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12 Notable Urban Areas in Ha Noi: Locations, Amenities and Development Status

As Ha Noi continues to expand beyond its historic core, the city is evolving towards a multi-centre urban model supported by a network of established townships, emerging growth corridors and the five satellite towns of Ha Noi. This approach is shaping a new generation of urban areas in Ha Noi, reducing pressure on central districts while creating new residential, commercial and mixed-use destinations across the capital.

The growth of established and new urban areas has significantly broadened the city's housing options, ranging from large-scale integrated townships to high-end residential communities. Today, many of the most attractive urban areas in Ha Noi are located beyond the traditional city centre, supported by improving infrastructure, expanding amenities and strong connectivity.

This blog will examine a selection of the largest urban areas in Ha Noi, including completed developments and urban areas under construction in Ha Noi, comparing their location, scale, accessibility and development status. Whether you are seeking one of the most liveable urban areas in Ha Noi or evaluating long-term investment opportunities, Savills insights will provide an overview of the capital's evolving residential landscape.

Table of Contents 1. Overview of Urban Areas in Ha Noi 1.1. Understanding the Differences Between Urban Areas, Mixed-Use Developments and Satellite Cities 1.2. Ha Noi's Main Urban Development Corridors 2. List of Urban Areas in Ha Noi 2.1. Urban Areas in Western Ha Noi 2.1.1. Ciputra Hanoi – Nam Thang Long Urban Area 2.1.2. Starlake Tay Ho Tay Urban Area 2.1.3. Vinhomes Smart City Urban Area 2.1.4. ParkCity Hanoi Urban Area 2.2. Urban Areas in Eastern Ha Noi 2.2.1. Vinhomes Riverside Urban Area 2.2.2. Vinhomes Ocean Park Urban Area 2.2.3. Viet Hung Urban Area 2.2.4. Khai Son City 2.3. Urban Areas in Southern and South-Western Ha Noi 2.3.1. Duong Noi Urban Area 2.3.2. Gamuda City Urban Area 2.3.3. Vinhomes Times City Urban Area 2.3.4. Vinhomes Royal City Urban Area 3. Conclusion 4. Frequently Asked Questions

1.  Overview of Urban Areas in Ha Noi

Ha Noi is moving towards a polycentric, multi-centre urban structure aimed at easing development pressure on the historic inner city.

Under the Adjustment of the Capital General Planning to 2045, with a vision to 2065, the city is organised around five strategic urban zones: south of the Red River, east, north, west and south. These zones are connected through ring roads, radial transport corridors and public transport networks.

This evolving planning framework is also reshaping how buyers assess residential property. Distance from Hoan Kiem Lake is no longer the sole measure of accessibility or residential value.

Instead, the quality of an urban area increasingly depends on factors such as connectivity to workplaces, schools and healthcare facilities, the completion of technical infrastructure, the availability of operational amenities and the overall quality of the surrounding environment.

1.1. Urban Areas, Mixed-use Complexes and Satellite Cities: What Is the Difference?

Although all three models may incorporate multiple functions, they differ significantly in scale, planning level and their role within the wider city.

Understanding these distinctions can help buyers assess the scale of a development, the range of amenities it provides and the extent to which it depends on surrounding infrastructure. This is particularly important when comparing different urban areas in Ha Noi, from compact mixed-use developments to large-scale townships and the city's planned satellite towns.

  • Mixed-use complex: A development or group of buildings that combines residential, retail, office and service functions within a relatively compact site. Many newer developments in Ha Noi follow this model, integrating multiple uses within a single project.
  • Urban area or township: A large-scale master-planned community designed to provide housing, amenities and supporting infrastructure within a self-contained environment. Many of the largest urban areas in Ha Noi, including several of the city's most attractive and liveable residential destinations, fall within this category.
  • Satellite city: An urban-scale planning concept intended to support population and economic growth outside the urban core. As part of Ha Noi's five planned satellite towns, these locations are intended to provide employment, public services and residential accommodation while reducing pressure on central districts.
ConceptDefinitionKey Distinction
Urban area or township A comprehensive living environment that integrates housing with technical infrastructure, including transport, electricity and water supply, alongside social infrastructure such as schools, parks and retail facilities. Requires coordinated development in accordance with an approved master plan, rather than simply comprising a collection of individual buildings.
Mixed-use complex A building or group of buildings integrating multiple functions, such as apartments, offices, shopping centres and hotels, to meet a range of needs within one development. Reflects the integration of different functions within a relatively compact space. It may operate independently or form part of a larger urban area.
Satellite city A large-scale urban area with a degree of self-sufficiency, where residents can live, work, study and access public services without relying entirely on the urban core. Forms part of the city's overall spatial planning framework and may comprise multiple development projects. A residential project located far from the centre does not automatically qualify as a satellite city.

