Hanoi approves $38B Olympic-scale sports city spanning 9,000 hectares

The project, endorsed by the Hanoi People's Council on Dec. 14, is designed to help Vietnam meet the conditions to host major international events such as the Asian Games and, in the longer term, the Olympic Games.

According to the city administration, the development will stretch across 11 communes in southern Hanoi and combine large-scale sports facilities with new urban districts, transport hubs and service areas.

Under the current master plan, the complex will be divided into four functional zones. One zone will focus on transit-oriented urban development, acting as a transport gateway linked to the main sports complex. Another will form the core sports and service district, anchored by an international-standard stadium and Olympic sports facilities, while the remaining zones will integrate additional sports venues, event spaces and commercial services into a continuous urban environment.

City officials estimate that construction of the main sports complex and stadium could be completed by the second quarter of 2030, with the entire development scheduled to finish by 2035. Authorities stressed that the figures released so far are strategic in nature, with detailed investment plans to be finalized after investors are selected and formal approvals are completed.

Local representatives said residents in the project area have broadly expressed support, particularly for the use of domestic resources to build world-class sports infrastructure. The planned stadium, inspired by Vietnam's iconic bronze drum, is intended to reflect national history and culture, while the city has been urged to introduce early measures to support job transitions and livelihoods for affected communities.

A groundbreaking ceremony is expected to take place on Dec. 19, aligning with national commemorations and major political milestones.