For nearly one week now, the approximately 500-meter embankment along the Vam Thuat River, specifically the section passing through An Nhon ward, has become a bustling hub. Many people are flocking to experience what they call "Go Vap beach."

Residents and visitors are congregating at the completed sections of the embankment and areas where sand has been laid to level the ground. Its expansive open space leads many to describe it as a "beach" in the heart of the city.

Local residents report that nearly 1,000 people visit the area daily, primarily in the afternoon and evening, to enjoy the cool breeze and relax.

Many parents bring young children to the riverbank area to play in the sand along the embankment sections.

Thu An, a resident of An Nhon ward, explained that the area was initially a road under renovation and expansion. She noted that after seeing videos shared online, her family now visits every afternoon to stroll and enjoy the fresh air. "The wide road and airy space make it ideal for relaxing after a long day," An stated.

Along the riverbank, vendors sell kites and balloons, catering to visitors' recreational needs. Kites are priced from tens of thousands to over one hundred thousand dong.

Many people comment that this location is an ideal spot for flying kites this summer in Ho Chi Minh City, alongside familiar places such as Landmark 81 park, the Thu Thiem bridge area, and The Global City.

Anh Hong and her friends discovered the location through a viral social media video, bringing food and a mat for their visit. The group shared that the spot offers a unique experience, akin to a local picnic. "We hope the area will be kept clean to ensure a pleasant experience for future visitors," Hong remarked, adding that her group plans to collect their trash and post a video on social media to promote cleanliness.

The open nature of the area provides ample opportunities for "check-in" photos. From certain vantage points, Landmark 81 is visible in the distance, adding a striking backdrop to images. Furthermore, its proximity to a flight path means planes occasionally soar overhead, creating anticipated moments for many young visitors to capture. These elements have contributed to the location's rapid spread on social media.

However, the Vam Thuat River area remains an active construction site, with many unfinished elements posing potential safety hazards. Certain spots still contain construction materials, and the unreinforced sandy ground is susceptible to subsidence or slipping, particularly at night due to limited lighting. Visitors are urged to exercise caution, avoid restricted areas or active construction zones, and closely supervise young children, preventing them from running freely on unstable ground or near the embankment's edge to mitigate risks.

The embankment section is part of the Tham Luong canal renovation project, an initiative with an investment exceeding 9,000 ty VND. The project has reached nearly 70% completion. It encompasses various components, including the construction of concrete embankments and roads spanning tens of kilometers along both sides of the canal. Beyond dredging the entire waterway, the project also involves building new and repairing existing culverts that connect to the canal, aiming to enhance drainage capabilities and urban aesthetics.

Tuan Anh

Photos: Nguyen Khanh Vu Khoa