Can Gio to Become Ho Chi Minh City’s New Sustainable Tourism Icon and Top Attraction

Vietnam’s New International Destination

At the seminar “Developing Can Gio into a New Tourism Growth Pole for Ho Chi Minh City,” organized by Tuoi Tre newspaper on the afternoon of January 29, Mr. Pham Huy Binh, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, emphasized: In the context of the city expanding its administrative boundaries and entering a new development cycle, Can Gio holds a strategic position in the urban-ecological-tourism spatial structure of Ho Chi Minh City.

Recently, Can Gio’s connectivity infrastructure has received significant investment with a series of breakthrough projects, such as the high-speed railway from Ben Thanh to Can Gio, the Can Gio Bridge, and the Can Gio – Vung Tau sea-crossing bridge and road. Simultaneously, the Ben Bach Dang – Can Gio – Vung Tau waterway routes are being restored, opening up unique river-sea tourism products.

“This is the foundation for Can Gio to transform from an ‘ecological island’ into a high-end tourism destination,” Mr. Binh affirmed.

From a macro perspective, Mr. Ha Van Sieu likened Can Gio to a “precious gem,” a “treasure trove” of tourism for Ho Chi Minh City. According to Mr. Sieu, in the next five years, Can Gio’s tourism stands at the threshold of a strong breakthrough, thanks to the collaboration of the government, investors, and the business community to form a new tourism growth pole for the city.

Mr. Ha Van Sieu, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, speaking at the seminar

Overall, Vietnam’s tourism industry aims to welcome 30-35 million international visitors and 160-180 million domestic visitors by 2030. Ho Chi Minh City plays a pivotal role in this goal.

“Tourism is shifting from ‘raw’ to ‘refined,’ focusing on emotional value related to culture, physical well-being, and spirituality,” Mr. Sieu analyzed.

Can Gio possesses a unique biosphere “treasure trove,” now combined with new urban development directions, creating a dual advantage of modernity and tradition, urban civilization, and native nature. The biosphere urban model integrated with modern urban amenities, events, festivals, and night economy, alongside preserving the pristine values of nature and local culture, will enable rational zoning and effective exploitation of tourism resources.

“Can Gio promises to create a new attraction for the city’s tourism and the entire country, contributing to boosting and increasing international visitor numbers in the coming years,” Mr. Sieu emphasized.

24/7 Experience Ecosystem Welcoming 40 Million Visitors/Year: The Catalyst for Can Gio’s Acceleration

Experts at the seminar agreed that infrastructure is only a necessary condition to “awaken” Can Gio after years of stagnation. The decisive factor in attracting visitors, retaining them, and encouraging repeat visits is a world-class tourism-resort-entertainment ecosystem operating dynamically 24/7.

From a travel business perspective, Mr. Vo Anh Tai, Deputy General Director of Saigontourist Group, believes Can Gio needs to develop eco-friendly entertainment models, wellness-focused resorts, community-linked cultural experiences, and nature-integrated recreational complexes. Establishing a vibrant night economy centered around seafood cuisine will invigorate the destination after 6 PM.

In reality, this is the direction Vingroup is pursuing in Can Gio. As a leading developer of tourism products in Can Gio, Vingroup is investing in a world-class resort-entertainment ecosystem within Vinhomes Green Paradise, aiming to attract approximately 40 million visitors annually.

Vinhomes Green Paradise is the nucleus transforming Can Gio into Vietnam’s new international destination

With the presence of the ESG++ super-urban complex, Can Gio will become a rare destination in Vietnam offering unparalleled experiences: The 7-hectare Green Waves Theater with 2 luxurious auditoriums seating 5,000; two 18-hole world-class golf courses; the 800+ hectare Paradise Lagoon—the world’s largest artificial sea with natural seawater; the 5-star Landmark Harbour international marina; a 108-story tower among the world’s top 10; and a leading resort hotel complex with approximately 7,000 rooms, featuring Vinpearl and over 20 global brands like Melia, Marriott, IHG, Accor, and Best Western…

Notably, the 122-hectare VinWonders Can Gio, a “world-class entertainment marvel” with nearly 200 games and experiences, is poised to put Vietnam on the global tourism map. This complex boasts record-breaking features, including a 68-meter artificial snow mountain with a 5-hectare snow house, the world’s first “Film World,” and numerous pioneering attractions in Southeast Asia.

A world-class resort and entertainment ecosystem enabling Vinhomes Green Paradise to welcome 40 million visitors annually

Additionally, Cosmo Bay—Asia’s premier 24/7 entertainment hub, the Korean-style K-Village, high-end shopping centers, and themed parks and squares create an endless journey for visitors.

In health tourism, Vinmec Can Gio Hospital, in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic—the top healthcare system in the U.S.—along with the Vin New Horizon model, will position Can Gio as a new global destination for medical and wellness tourism.