1.2. Key Urban Development Directions in Ha Noi

Ha Noi's urban footprint is expanding along strategic corridors, with different areas developing distinct functions and growth drivers:

  • Northern area (Dong Anh, Me Linh and Soc Son): Planned as a hub for high-tech industries, logistics, aviation-related services and research and development. Noi Bai International Airport and the Nhat Tan–Noi Bai corridor serve as key connectivity links to other provinces in northern Viet Nam.
  • Eastern area (Long Bien and Gia Lam): Positioned to support regional commerce, logistics, healthcare and education across the Red River Delta. Bridges crossing the Red River and Duong River strengthen connections with the urban core.
  • Western and south-western areas (Hoa Lac, Xuan Mai and Son Tay): Focused on ecological urban development, science and technology, education and training, and cultural tourism. These areas are connected to the historic centre through ring roads and radial transport corridors.

The Adjustment of the Capital General Planning, approved in May 2026, reaffirms a development model based on multiple layers, multiple zones, multiple growth poles and multiple centres, with the Red River identified as a principal landscape corridor and connecting spatial axis. The city is prioritising investment in bridges across the river, external road networks and urban railways to improve connectivity between emerging urban clusters and established inner-city areas.

2.  List of Notable Urban Areas in Ha Noi

2.1 Western Urban Areas in Ha Noi

2.1.1 Ciputra Hanoi – Nam Thang Long

  • Location: Along Vo Chi Cong and Pham Van Dong roads, spanning Tay Ho and Bac Tu Liem districts and close to West Lake and the Red River.
  • Scale: Approximately 301 ha.
  • Property types: Villas, townhouses, high-end apartments, offices and commercial and service developments.
  • Planning: A model eco-oriented township incorporating approximately 77 ha of green spaces and water features, an Eco-path stretching more than 7 km, and a network of international schools, including UNIS, SIS and Hanoi Academy.
toa nha maison privee

Perspective of the Maison Privé apartment towers at Ciputra Hanoi. 

Ciputra Hanoi represents one of the capital’s longest-established international township developments in the north-western gateway of the city. 

Its residential proposition is supported by an established international community and a relatively low-density environment with extensive landscaped areas. 

Located along Vo Chi Cong and Pham Van Dong, the development provides access both to the central urban area and Noi Bai International Airport via Nhat Tan Bridge, supporting the residential needs of upper-middle-income households and international professionals. 

Property currently available at Ciputra Hanoi: Maison Privée

2.1.2 Starlake Tay Ho Tay

  • Location: In the Tay Ho Tay area, with direct access to Vo Chi Cong Road, Pham Van Dong Road and the extended Nguyen Van Huyen Road.
  • Scale: Approximately 186.6 ha.
  • Property types: Residential, office, retail, hotel and public-use developments.
  • Key amenities: A regulating lake, central square, international schools, retail facilities and sports amenities.
  • Development status: Phase 1 has been completed and is operational, while Phase 2 is under development in accordance with the master plan towards 2030.
Map 1

Overall perspective of Starlake Tay Ho Tay. 

Starlake Tay Ho Tay forms an important part of Ha Noi’s new administrative and commercial centre. Its strategic position is supported by a combination of premium residential uses and planning for central government offices and diplomatic facilities. 

A comparatively high proportion of land allocated to transport infrastructure, landscaping and water features, together with multi-directional connectivity, supports the development’s position within Ha Noi’s premium residential market. 

