21/04/2025
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), holding its position as the leading economic and financial center of Vietnam, is currently undergoing a significant transformation characterized by modern infrastructure projects and synchronized urban planning policies implemented by the government. A prominent and highly potential urban area spearheading this development is the Thu Thiem Financial Center. Boasting a prime location, robustly developing infrastructure, and a strategic vision, the Thu Thiem Urban Area is under substantial investment to become a new financial hub not only in the HCMC region but also across Southeast Asia. In the article below, Achieve Realty VN will provide the most detailed information regarding the Thu Thiem Financial Center.
Location of Thu Thiem financial center
Thu Thiem is a peninsula strategically situated in the eastern part of HCMC, directly across from the District 1 central business district, along the Saigon Riverfront. This location offers exceptional advantages, enabling Thu Thiem to establish direct connectivity with key areas of HCMC, thereby fostering the development of this urban area into a modern economic and financial center in the near future.
Spanning an impressive 657 hectares, Thu Thiem is immediately adjacent to major districts such as District 1, District 2, and other crucial zones within HCMC, forging a strategic alliance with the city's bustling centers. Furthermore, Thu Thiem benefits from its connection to the southeastern provinces via the Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway and provides convenient access to the northern and southern parts of HCMC through vital arterial roads.
A pivotal factor propelling Thu Thiem into its role as the new economic center of HCMC is its modern and synchronized transportation system. The Thu Thiem Urban Area is being seamlessly integrated with the central districts of HCMC through key transportation infrastructure projects, including bridges directly linking Thu Thiem to District 1, District 4, District 7, and the highly anticipated Metro Line No. 1.
- Thu Thiem Bridges: The Thu Thiem 1 Bridge, Thu Thiem 2 Bridge, Thu Thiem 3 Bridge, and Thu Thiem 4 Bridge play a crucial role in establishing robust connectivity between Thu Thiem and the central districts. These bridges significantly reduce travel time from the Thu Thiem Urban Area to other parts of the city while alleviating traffic congestion, enhancing accessibility for both residents and businesses.
- Metro Line No. 1: Thu Thiem is also integrated into HCMC's modern metro system, notably Metro Line No. 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien), with the strategically located Ba Son Station situated within the Thu Thiem precinct. This metro line not only helps decongest surface roads but also substantially shortens travel time between Thu Thiem and the HCMC city center, thereby accelerating the development of this urban area.
- Expressways: Thu Thiem's proximity to critical expressways, such as the Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway, which connects HCMC with the southeastern provinces, significantly enhances mobility and connectivity not only within the city but also with neighboring regions.
Detailed planning of Thu Thiem sub-zones
Thu Thiem is meticulously divided into 8 primary sub-zones, each designated with specific functions to cater to the diverse needs of economic, financial, commercial, cultural, and service development.
- Sub-Zone 1 - Financial and Commercial Center:
Strategically positioned in the northern part of the Central Core Zone, Functional Zone No. 1 is envisioned as a multi-functional commercial and service hub, featuring high-rise towers elegantly arranged along the Arc Avenue and Central Square. The height of these edifices will gradually diminish towards the Saigon River and Central Lake to preserve aesthetic appeal and optimize scenic views. Key developments planned here include the Convention and Exhibition Center with a pedestrian bridge across Canal No. 1 connecting to the Museum, the Symphony Theater, and the Planning Information Center. This area is poised to become HCMC's premier destination for shopping and leisure. This sub-zone is meticulously planned to serve as the primary financial and commercial nucleus of Thu Thiem, encompassing Grade A office buildings, international financial centers, banking institutions, and comprehensive support services for business and commercial activities. Its strategic location near major transportation arteries such as Thu Thiem 1 Bridge and Metro Line No. 1 ensures direct connectivity with the central districts of HCMC. The overarching objective of Sub-Zone 1 is to cultivate a dynamic and modern working environment, attracting both domestic and international enterprises, particularly financial institutions, multinational corporations, and international investment ventures. Office buildings will be constructed to high standards, meeting the stringent requirements of discerning investors, and will be complemented by supporting commercial and service centers.
- Sub-Zone 2 - High-End Residential Area:
Nestled in the southern part of the Central Core Zone, Functional Zone No. 2 distinguishes itself from Sub-Zone 1 by its designation as a high-end residential area. This sector will feature sophisticated high-rise apartments, luxurious villas, and contemporary housing complexes. Real estate projects within this sub-zone are designed to offer an ideal living environment for residents, complete with comprehensive amenities such as parks, schools, hospitals, sports centers, and recreational facilities. Furthermore, this area is subdivided into three distinct smaller zones:
+ Zone 2a: Situated north of East-West Avenue, this zone has been allocated to Lotte Group and three Japanese investors, representing a total investment exceeding USD 2 billion.
+ Zone 2b: The iconic 86-story Observation Tower Complex is entrusted to a joint venture comprising Keppel Land, Tien Phuoc, and Gaw Capital Partners, with a committed investment capital of USD 1.2 billion.
