Hanoi plans to include more than 4,000 hectares in neighbouring Phu Tho province within its boundaries, prioritising the protection of Ba Vi National Park and local cultural heritage.
The proposal, released by the Hanoi People's Committee, covers more than 2,520 hectares inside the national park and 1,477 hectares in its buffer zone.
Areas proposed for inclusion
The land currently lies in three Phu Tho communes: Thinh Minh, Luong Son and Ky Son. The boundaries of Ba Vi and Yen Xuan communes in Hanoi would also expand.
If approved, the change would increase Hanoi's natural area from more than 3,359 to over 3,399 square kilometres, or by around 1.2%.
The proposal says conservation of Ba Vi National Park, biodiversity, water resources, landscapes and cultural heritage must remain the top priorities. The administrative change must not become an opportunity to exploit land resources.
Environmental protection and tourism
Economic development, tourism and services must stay within environmental limits and comply with updated planning regulations.
Hanoi plans to make the park's protected forest the foundation of the area's ecological framework. The cultural heritage of Tan Vien and Ba Vi, together with the traditions of Muong and Dao ethnic communities, would define its identity.
Ecotourism, cultural tourism, wellness travel and the green economy would support growth, alongside closer links with Hoa Lac, a science, technology and innovation hub.
The city also intends to strengthen connections between Hanoi, Phu Tho and the wider Capital region. The plan would keep transport networks, tourism routes, agricultural and forestry production, cultural spaces and labour markets within their current regional functions so that administrative boundaries do not disrupt infrastructure, livelihoods or public services.
The proposal says unified management of the forest and surrounding areas would help authorities control development's impact on ecosystems, landscapes and water resources. It could also simplify business procedures involving land management, planning, infrastructure, environmental oversight and tourism.
Public consultation
The boundary change is not expected to disrupt community life, including family and clan relationships, festivals, cemeteries and cultural institutions.
The Ba Vi area is home to Muong and Dao communities and includes cultural and religious sites that extend across provincial boundaries.
Existing social welfare policies, including support for ethnic minority communities and people who have rendered meritorious service to the country, would continue without interruption, according to the proposal.
Public consultation is under way. Household opinion forms were distributed and collected across Hanoi's 126 communes and wards from October 22 to 25.
Online consultation through the Hanoi People's Committee's official information portal runs from October 23 to November 2. The proposal will then be submitted to the Hanoi People's Council for consideration and a decision.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
