Vietnam’s cities are expanding at breakneck speed. In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, rapid urbanisation has brought new opportunities but also deep challenges: worsening congestion, flooding, and sprawling neighbourhoods with limited access to public transport. Without more integrated planning, millions of residents’ risk being locked into unsustainable and unequal urban growth. 

One promising solution is transit-oriented development (TOD) – a model that aligns public transport, land use and investment around dense, walkable and accessible urban hubs. Done right, TOD can reduce emissions, strengthen resilience to climate risks, and make cities more liveable for everyone. 

Building Momentum Around TOD 

With support from the UK Government’s Green Cities, Infrastructure and Energy Programme (GCIEP), local authorities in Vietnam have begun charting a new path. GCIEP has worked closely with the Hanoi Metropolitan Railway Management Board (MRB) and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction to draft Vietnam’s first TOD-specific resolutions. 

A major milestone came in July 2025, when more than 100 stakeholders – from ministries, city governments, private developers, research institutes and development partners – gathered for a public consultation in Hanoi. The event was not just about reviewing draft resolutions; it was about forging consensus. Voices from across sectors helped refine proposals, making them stronger and more grounded in the realities of Vietnam’s cities. 

Early Results 

The momentum is already visible. In February 2025, the National Assembly passed Resolution 188/QH15, creating special mechanisms for Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to advance urban rail transit and TOD – with unanimous support. Building on this, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council formally adopted its own TOD resolution in August 2025, establishing a legal basis for planning around metro stations. 

Hanoi is still finalising its version, but the consultations have laid crucial groundwork – validating the approach, clarifying financing mechanisms, and giving local leaders the confidence to move forward. This progress shows how multi-stakeholder dialogue can unlock practical reforms in a complex policy area. 

GCIP Vietnam and Hanoi Metropolitan Railway Management Board hosted a TOD workshop at Meliá Hanoi, gathering 170+ participants, including UK Ambassador Iain Frew and Hanoi’s Vice Chairman, and marked by the signing of a key MoU.

Why It Matters 

For Vietnam’s urban residents, these changes are not abstract. Better planning around metro systems means shorter commutes, safer streets, reduced flooding risks and more inclusive access to services. For government and investors, TOD offers a clear framework for managing growth and financing infrastructure sustainably. 

More broadly, Vietnam’s work on TOD demonstrates the power of inclusive governance. By bringing diverse voices to the table early, policymakers are building urban systems that respond to real needs, not just blueprints. As other fast-growing cities in the region grapple with similar pressures, Vietnam’s experience shows that with the right partnerships and political will, smarter, more climate-resilient growth is within reach.