The city rises from both banks of the Saigon River

Returning river corridors to the community

Architect Ton That Liem, Ho Chi Minh City Architects Association, has a special interest in the landscape beautification of both banks of the Saigon River, commenting that this is not only a change in image, but also represents an important step forward in urban development thinking, putting community welfare first. "The formation of the Saigon Riverbank Park and Thu Thiem Park is a clear demonstration of the policy of "returning riverbank space to the community". The riverside corridor is a common property, cannot be divided for private purposes but must serve the people, where people can walk, exercise, sightsee, breathe fresh air and enjoy true urban life," he analyzed.

Thành phố vươn mình từ đôi bờ sông Sài Gòn- Ảnh 1. — River buses are crowded with passengers day and night, many popular TV shows promote river tourism.

Not only does it have a landscape significance, the riverside park system connecting with the roads along the riverbank also opens up a new direction for development of inner-city traffic. If there is a riverside road running from the center to Hoc Mon, Cu Chi, Tay Ninh , people will have more convenient travel options, reducing pressure on the currently overloaded national highways.

Mr. Liem also highly appreciated the role of bridges connecting the two banks, especially Ba Son Bridge and the upcoming pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River. Because bridges are not only infrastructure, but also symbols of connection: connecting people, culture, economy , education, and health care between the two banks of the river. From being separated by water, Thu Thiem has now been given new life, becoming a more dynamic, modern, and open center.

Thành phố vươn mình từ đôi bờ sông Sài Gòn- Ảnh 2. — Sunflower field from Thu Thiem creative park

According to architect Ton That Liem, after many years of planning and investment, Thu Thiem has entered a period of growth and development, with positive signals both materially and spiritually. This area is being shaped to become the new center of Ho Chi Minh City, where international events, major conferences, art performances and entertainment parks can be held for the people.

"If Thu Thiem is to truly reach the level of Shanghai, Singapore or Seoul, the city must be steadfast with the approved planning, not allowing short-term projects to distort the overall plan. It must protect open spaces, green areas, riverside parks and bridge isolation areas. A civilized city is one that knows how to keep the river's breath," Architect Liem emphasized, noting that for sustainable development, Thu Thiem's technical infrastructure and public transport systems need to be invested synchronously. From metro, underground bus station, underground sewers, to information and drainage networks. "Don't wait until high-rise buildings are built before worrying about infrastructure," he said.

Building the product "Saigon River Experience"

According to Dr. Pham Trung Luong, former Director of the Vietnam Institute of Tourism Research, the formation of parks, pedestrian bridges and riverside squares is a positive signal in building a typical tourism product "Saigon River experience". However, these elements are only the initial "scenery", not enough to create a complete tourism product.

Thành phố vươn mình từ đôi bờ sông Sài Gòn- Ảnh 3. — Another busy river bus

"To have a true "Saigon River experience", it is necessary to have the participation of many synchronous services such as transportation, cuisine, riverside accommodation, entertainment, tour guides... At the same time, the infrastructure and landscape on both banks must also be strongly upgraded. From organizing cultural spaces associated with the river, rearranging houses, service facilities, planting trees, to environmental management meeting natural tourism standards. Only when all these factors converge, can the city introduce a new iconic tourism product," Dr. Luong suggested.

Dr. Pham Trung Luong commented that the Saigon River is not only a river flowing through a modern city, but also carries within it the story of its formation history, changes and the lives of people on both banks. "The element of "river identity", including the river system, ecological landscape and cultural life of riverside residents, is a unique value that needs to be exploited to create a competitive advantage for city tourism," Dr. Luong added.

In that context, the policy of developing the "Saigon River Corridor with a strong identity" is necessary. However, this is only truly feasible when it is harmoniously integrated into the overall urban planning. "It is necessary to limit conflicts between tourism development and traffic, between spontaneous trade and green space, between infrastructure works and ecological environment. To do that, there needs to be close coordination between urban planning experts and tourism experts from the beginning," Dr. Pham Trung Luong recommended.

There is a special Ho Chi Minh City

After many years of teaching and living in Ho Chi Minh City, Dr. Andrew Stiff, senior lecturer in creative applied design at RMIT University Vietnam, still feels excited every time he walks along the Saigon River park or Thu Thiem park.

Thành phố vươn mình từ đôi bờ sông Sài Gòn- Ảnh 4. — People enjoy the breeze and admire the modern center of District 1

"As someone who used to live in London, where the Thames River has been planned as an open space for the community, I am very moved to see Ho Chi Minh City developing but bearing a very unique Vietnamese mark. New parks, squares and bridges not only beautify the landscape or increase real estate value but also help residents find balance between the fast pace of life in a dynamic city," commented Mr. Andrew Stiff.

According to him, developing public spaces along the Saigon River is a "humane step forward" because it gives people the opportunity to enjoy nature, exercise, relax and connect with the community. Because a modern city cannot be measured by high-rise buildings, but by the quality of life it brings to people. "I love sitting here in the afternoon, watching the sunset over the river, watching people strolling, children playing, that is the image of a city that cares about people," he said.

In addition, the street food, communication culture and energy of Ho Chi Minh City people are "living assets". When these values blend with the riverside space, the city becomes an unmistakable destination.

What makes Mr. Stiff feel most loved and attached is the authenticity and unique identity of Ho Chi Minh City. "Ho Chi Minh City does not need to copy any Western model because it is unique and creative enough, and the important thing is to continue to enrich the existing values. I believe that the Saigon River will not only be a river of landscape, but also a river of memory and the future, reflecting the vibrant spirit of modern Vietnam," Mr. Stiff shared.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thanh-pho-vuon-minh-tu-doi-bo-song-sai-gon-185251010183816424.htm