Many experts believe that the development of infrastructure in recent years has helped Nha Trang transform from a tourist destination into a city connecting the economy and a new generation of residents. The Ho Chi Minh City - Nha Trang expressway, completed in 4/2024, has shortened travel time between the two localities to about 4 hours, introducing the concept of a "4-hour bay city".

The expressway has made it easier for many people working in Ho Chi Minh City to choose to live in Nha Trang, both connected to work and enjoying the quality of life. Nguyen Hai Nam, a new resident of North Nha Trang, said he chose to work remotely, only going to Ho Chi Minh City when he needs to meet partners, while his wife is a freelancer who both takes care of the house and actively works.

"Going from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City for a meeting in the morning and returning home for dinner in the afternoon is now a common occurrence with the expressway right at the gateway to the bay city," Nam said.

Nha Trang coastal city. Photo: Khoa Tran

Nha Trang coastal city. Photo: Khoa Tran

In addition to the Ho Chi Minh City - Nha Trang expressway, the Khanh Hoa - Buon Ma Thuot route, expected to operate from 2027, will connect the South Central Coast with the Central Highlands, increasing trade space and consolidating the role of transshipment of goods and services for the region. Besides, Nha Trang's transport network is also enhanced by coastal routes, National Highway 26, National Highway 27C - the connecting route through Lam Dong and the expanded area after the merger of Khanh Hoa province.

In the 2025-2027 period, more than 20,000 billion dong will be invested in transport infrastructure in the area, contributing to improving connectivity and attracting residents to find places to live associated with convenient travel conditions.

A survey conducted by VnExpress in July, with more than 47,000 participants, showed that 85% chose Nha Trang as a livable coastal city. This result reflects the shifting trend in Vietnamese people's perception of settling down. If in the past, most people chose to start their careers in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi... because of job opportunities, now Nha Trang has emerged with a new formula: career alongside quality of life.

Along with infrastructure, Nha Trang is promoting urban development through synchronous planning. The merger of Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan into the new Khanh Hoa province has long-term strategic significance, creating an expanded development space, and promoting the adjustment of the master plan to 2040, with a vision to 2050. Nha Trang alone, by the end of June this year, had completed the coverage of subdivision planning, focusing on developing new urban areas, industrial parks, and high-tech parks.

At the same time, the locality is also developing medical and educational centers, especially supplementing the land fund for parks, green trees, and modern technical infrastructure, improving the quality of urban life.

Many residents choose Nha Trang as a place to settle down. Photo: Khoa Tran

Many residents choose Nha Trang as a place to settle down. Photo: Khoa Tran

The population of Nha Trang bay city is about 535,000 people and is forecast to exceed 640,000 in the next 5 years. Some experts assess that this number reflects the rate of urbanization, showing the "migration" wave of young people, experts, young families, retirees... looking for a new place to live with high quality, reasonable costs, and diverse job opportunities.

Besides a clean living environment, Nha Trang also affirms its role as a center of marine economy - services - high technology with a GRDP growth rate estimated at 7.01% in 2025. Total social investment capital reached 37,424 billion dong, an increase of 15.5% over the same period, demonstrating the interest of investors and the business community.

The locality currently has a diverse system of amenities, from hospitals, commercial centers, entertainment areas to new industries such as information technology, creativity, and education. It is expected that in August, the construction of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics branch and projects in the North Nha Trang urban area will begin, meeting the needs of training, retirement, and attracting human resources.

Tran Phuong Linh, 35, Creative Director of a technology company, said she chose Nha Trang because she can maintain her professional work and enjoy life in a fresh and quiet environment.

Hoang Dan