An Giang reviews five coastal zoning plans for Phú Quốc

An Giang Province’s Vice Chairman Ngô Công Thức recently chaired a meeting of the Appraisal Council for the Planning Task and Urban-Rural Planning, reviewing five planning contents under the approval authority of the provincial People’s Committee.

Key planning contents reviewed

Sao Beach sub-regional plan (Sub-zone 5)

Covering 436.31 hectares at a 1:2,000 scale, the Sao Beach Sub-zone 5 plan is designed as a mixed-use urban tourism area with an open spatial structure, a high-end ecological resort, and marine sports. The Council said the draft is broadly consistent with the approved mission and suitable for housing–tourism–resort functions, leveraging beach advantages while aligning with the Phú Quốc master plan.

Vice Chairman Ngô Công Thức requested further refinement of land-use indicators—particularly housing land and tourism housing—to avoid deviation from the direction of sustainable tourism development. He also asked for clearer specifications on the width of the sea-front park, the number and locations of public sea access points, tighter control of density and building heights along the coast, and added requirements for green buildings and solar energy use.

East Coastal sub-regional plan (Sub-region 9)

At a 1:2,000 scale, the East Coastal Sub-region 9 covers 1,673.8 hectares and is identified as a service–tourism area, including mixed-use urban tourism, ecotourism, entertainment, coastal recreation, and a golf course. The Council noted the draft supports tourism–service functions, ecotourism, and coastal sports, while forming a coastal landscape axis and open space connected to the protective forest.

The Council said the plan needs improvements to coastal protection measures, ecological corridors, and the protective forest. It also called for clearly defining restricted-building zones and adding guidance on renewable energy use.

Bãi Ông Lang – Cửa Cạn sub-zone (Sub-zone 3)

Covering 4,431.43 hectares at a 1:2,000 scale, the Bãi Ông Lang – Cửa Cạn Sub-zone 3 is oriented as a main residential–tourism mixed-use area in the north of the Phú Quốc special zone. The plan includes a commercial center, tourism services, education, and an ecological urban area.

Provincial leaders proposed tightening targets for green land and non-building areas, setting setbacks near rivers and coasts, and limiting density and building heights in sensitive areas. They also requested requirements for environmentally friendly materials and clean energy.

West North Coastal sub-zone (Sub-zone 11)

At a 1:2,000 scale, the West North Coastal Sub-zone 11 covers 1,171.27 hectares. The plan envisions high-end tourism development, including a resort linked to a casino and a craft village.

The requirements emphasize limiting concrete exposure along the coast, strictly controlling density, height, and build-out scale along the shoreline, and expanding open space, greenery, and water surfaces. The Council also called for adding erosion-control and climate-change adaptation measures, along with solar-energy use requirements.

Bãi Trường sub-zone (Sub-zone 2)

Covering 2,326.83 hectares at a 1:2,000 scale, the Bãi Trường Sub-zone 2 is designated as the main urban–tourism mixed-use area and a central commercial district with tourism services, entertainment, and resettlement.

Provincial leaders asked for reviewing population indicators, housing land, and building heights to ensure alignment with the master plan. They also called for maintaining the coastal park belt, public spaces, and ocean views; ensuring equitable access to the coast; and adding social housing, social infrastructure, public transport, parking, and green–smart city criteria.

Next steps and implementation

In closing, Vice Chairman Ngô Công Thức urged the organizing agencies and consulting units to promptly absorb and finalize the dossiers in line with the conclusions for each group, and to submit them to competent authorities for consideration as soon as possible. He highlighted the need to prioritize green development and clean energy to support Phú Quốc’s rapid yet sustainable growth.