Property currently available at Starlake Tay Ho Tay: Starlake The Prime 

2.1.3 Vinhomes Smart City

  • Location: In the Tay Mo–Dai Mo area of Nam Tu Liem District, along Thang Long Boulevard.
  • Scale: Approximately 280 ha.
  • Building density: 14.7%.
  • Property types: Apartments, retail, offices, schools and healthcare facilities.
  • Amenities: Extensive interconnected sports parks, the Japanese-inspired Zen Park, Vincom Mega Mall, Vinschool and Vinmec.
Map 1

Vinhomes Smart City along Thang Long Boulevard. 

Vinhomes Smart City has contributed to the westward expansion of Ha Noi’s residential market. The development adopts an integrated “all-in-one” model, combining technology-enabled property management with a relatively low building density of approximately 14.7%. Its large-scale amenity ecosystem and connectivity through Thang Long Boulevard support accessibility for a growing residential community, particularly younger households and skilled professionals working in western Ha Noi. 

2.1.4 ParkCity Hanoi

  • Location: Le Trong Tan Road, La Khe Ward, Ha Dong District, Ha Noi.
  • Scale: Approximately 77 ha.
  • Property types: Villas, townhouses, apartments and supporting commercial facilities.
  • Amenities: Landscaped parks, green spaces, a central park, a clubhouse, swimming pools, sports facilities and retail services.
  • Development concept: A master-planned residential community inspired by garden-city principles, with an emphasis on green spaces, landscaped streets and an integrated living environment.
parkcity hanoi minh hoa

Residential areas and landscaping at ParkCity Hanoi. 

ParkCity Hanoi differentiates itself in the south-western market through its “park city” planning concept, with an emphasis on landscaped surroundings and greater residential privacy. A high proportion of landscaped space, combined with integrated amenities such as ParkCity Club, makes the development particularly relevant to households prioritising a quieter residential environment. Its position near several major roads in Ha Dong also provides access to the established commercial and service infrastructure surrounding the area. 

2.2 Urban Areas in Eastern Ha Noi

2.2.1 Vinhomes Riverside

  • Location: Long Bien area, close to National Highway 5 and bridges connecting eastern Ha Noi with the inner city.
  • Scale: Approximately 183 ha.
  • Property types: Villas, apartments, retail and service facilities.
  • Amenities: Schools, healthcare facilities, shopping centres, lakes and sports facilities.
  • Development status: Fully operational, with an established residential community and supporting amenities.
vinhomes riverside

Riverside villas along the internal canal network at Vinhomes Riverside. 

Vinhomes Riverside is a notable example of low-rise ecological residential development in eastern Ha Noi. One of its defining features is the internal canal system, complemented by a relatively low building density of approximately 19%, creating a more private residential environment. Its established amenities and mature residential community support the development as an option for buyers prioritising low-rise housing, landscaping and a fully operational township environment. 

2.2.2 Vinhomes Ocean Park

  • Location: Gia Lam area, between National Highway 5A and the Ha Noi–Hai Phong Expressway.
  • Scale: Approximately 420 ha.
  • Building density: Nearly 19%.
  • Property types: Apartments, villas, townhouses, shophouses and offices.
  • Amenities: A 24.5 ha central lake, a 6.1 ha saltwater lagoon, educational facilities including VinUniversity, Vinmec Hospital and Vincom Mega Mall.
vinhomes ocean park

Apartment towers overlooking the lake at Vinhomes Ocean Park.

Vinhomes Ocean Park has played a significant role in the expansion of Ha Noi’s urban footprint towards the east, supporting the shift towards larger, integrated urban developments. The project combines extensive landscaped infrastructure with a broad ecosystem of residential, educational, healthcare and commercial services. Improved inter-regional transport connections provide access to central Ha Noi as well as neighbouring provinces, supporting both owner-occupier demand and rental activity. 

Property currently available at Vinhomes Ocean Park: Lumiere Orient Pearl 

2.2.3 Viet Hung Urban Area

  • Location: At the north-eastern gateway to Ha Noi, in Long Bien District.
  • Scale: Approximately 210 ha.
  • Planned population: Approximately 26,000 residents.
  • Property types: Apartments, low-rise housing, social housing and public facilities.
  • Development status: Many components have been completed and are operational, while selected plots remain under development or subject to planning adjustments.
khu do thi viet hung

Low-rise housing at Viet Hung Urban Area.

