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| Thuan An estuary overpass. Photo: Tuan Kiet |
Solid foundation
In the post-liberation years, Hue was heavily scarred by the aftermath of war. “Its infrastructure had deteriorated, transport was limited, and the population was sparse. Main roads such as Le Loi, Hung Vuong and Tran Hung Dao remained narrow. The southern bank of the Huong River saw slow development, while the north largely comprised low-density, older residential areas. At that time, the city had a quiet, subdued character—recovering from war while gradually charting a new course for development,” said Nguyen Trung Chinh, former Standing Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee (now the Hue City Party Committee).
In the wake of liberation, amid countless challenges, the city’s Party Committee and authorities led the people in addressing the aftermath of war, restoring production, and stabilizing livelihoods. Urbanization was pursued cautiously, focusing on rebuilding essential infrastructure while upgrading the urban fabric and enhancing living standards.
Early projects such as new bridges spanning the Huong and An Cuu rivers, along with expanded residential areas in An Cuu and Vy Da wards, laid the groundwork for the long-term development of Hue’s urban landscape.
“It was a pivotal period of ‘healing’ that set the stage for the city’s growth in the decades to come. From a poor, war-affected locality, with the collective efforts of the political system and the people, Hue gradually recovered, advanced socio-economic development, and created a solid foundation for urbanization,” said Nguyen Trung Chinh.
After a long journey of sustained effort, a historic turning point came on January 1, 2025, when Thua Thien Hue officially became the country’s sixth centrally governed city. This milestone not only marked a significant achievement but also opened a new phase of development, positioning Hue for stronger growth. The choice to pursue an urban development path grounded in culture and heritage has generated momentum for sustainable growth, helping Hue preserve its distinctive identity.
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| Modern urban areas with an increasingly synchronized infrastructure system |
Urban expansion with increasingly modern infrastructure
In recent years, Hue’s urban space has continued to expand, with resources mobilized to develop a more coordinated infrastructure system, especially in transport. A series of strategic projects have been initiated, and many completed ones now in operation have helped create a renewed urban landscape for Hue.
Over a morning cup of hot tea, Ho Minh Dung, former Chairman of the Veterans Association of the former Phu Vang District, shared his pride: “From the Binh Thanh suspension bridge and the bridge to Hen islet, to the Thuan An estuary overpass, Nguyen Hoang Bridge and many others being prepared for investment and construction, these projects have helped make Hue’s urban landscape increasingly modern while opening up new space for development.”
Currently, numerous key projects are underway, extending the city’s development from the lowlands to the uplands and from the coast to the lagoon areas. Notably, the Cam Lo – La Son and La Son – Hoa Lien sections of the North–South Expressway are being expanded from two to four lanes. The coastal road project and the Thuan An estuary overpass are being readied for technical opening. Nguyen Hoang Bridge has already been put into use, while progress is being accelerated on Nguyen Hoang Road and the Ring Road 3 project to boost interregional connectivity and create momentum for development in the city’s southwestern area. Meanwhile, modern high-rise social housing projects under development across the city reflect an increasingly youthful and dynamic Hue.
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| The pedestrian walkway system has been expanded |
Transport infrastructure in the Tam Giang – Cau Hai lagoon region has made remarkable strides. Previously divided, with residents traveling mainly by boat, the area is now connected by a network of sturdy bridges, opening up new opportunities for socio-economic development in the lagoon and coastal zones.
Under the upcoming roadmap, three bridges spanning the Tam Giang lagoon—connecting Phu Vang–Phu Vinh, Phu Vang–Vinh Loc, and Quang Dien–Phong Quang—will be developed, with total investment reaching several trillion VND. During the 2026–2030 period, the city will continue investing in bridges in coastal and lagoon areas, contributing to a more complete transport network, opening up new development space, and promoting the marine economy and tourism.
Affirming this development journey, Hoang Hai Minh, member of the Standing Committee of the Hue Party Committee and Standing Vice Chairman of the Hue People’s Committee, noted: “Over 50 years after liberation, Hue has transformed from a small city heavily impacted by war into a centrally governed city with an increasingly modern and well-developed urban landscape. In its urban development journey ahead, Hue remains steadfast in preserving its cultural identity and natural scenery, ensuring strong growth while upholding its status as a distinctive heritage city of Vietnam.”