On April 2, Hue City People's Committee announced that KOICA is providing 330 billion VND in funding for the complex cultural zone project, with the remaining capital coming from local counterpart funds.
The project includes the construction of a creative space spanning over 700 square meters of floor area, an exhibition space exceeding 2,000 square meters, and an information counter covering more than 41 square meters. Existing structures from the old Da Vien water plant will be preserved or renovated: circular water tanks will retain their original state, while circular settling tanks and sedimentation tanks will undergo improvements for water supply and drainage. The water tower, measuring over 113 square meters, will also be restored to its original condition.
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Da Vien islet, located on the Perfume River, will feature a complex cultural zone. Photo: Vo Thanh.
The construction team will level the ground, creating a site approximately 12,540 square meters in area. New systems for electricity, water supply, drainage, and fire prevention and fighting will be installed to ensure safe evacuation in case of emergencies.
A pedestrian bridge will be built across the Perfume River, connecting a paved road intersection on Da Vien islet to an internal road intersection within Bui Thi Xuan park. The bridge will feature a steel truss structure, stretching over 106 meters. It will include a pedestrian branch 3,1 meters wide and a scenic viewing branch 4,1 meters wide. Construction for these components is expected to commence in Quarter II/2026.
Hue City authorities and KOICA anticipate that the completed Da Vien islet complex cultural zone will become a captivating destination for both tourists and local residents. This space will also connect with existing and developing pedestrian paths along the Perfume River.
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The former water plant area on Da Vien islet, situated in the middle of the Perfume River, will be renovated into a cultural complex. Photo: Vo Thanh.
Da Vien islet spans approximately 10,5 hectares. It is a small alluvial islet located in the middle reaches of the Perfume River, southwest of the Hue Citadel. Previously, Da Vien islet was planned to include residential spaces, with about 120 garden houses integrated into an ecological garden area.
According to the detailed master plan for both banks of the Perfume River, updated in 2021, Da Vien islet will transform into a multi-functional cultural zone without accommodation services. Its structures will feature traditional designs, preserving historical values and harmonizing with the landscape. In 2023, Hue City authorities spent over 13 billion VND to enhance Da Vien islet, making it a popular destination for locals.
Vo Thanh

