Ninh Binh Aims for Central-Directly Governed City Status by 2030

Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister has directed Ninh Binh province to develop a plan to become a centrally-governed city by 2030, characterized as a 'millennial heritage urban area'. According to the conclusion notification from the Government Office dated July 21, the Deputy Prime Minister requested Ninh Binh to focus resources on developing strategic infrastructure and key transport routes connecting the central urban area with major tourist attractions and localities within the region. The province needs to prioritize investment in high-speed railways and deep-water ports linked with coastal cities and tourist ports. Greater connectivity is also required for major heritage spaces such as Trang An, Bai Dinh, Tam Chuc, Hoa Lu, Phu Day, Tran Temple, Phat Diem, and Xuan Thien. The Deputy Prime Minister urged the development of tourism in conjunction with environmental protection, and the diversification of products for different customer groups to extend stay duration and increase spending. Ninh Binh is located in the Red River Delta, within the Capital Region planning area, approximately 90 km from the center of Hanoi. The province has an area of 3,943 sq km and a population of over 4.4 million people. The article mentions it was formed from the merger of Ninh Binh, Ha Nam, and Nam Dinh provinces in mid-2025, a detail presented as stated in the source. Currently, Vietnam has seven centrally-governed cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Hue, Da Nang, Can Tho, and Dong Nai. Bac Ninh and Quang Ninh provinces have received approval from the Politburo for their plans to become centrally-governed cities.