New pedestrian overpasses set to transform downtown Ho Chi Minh City's riverfront

Two upcoming pedestrian overpasses across Ton Duc Thang Street, coupled with ongoing waterfront upgrades, are expected to enhance the Saigon River's scenery and draw more visitors to Bach Dang Wharf Park, where a nipa palm-inspired bridge is almost complete.

Vehicles travel along Ton Duc Thang Street near Me Linh Square. Photo by Nguyen The Duong

One pedestrian bridge will be built at the intersection of Ton Duc Thang and Nguyen Hue streets, directly in front of the Majestic Saigon Hotel. The second bridge will be located at the intersection of Thai Van Lung and Ton Duc Thang streets, in front of The Landmark building, nearly 1km away.

Between these two upcoming bridges lies the Bach Dang Wharf Park. Stretching along the Saigon River, the park already attracts large numbers of residents and tourists for recreation and sightseeing every day.

With a the nipa palm-shaped pedestrian bridge across the river expected to be completed next February, officially connecting the city center with the Thu Thiem New Urban Area, visitor numbers in this area are expected to surge.

Construction barriers now line both sides of Ton Duc Thang Street as workers lay the foundations for the pedestrian bridge extending from Nguyen Hue Street.

Great Wealth Trading and Services Co. Ltd. is developing the project under a build-transfer (BT) contract that requires no financial contribution from the city.

The two overpasses carry an estimated cost of VND88 billion (US$3.3 million). The developer proposed the infrastructure update and is fully financing the construction through corporate capital and other legitimate funding sources.

About 1km away, the other pedestrian bridge will be built in front of The Landmark building, connecting the intersection of Thai Van Lung and Ton Duc Thang streets with Bach Dang Wharf.

Both ends of the bridge will be equipped with staircases and elevators.

Although pedestrian crossings are marked on the road, Ton Duc Thang Street is frequently congested, with vehicles traveling at high speeds, making it difficult for people to cross it to reach the wharf.

Alongside the construction of the two pedestrian bridges, the city will renovate piers B and C at the Ba Son waterfront along the Saigon River.

Pier B will undergo structural repairs and cleaning, complemented by the installation of new fences, railings, and access points.

The surrounding riverside area will be landscaped to accommodate visitors. This space will also be upgraded with modern electrical and water systems, new lighting, security cameras, and expanded greenery.

At Bach Dang Wharf Park, the section near Thu Ngu Flagpole underwent renovations more than four years ago, adding lawns and walkways for visitors.

At Bach Dang Wharf Park, the section near Thu Ngu Flagpole underwent renovations more than four years ago, adding lawns and walkways for visitors.

At Bach Dang Wharf Park, the section near Thu Ngu Flagpole underwent renovations more than four years ago, adding lawns and walkways for visitors.

The pedestrian bridge connecting Bach Dang Wharf with Thu Thiem was structurally joined on Oct. 22. It is expected to open to the public during the 2027 Lunar New Year holiday in February.

A private company fully funded the VND1 trillion project.

The two pedestrian overpasses across Ton Duc Thang Street are expected to improve connectivity between central city streets, the riverside park, and this Saigon River bridge leading to Thu Thiem.

Locations of the two pedestrian bridges connecting to Bach Dang Wharf along the Saigon River. Graphic by Tam Thao