+ Zone 2c: Located in the central core of Thu Thiem, this Sports and Entertainment Complex has been assigned to VinGroup, with an investment of VND 8,000 billion.
Key landmarks within Functional Zone No. 2 include the envisioned 88-story Tower, a state-of-the-art Stadium, a modern Gymnasium, an International School, the scenic Canal No. 4, and the picturesque Saigon River Park. The comprehensive development of Functional Zone No. 2 is expected to generate significant momentum and attract substantial investment into other functional zones within the Thu Thiem New Urban Area. Benefiting from a synchronized and convenient transportation system, facilitated by the network of bridges and the metro line, this sub-zone is poised to become an ideal residential haven for high-net-worth individuals, international professionals, and families seeking a green and contemporary living environment. Mirroring high-end residential enclaves in other developed metropolises, this sub-zone will incorporate amenities such as swimming pools, outdoor sports facilities, and verdant parks, enabling residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in close proximity to nature.
- Sub-Zone 3 - Cultural and Entertainment Area:
Functional Zone No. 3 is strategically positioned as a multi-functional commercial area extending along the Arc Avenue - North-South Road axis, bordered by the Saigon River, Canal No. 01, and the Central Lake. This sub-zone will prioritize the development of cultural, artistic, entertainment, and community service facilities. It will serve as a vibrant hub for cultural events, festivals, artistic performances, and diverse recreational activities. Key developments within this sub-zone will include theaters, cinemas, sports centers, and public spaces designed to accommodate community gatherings. The building density in this sub-zone will be intentionally lower along the Saigon Riverfront and the Central Lake.
Notable landmarks planned here include a school and a museum located opposite the Convention and Exhibition Center, connected by a pedestrian bridge across Canal No. 1. This area will cultivate a living environment replete with amenities, spanning entertainment, education, and cultural exchange, while also establishing itself as an appealing destination for tourists. In the foreseeable future, significant projects will be further implemented in this zone, further appreciating real estate values in this area.
- Sub-Zone 4: Sub-Zone No. 4 is designated as a multi-functional residential area situated in the northern part of Thu Thiem. High-density multi-functional commercial developments will be concentrated along the Arc Avenue. Mixed residential developments and public facilities will gradually decrease in density towards the Saigon River and the Rach Ca Tre Lon (Big Catfish Creek). Key landmarks envisioned here include a School, Local Administrative Offices, a Community Center, a Fire Station, and a Fuel Supply Station. Additionally, this area will feature smaller commercial centers, restaurants, cafes, and co-working spaces, fostering a startup and innovation community within this urban area.
- Sub-Zone 5:
Functional Zone No. 5 encompasses a Public Works Area located north of East-West Avenue and a low-density residential area south of East-West Avenue, along with various facilities strategically positioned along East-West Avenue and the North-South Road. Similar to Sub-Zone 4, Functional Zone No. 5 places a greater emphasis on community functions. Key landmarks planned here include a Community Center, a Children's Palace, the City Administrative Office Building, a School, a Fuel Supply Station, and Local Administrative Offices. These facilities will be strategically located along East-West Avenue and the North-South Road.
- Sub-Zone 6: Functional Zone No. 6 extends along East-West Avenue and is nestled amidst the natural canal system of the Thu Thiem peninsula. This sub-zone will serve as a focal point for economic activities and information technology research. The entire area will be served by public transportation routes to ensure seamless connectivity throughout the zone. The southern part will feature a Mixed-Use Commercial Area, with quieter, lower-density residential areas situated behind it. Notably, an international hospital will also be located here, with dedicated bus and internal shuttle routes, as well as a metro line leading directly to a station within the hospital and park grounds.
- Sub-Zone 7:
Functional Zone No. 7 is located at the easternmost point of Thu Thiem, comprising an eastern mixed-use residential area, a development area with medium to high-rise buildings, a resort hotel area, and a Marina Complex proposed at the intersection of the Rach Ca Tre Lon (Big Catfish Creek) and the Saigon River. Furthermore, the envisioned Marina area will be surrounded by a complex of commercial centers, restaurants, and other amenities.
- Sub-Zone 8:
This sub-zone represents the ecological development area in the southern part of Thu Thiem, meticulously designed to ensure green spaces throughout the entire Thu Thiem New Urban Area. Functional Zone No. 8 primarily consists of mangrove forests, with dredged waterways and ecological development projects creating green spaces for the entire urban area. In HCMC, the development of this biodiversity conservation area is a crucial component for the city, making a significant contribution to the urban environment's ecosystem. This sub-zone will focus on the development of three key projects: a Water Park, a floating Southern Delta Eco-Resort Hotel (built on stilts), and a Botanical Research Center. These projects have been carefully considered to preserve this important area in accordance with its designated role within Thu Thiem.
