east-west backbone, with internal grid streets ensuring connectivity. Just 3–5 minutes from the port and airport, Lumira Ville is poised to benefit from the new financial hub.

Prime location: Four-fronted roads, adjacent to port and airport, make Lumira Ville a valuable investment.

Unique planning ensures every location within the urban area is ideal for business or offices. With 5-story construction standards and 80% dual-frontage properties, it’s perfect for profit-maximizing businesses.

Lumira Ville introduces a new “All-In-One” model, blending commerce with international luxury living. European architecture complements the bustling port, alongside premium amenities like flower islands, Shan Heal gardens, pickleball courts, multi-sport fields, and community spaces.

Starting at 48 million VND/m², the new CBD core offers 2x–3x asset growth potential.

Despite its potential, prices start at just 48 million VND/m² for multi-functional townhouses—a quarter to a sixth of Hong Bang prices. Buyers receive financial support from five banks, including a 36-month grace period on principal and interest, and 70% product value loans.

Upcoming projects like Vin Vu Yen, Vin Trang Cat, and Vin Duong Kinh will further boost Dong Hai’s appeal. Lumira Ville’s direct connectivity to these projects via Ring Road 3 amplifies its potential. As Dong Hai accelerates and prices rise, this reasonable entry point and flexible payment terms offer a golden opportunity for investors to double or triple their assets in 3–5 years.