The study was published in 2026 in the International Journal of Applied and Advanced Multidisciplinary Research. It examines how rapid urbanization and economic growth are affecting heritage preservation in one of Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic metropolitan areas.
Urban Growth and Cultural Heritage Pressure
Ho Chi Minh City has experienced intense urban expansion over the past decades. As Vietnam’s largest economic center, the city faces increasing pressure from infrastructure development, real estate expansion, and rising land values. These changes often place historic buildings and heritage sites at risk.
Tangible cultural heritage includes physical cultural assets such as historic monuments, traditional architecture, archaeological artifacts, and national treasures. These elements represent collective memory, historical identity, and the cultural evolution of communities.
In Ho Chi Minh City, heritage reflects more than three centuries of urban formation. Cultural layers formed through migration, trade, colonial influence, and local traditions have created a distinctive urban cultural landscape.
Famous landmarks such as Nha Rong Wharf, Independence Palace, and Cu Chi Tunnels represent important historical moments in Vietnam’s struggle for independence and national development. These sites function not only as tourist destinations but also as cultural symbols that strengthen national identity.
Other cultural landmarks—including Saigon Central Post Office and Ben Thanh Market—demonstrate the architectural fusion of Western colonial design and Vietnamese cultural elements.
Research Approach
Tran Thi Chau examined heritage preservation through policy analysis, historical review, and evaluation of urban cultural management practices in Ho Chi Minh City. The research analyzed government reports, heritage management data, and institutional programs implemented by local cultural authorities.
The study also reviewed policy frameworks related to cultural heritage protection and sustainable urban development. By combining document analysis and comparative evaluation, the research identifies both achievements and structural challenges in managing heritage resources within a rapidly growing city.
Key Findings
The research highlights several important developments in the preservation and promotion of tangible cultural heritage in Ho Chi Minh City.
Expansion of recognized heritage sites
- As of June 2025, Ho Chi Minh City recorded 200 officially ranked cultural relics.
- These include 2 special national relics, 58 national relics, and 140 city-level relics.
- After administrative expansion, the total number of managed heritage sites increased to 321 relics.
This large heritage inventory reflects the historical richness of the city but also increases the complexity of heritage management.
Investment in restoration and preservation
The city has implemented multiple restoration projects with total funding estimated at approximately 500 billion Vietnamese dong. Restoration programs aim to preserve original architectural features while enabling heritage sites to support education and tourism.
However, some heritage sites remain vulnerable. Religious structures, privately owned historic buildings, and community-managed monuments often face deterioration due to limited resources.
Growth of museums and public engagement
Ho Chi Minh City currently operates 23 museums, including 11 public museums and 12 non-public museums. These institutions preserve 23 national treasures and play a key role in communicating historical knowledge to the public.
Digital technology is increasingly used to modernize museum exhibitions. Several museums now provide:
- 3D virtual exhibitions
- Audio guides
- Interactive digital displays
- Robotic tour guides
These innovations are expanding access to cultural heritage and attracting younger audiences.
In 2025, museum visits in Ho Chi Minh City exceeded 4.46 million visitors, representing a 40 percent increase compared to 2024.
Heritage education programs
Museums and schools collaborate through educational initiatives such as “History Lessons at Museums” and “Local History Classes.” These programs allow students to learn history through direct interaction with cultural artifacts and historical sites.
Despite these initiatives, the research notes that heritage education programs are still fragmented and lack a consistent citywide institutional framework.
Urban Heritage Under Development Pressure
One of the most significant findings of the study is the presence of 231 culturally valuable buildings that have not yet received official heritage status. Many of these structures are located in central urban areas where land values are extremely high.
Without legal protection, these buildings face a high risk of demolition, renovation, or commercial redevelopment. This situation creates a structural challenge for urban heritage management.
Implications for Sustainable Urban Development
The research emphasizes that cultural heritage should not be treated solely as historical remnants but as an active component of urban development strategies.
Tran Thi Chau explains that heritage preservation must be integrated into urban planning and governance frameworks. According to the researcher from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, heritage conservation works most effectively when it is connected to tourism, education, digital innovation, and community participation.
Heritage sites can generate cultural tourism revenue, strengthen community identity, and support creative industries. At the same time, responsible management is necessary to prevent excessive commercialization that could damage historical authenticity.
The study recommends several policy strategies:
- Integrating heritage conservation into city planning and infrastructure development
- Creating stronger coordination between cultural institutions, tourism agencies, and education systems
- Developing thematic heritage tourism routes across the city
- Strengthening heritage education programs in schools
- Expanding digital heritage databases and museum technologies
Together, these strategies can help Ho Chi Minh City balance modernization with cultural preservation.
Author Profile
Tran Thi Chau is a researcher at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City. Her academic work focuses on cultural heritage management, urban cultural policy, and sustainable urban development. Chau’s research explores how cultural heritage can be preserved while supporting economic growth and modern city planning.
Source
- Article Title: Preserving and Promoting Tangible Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Urban Development in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Journal: International Journal of Applied and Advanced Multidisciplinary Research
- Year: 2026
- Volume: 4, Issue 2, Pages 125–136
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijaamr.v4i2.180
- Journal Website: https://nvlmultitechpublisher.my.id/index.php/ijaamr/index
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