Viet Hung Urban Area offers a diverse housing mix that accommodates a broad range of residential requirements across different market segments. Utilising connectivity through Vinh Tuy Bridge, Thanh Tri Bridge and National Highway 5 residents access inner Ha Noi and the eastern economic corridor. The development may therefore be relevant to buyers prioritising established infrastructure, product diversity and accessibility at a comparatively broader range of price points. 

2.2.4 Khai Son City

  • Location: Ngoc Thuy–Thuong Thanh area, Long Bien District.
  • Scale: Approximately 180 ha.
  • Property types: Apartments, villas, townhouses and shophouses.
  • Planned amenities: Schools, landscaped parks, retail areas and public facilities.
  • Development status: Developed in phases, with several apartment buildings completed and an established residential community already in place.
khai son city

Residential areas surrounding the lake at Khai Son City. 

Khai Son City benefits from a location relatively close to central Ha Noi compared with several larger developments farther east, supported by bridge connections across the Red and Duong rivers. The combination of high-rise and low-rise neighbourhoods also provides a more varied residential product mix, accommodating both owner-occupation and property investment requirements. 

Property currently available at Khai Son City: The Magnolia Private Residences 

2.3 Urban Areas in Southern and South-western Ha Noi

2.3.1 Duong Noi Urban Area

  • Location: Duong Noi area, Ha Dong District, close to To Huu Road, Le Trong Tan Road and Ring Road 4.
  • Scale: Approximately 197 ha.
  • Property types: Apartments, villas, townhouses, retail facilities and offices.
  • Amenities: Schools, regulating lakes, parks, retail facilities and sports amenities.
  • Development status: Several residential areas and amenities have been completed, while additional components continue to be developed.
khu do thi duong noi

Landscape of Duong Noi Urban Area with its lake and park. 

Duong Noi Urban Area combines residential development with landscaped and educational infrastructure in south-western Ha Noi. Key landscape elements include the approximately 12 ha Astronomy Park and the 6 ha Bach Hop Thuy Lake, providing public open space for surrounding residential communities. Its position near Ring Road 4 and several major radial roads may further strengthen regional accessibility as surrounding transport infrastructure continues to develop. 

2.3.2 Gamuda City

  • Location: Yen So–Tran Phu area, Hoang Mai District, southern Ha Noi.
  • Scale: Approximately 274 ha.
  • Property types: Low-rise housing, apartments, retail and service facilities.
  • Main components: Gamuda Gardens, Gamuda Central, Gamuda Lakes and Yen So Park.
  • Connectivity: Direct access to Ring Road 3 and National Highway 1A.
khu do thi gamuda city

Swimming pool and landscaped surroundings at Gamuda Gardens, part of Gamuda City.

Gamuda City is a large-scale eco-urban development associated with the environmental regeneration of the southern gateway of Ha Noi. Its direct integration with Yen So Park and surrounding regulating lakes provides a relatively extensive green environment compared with the more densely developed urban areas nearby. Located close to the intersection of Ring Road 3 and National Highway 1A, the township also benefits from regional connectivity towards neighbouring provinces. Its established residential community and operational amenity network support its position as a mature township in southern Ha Noi. 

2.3.3 Vinhomes Times City

  • Location: 458 Minh Khai, Hai Ba Trung District, close to central Ha Noi.
  • Scale: Approximately 360,500 sq m, equivalent to around 36 ha.
  • Property types: High-end apartments, offices, retail, education and healthcare facilities.
  • Key amenities: Vincom Mega Mall, Vinpearl Aquarium, Vinschool, Vinmec International Hospital and landscaped spaces.
  • Development status: The principal phases were developed between approximately 2011 and 2017 and are now fully operational.
khu do thi times cituy

Water feature and open plaza between the apartment buildings at Vinhomes Times City.

