**Activating the Potential of a “Sleeping Beauty”: Revitalizing Hanoi’s Historic Riverside Area**
Services
Awakening the potential of a “sleeping” land alongside Hanoi’s historic Red River, this proposed project addresses the need to develop the city’s riverfront area, which has long been neglected, lacking infrastructure, and underutilized in terms of its scenic value.
With the city’s ongoing Red River Urban Planning initiative, covering a nearly 40km stretch from Hong Ha Bridge to Me So Bridge and spanning 13 districts, 55 wards, and communes, this project aims to transform the area into a vibrant, cohesive, and culturally rich urban landscape.
Based on thorough onsite surveys and analysis of the area’s transportation system, topography, and ecology, the Van Phu – Deo Ca consortium proposes a “strategic backbone” that will not only enhance transportation links but also serve as a connector of urban fabric, revitalizing the entire riverfront region.
![]() The proposed “Red River Boulevard and Landscape” project spans almost 40km, from Hong Ha Bridge to Me So Bridge
|
Envisioned as more than just a transportation artery connecting Hanoi with Hung Yen and Phu Tho, the boulevard will be a dynamic cultural and ecological corridor. It will feature terraced parks, pedestrian walkways, riverfront squares, tourism and service complexes, and community spaces. Most importantly, it will provide safe and inspiring access to the river, integrating it seamlessly into the daily lives of the city’s residents.
Learning from International Experiences: Creating Hanoi’s Largest Public Space
Prior to finalizing their proposal, the consortium conducted a field trip to Chongqing, China, renowned for its successful development along the Yangtze River. By drawing on lessons learned from Chongqing’s multi-layered spatial organization, integration of parks, transportation, waterways, and community culture, Van Phu – Deo Ca aims to adapt and apply these principles to the context of Hanoi.
![]() The delegation visits the Chongqing Urban Planning Exhibition Hall
|
The project aspires to create the largest public space in the capital, a multi-functional, layered landscape integrating transportation, greenery, and water features, along with iconic structures inspired by the cultural heritage of Thang Long – Red River. The boulevard is designed to accommodate various modes of transportation, including motor vehicles, trams, and inland waterway docks, along with underground parking, energy-efficient buildings, and a climate-resilient urban ecosystem.
More than just a transportation project, this “urban experience axis” will offer residents a range of activities such as riverside strolling, cycling, festivals, and nature enjoyment within the city. For the first time, the Red River will be seamlessly integrated back into the urban fabric in a modern yet emotionally rich manner.
Synergy of Competencies: A New Urban Landmark with a Vietnamese Identity
Hanoi’s choice of the Van Phu – Deo Ca consortium for this project is no coincidence. These two leading enterprises represent innovative thinking and proven capabilities in both urban development and large-scale technical infrastructure.
With over two decades of experience in real estate, Van Phu has established a prominent brand with distinctive projects such as the new urban area of Van Phu – Ha Dong, Grandeur Palace – Giang Vo, Vlasta – Sam Son, and Vlasta – Thuy Nguyen. Guided by the philosophy of “real estate for human life,” Van Phu goes beyond mere construction, focusing on human-centric research, cultural exploration, and identity infusion into their projects. This ethos is also central to the Red River Boulevard proposal.
Meanwhile, Deo Ca Group is a leading name in transportation infrastructure, known for its philosophy of “Thinking Differently – Creating Distinction”. Their landmark projects include the Deo Ca Tunnel, Hai Van Tunnel, and Cam Lam – Vinh Hao Expressway. Deo Ca not only possesses strong technical capabilities but is also a pioneer in implementing the PPP model in Vietnam, demonstrating their expertise in risk management, complex construction, and long-term operations.
The combination of design prowess, human-centric urban development, and modern infrastructure construction expertise forms a solid foundation for a project of this magnitude, one that will significantly impact Hanoi’s urban landscape and the lives of its residents. The project also showcases the proactive role of Vietnamese enterprises, contributing not just capital but also intellectual capital, innovative solutions, and a sense of social responsibility.
The “Red River Boulevard and Landscape” project goes beyond a simple transportation route; it embodies the aspiration to redefine the relationship between Hanoi and its legendary river. If approved, it will become a new iconic landmark, where the spirit of Thang Long – Red River is reborn in a modern, eco-friendly, and culturally rich urban space.
Danang: Businesses Plead for Relief as $86 Million Overpass Remains Unpaid a Decade After Construction
The elevated bridge project at the Hue – Danang intersection, with an investment of over VND 2,000 billion, has not yet been fully financially settled.
The Rising Cost of Social Housing
Social housing in Hanoi is becoming increasingly expensive, with some projects priced at up to 27 million VND per square meter. This price exceeds the affordability of many low-income earners, and with the current requirement that an individual must earn less than 15 million VND per month to qualify for social housing, many are now being priced out of the market.
Where Starbucks Meets Iced Tea and Skewers, and Banh Mi Takes on McDonald’s and Lotteria
Hoan Lake is the golden spot for luxury brands, but it also harbors a stronghold of affordable eateries. This unique coexistence paints a fascinating picture of the heart of the capital, where the finest and the humble thrive side by side.