As the two most iconic landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City, Bitexco Financial Tower and Landmark 81 both showcase modern architecture and international flair. However, Bitexco exudes a quieter ambiance despite its location in the bustling financial district. In contrast, Landmark 81, situated across the river, continues to draw large crowds. This stark contrast sets the stage for a story of divergence in commercial space utilization.
Since its debut in 2010, Bitexco Financial Tower has been one of the most vibrant destinations in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Once bustling with activity during peak hours, the entrance area now stands quiet. The decline in foot traffic has slowed the pace of life around the building, reflecting the diminished appeal of its commercial spaces.
Many commercial spaces in Bitexco have been vacant for extended periods, with no new brands filling the gaps. Shuttered stores are a common sight across multiple floors. Former employees report that low foot traffic made it impossible to sustain revenue. This prolonged vacancy is the most visible sign of the tower’s decline.
Several commercial floors in Bitexco now lie desolate. Wide corridors and beautiful lighting greet few shoppers. Brands that once operated here have left due to disproportionate costs. This emptiness makes it challenging for the building’s commercial vitality to recover.
According to a local broker, rental prices at Bitexco range from 1.3 to 1.5 million VND/m²/month, excluding fees and taxes. While this falls within the premium range for Ho Chi Minh City’s central district, not all businesses are willing to pay. High costs coupled with declining shopper numbers have left many spaces vacant.
Currently, only a few major brands remain at Bitexco, including Samsung, Haidilao, and the SkyView observation deck.
Most visitors to the tower come primarily to experience the SkyView. Remaining businesses must optimize costs to survive in this low-traffic environment. This situation highlights the significant reduction in Bitexco’s commercial role compared to its heyday.
A few kilometers away, Landmark 81 maintains its exceptional appeal. As Vietnam’s tallest building and part of the Vinpearl ecosystem, it attracts a steady stream of visitors from morning to night. Its vibrant atmosphere sharply contrasts with Bitexco’s quietude.
The Vincom Center at the base of Landmark 81 consistently sees high traffic, especially on weekends. A diverse mix of fashion, dining, and entertainment brands keeps the space lively. Despite high rental costs, the area continues to attract major brands, ensuring stable commercial activity.
According to real estate listings, retail rents at Landmark 81 are among the highest in the eastern district, comparable to Ho Chi Minh City’s top shopping centers. Despite these high costs, stable foot traffic allows brands to operate sustainably long-term.
Landmark 81 benefits from its location within the densely populated Vinhomes Central Park community. Additional visitors come from international tourists and entertainment activities.
The area surrounding Landmark 81 is densely populated, with continuous commercial and service activity. This integrated advantage ensures a steady flow of visitors throughout the day, making its business model more stable than Bitexco’s. Differences in location and ecosystem create a gap in operational efficiency.
As night falls, both Landmark 81 and Bitexco shine brightly in Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline. However, their external brilliance masks the contrasting commercial realities within. Landmark 81 continues to benefit from its integrated model, while Bitexco faces challenges in attracting visitors and brands.
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