Development potential of Thu Thiem economic center
The Thu Thiem Financial Center is meticulously planned and developed to become one of the leading financial centers of HCMC. This project is integral to the city's sustainable urban development strategy, encompassing an area of 657 hectares. The overall master plan for Thu Thiem includes not only high-end residential areas but also dedicated zones for commercial centers, office complexes, financial service districts, and public facilities.
Thu Thiem is divided into eight functional zones, including financial districts, high-grade office areas, shopping precincts, and entertainment zones. Developments such as The Metropole Thu Thiem and Empire City will be luxurious mixed-use complexes, combining high-end apartments, office spaces for lease, commercial centers, restaurants, and modern entertainment facilities. All these elements will contribute to an ideal living and working environment, particularly for international professionals and major corporations.
- The Metropole Thu Thiem Project: The The Metropole Thu Thiem Project spans approximately 7.6 hectares across four sub-zones (1.13, 1.14, 1.16, and 1.17) of the Thu Thiem peninsula, with a planned scale of eight towers ranging from 12 to 24 stories. Notably, sub-zones 1.13 and 1.14 will comprise a commercial complex, while sub-zones 1.16 and 1.17 will be multi-functional residential complexes with a limited total of approximately 1,300 apartments across four development phases (including Galleria Residence, Crest Residence, Opera Residence, and OpusK Residence).
- Empire City Complex Project: Situated in Functional Zone No. 2 (Zone 2B) within the Thu Thiem New Urban Area, District 2, HCMC, the project extends along Mai Chi Tho Avenue and the Saigon Riverfront, connecting with District 7, District 1, District 9, and Binh Thanh District. Empire City is a strategically located mixed-use complex within the Thu Thiem New Urban Area, boasting a prime Saigon River frontage. The project encompasses an 88-story tower, a 5-star hotel, commercial areas, office spaces, high-end apartments, and commercial townhouses. With a total area of up to 145,000 square meters and comprising 3,000 high-end apartments, the Empire City Project is envisioned as a city within a city, offering residents an optimal living, working, and entertainment environment.
Thu Thiem is rapidly emerging as an attractive destination for both domestic and international investors, driven by its synchronized planning and modern infrastructure. The creation of a dynamic and sustainable living and working environment, coupled with high-end real estate projects and large-scale infrastructure developments, will attract international businesses and financial institutions. Thu Thiem will be an ideal location for multinational corporations, financial organizations, as well as technology and startup companies. Thu Thiem is also a perfect choice for international investment funds and real estate conglomerates, as the area offers strong and long-term growth potential. International investors are showing significant interest in Thu Thiem due to factors such as the robust development of transportation infrastructure, its strategic location near the HCMC city center, and its ability to attract high-quality human resources from both domestic and international regions.
Beyond real estate development, the Thu Thiem Financial Center is also focusing on the growth of financial services, banking, and high-end service companies. The area is expected to become the financial hub of HCMC in the future, attracting international financial firms, investment funds, and major banks. The strong development of financial infrastructure and high-quality real estate projects helps Thu Thiem establish an ideal business environment and enhance the value of the area.
Importance of Thu Thiem financial center
The Thu Thiem Financial Center plays a crucial role in enhancing the real estate value of HCMC and boosting the city's economy. As Thu Thiem evolves into a financial hub, it will not only increase HCMC's urban value but also create a modern living and working environment, attracting international experts and major corporations to operate here.
Developments such as Hallmark, The Metropole Thu Thiem, and Empire City will provide high-quality working spaces for financial institutions, banks, and multinational corporations. These projects are all located near key transportation arteries, enabling residents and businesses to easily commute and connect with other areas within HCMC and other provinces. Furthermore, these projects contribute to creating an ideal living environment, reducing traffic congestion and pollution through the development of public transportation systems and green infrastructure. This will improve the quality of life for residents and attract more investors and businesses to Thu Thiem.
Conclusion:
Government policies and planning are critical factors facilitating Thu Thiem's emergence as a dynamic financial center. HCMC has implemented clear policies and strongly supports projects in Thu Thiem, particularly in attracting foreign investors and developing strategic infrastructure. Projects such as Metro Line No. 1, Thu Thiem Bridges, and expressways will create strong connectivity between Thu Thiem and other parts of the city, helping to alleviate traffic congestion and fostering economic development. Additionally, real estate projects in Thu Thiem, and other high-end complexes will contribute to increasing real estate values in this area. Thanks to its strategic location and synchronized infrastructure system, these projects not only create high-class living spaces but also attract domestic and foreign investors.
In summary, with well-planned development strategies and a synchronized transportation infrastructure network, Thu Thiem is poised to become a vital financial and economic center of HCMC in the future. It is anticipated that this area will experience strong growth over the next 5-10 years, becoming one of the most attractive destinations for real estate investors and international businesses. Contact the Achieve Realty VN Team now for the best investment opportunities in the Thu Thiem Area!
