New planning opens up coastal tourism potential in Hoa Thang
Following its administrative expansion, Hoa Thang Commune has unveiled new plans to develop a high-quality coastal tourism hub, leveraging its coastline, Bau Trang, renewable energy and high-tech agriculture to become a new growth pole in eastern Lam Dong.
Unlocking the area's full potential
Hoa Thang is best known for the Bau Trang National Scenic Site, with its vast sand dunes constantly reshaped by the wind. Beyond its distinctive landscape, the commune boasts a long coastline, two natural freshwater lakes and significant renewable energy potential, providing a strong foundation for coastal tourism development.
Alongside green industry and high-tech agriculture, Hoa Thang aims to develop into a modern coastal tourism hub. This vision is outlined in the recently announced general and zoning plans for Hoa Thang, covering more than 32,000 hectares, or the commune's entire natural area.
Under the plans, Hoa Thang will be developed as a multifunctional urban area integrating tourism, services, agriculture, renewable energy and ecological conservation.
By 2050, development is expected to balance residential areas, coastal tourism, agricultural and fisheries production, renewable energy and ecosystem conservation. Hoa Thang will also serve as a new administrative centre following the restructuring of administrative units, with its population projected to reach around 159,000.
The planning scheme builds on previous development orientations while incorporating Lam Dong Province's new development priorities following administrative restructuring. It will provide a framework for Hoa Thang to manage its development space, make effective use of its potential and advantages, and improve residents' quality of life.
Nguyen Cong Ly, Chairman of the Hoa Thang Commune People's Committee, said the locality would strictly manage planning implementation, ensure public access to planning information, streamline administrative procedures and create a favourable investment environment. Local authorities will also work closely with businesses to ensure projects are implemented in line with the area's development strategy.
Developing a coastal tourism hub
Hoa Thang Commune is positioned to play a key role in connecting and expanding coastal tourism along the Tien Thanh - Phan Thiet - Mui Ne - Hoa Thang - Phan Ri Cua corridor, while preserving and promoting Bau Trang and the area's distinctive sand dune landscapes.
Under the approved Mui Ne National Tourism Area Master Plan, a 7,130-hectare section of Hoa Thang falls within Subdivision 2, which is designated for high-quality coastal tourism development linked to the conservation and promotion of Bau Trang National Scenic Site and its distinctive dune system. This is expected to give Hoa Thang a significant advantage as Mui Ne receives further investment to become a leading destination in the Asia-Pacific region and globally.
Under the plan, commercial and service areas will be developed along major transport routes, including DT715, DT716 and DT716B, the coastal road and key routes connecting to Phan Thiet Airport.
The commune also plans to develop seaside squares, marinas, accommodation facilities, community-based tourism areas, theme parks, shopping centres, pedestrian streets and night markets, helping diversify its tourism offerings.
As competition for investment intensifies, existing advantages alone will not determine the area's development. Effective governance and support from local communities will also be crucial.
Nguyen Duc Hai Tung, Secretary of the Hoa Thang Commune Party Committee, said implementing the approved plans would be a key priority in the coming period. He also called on businesses and investors from within and outside the province to explore opportunities, cooperate with local authorities and invest in Hoa Thang.
Local authorities have pledged to support businesses and create favourable conditions in accordance with the law, giving investors greater confidence to pursue long-term projects. The goal is to develop Hoa Thang into a dynamic, green and modern area with a distinctive local identity, contributing to Lam Dong Province's rapid and sustainable growth.
The newly announced plans are expected to provide a legal framework for attracting investment in tourism, infrastructure and services, while enabling more effective use of Hoa Thang's land, landscapes and coastal advantages.
Once regarded as an area with limited development prospects, Hoa Thang is now laying the foundations for transformation, aiming to become not only an attractive tourism destination but also a promising investment destination for domestic and international investors.
To ensure the plans are implemented promptly, the Hoa Thang Commune People's Committee should promptly publish planning information in accordance with regulations, improve communication so residents and businesses can easily access it, strengthen land and construction management, and firmly prevent illegal construction and land speculation.
Nguyen Hong Hai, Vice Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee, speaking at the planning announcement ceremony.