Vinhomes Times City is an established example of a high-density mixed-use development located close to Ha Noi’s inner-city districts. Its competitive proposition lies in the integration of residential, retail, education and healthcare functions within a fully operational ecosystem. The development’s position close to the elevated Ring Road 2 provides convenient access to surrounding districts, while the established residential population also supports a mature leasing market. For households prioritising convenience and relatively direct access to central Ha Noi, Times City remains a preferred option. 

2.3.4 Vinhomes Royal City

  • Location: 72A Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan District, close to central Ha Noi.
  • Scale: Approximately 120,945 sq m.
  • Development scale: Six apartment towers integrated with office and retail facilities.
  • Amenities: An underground shopping centre, schools, a clinic, an indoor ice rink and entertainment facilities.
  • Development status: Handed over and operational since 2013.
khu do thi royal city

Decorative sculptures and landscaped gardens at the central plaza of Vinhomes Royal City.

Vinhomes Royal City was one of the earlier large-scale mixed-use developments to introduce a highly integrated residential and commercial model to the south-western gateway of central Ha Noi. A key feature is its extensive underground retail space combined with amenities located directly beneath and around the residential towers, supporting day-to-day convenience within the development. The project is positioned along the Nguyen Trai corridor, close to the elevated Ring Road 2 and the Cat Linh–Ha Dong urban railway. Its established residential population, central accessibility and integrated amenities continue to support both owner-occupier and rental demand.

3. CONCLUSION

Each urban development in Ha Noi offers distinct advantages, from proximity to the city centre and green spaces to integrated amenities. When choosing a suitable place to live, buyers should consider connectivity, operational amenities, development progress and the extent to which the development meets their long-term lifestyle needs. The 12 urban developments listed above provide a useful reference for narrowing down options based on location and individual priorities.

The Savills Residential team provides market insights and supports clients in exploring apartments in Ha Noi that suit their needs, preferred locations and financial plans.

CONTACT US

4. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Which urban development is the largest in Ha Noi?

There is currently no official ranking covering the entire market. However, among the 12 developments reviewed, Vinhomes Ocean Park 1 has the largest site area, at approximately 420 ha. Its scale allows for a diverse range of amenities and property types, but a larger development is not necessarily the most suitable option for every residential or investment requirement.

2. What is the current development status of these 12 urban developments?

Development progress varies considerably between projects. Developments such as Vinhomes Royal City, Vinhomes Times City and Vinhomes Riverside are fully operational and have established residential communities. By comparison, Starlake, Viet Hung, Khai Son City and Duong Noi are continuing to develop or adjust individual components and phases. Owner-occupiers and investors should assess progress within the specific neighbourhood or phase they are considering, rather than relying solely on the overall status of the wider development.

3. What are the key criteria for assessing whether an urban development offers a good quality of life?

A suitable development should be assessed against practical criteria, including its location and actual travel times during peak hours, the quality of property management and operations, the provision of green spaces and water features, and access to education and healthcare facilities. Assessing quality of life also requires considering how well the development meets each household's day-to-day needs and its ongoing monthly operating costs, rather than relying on the number of amenities shown in marketing materials.

4. How do these urban developments differ from Ha Noi's five satellite cities?

The 12 developments discussed are individual townships or commercial residential developments delivered at project level. By contrast, Ha Noi's five satellite cities — Hoa Lac, Son Tay, Xuan Mai, Phu Xuyen and Soc Son — are regional-scale growth centres identified in the Capital's General Planning. Each satellite city has distinct economic and social development functions and may comprise multiple residential townships, industrial clusters and large-scale social infrastructure.

5. How can buyers verify whether the amenities within an urban development are operational?

Buyers should visit the development and verify information directly with the project management board or official operator. Key points to confirm include whether facilities are currently operational, whether access is restricted to residents or open to the public, and which service charges apply. Architectural renderings and master-plan drawings illustrate the intended long-term development vision; they should not be treated as evidence that the relevant infrastructure or amenities have already been completed.

Whether you are looking to buy, sell or rent residential properties, villas or penthouses, our team of experts will take the time to understand your requirements and help you find a property that suits your needs. Residential Services – Savills Vietnam EXPLORE OUR SERVICES CONTACT OUR TEAM

 

 

 

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