In a striking example of cross-cultural urban influence, a $2 billion development rising along Vietnam’s southern coast is being modelled after Australia’s City of Gold Coast. Dubbed Gold Coast Vung Tau, the project represents a bold reimagining of Vietnamese urban design, inspired by the laid-back lifestyle and innovative planning principles of Queensland’s iconic beachside city.
Situated beachside at Vung Tau, just south of Ho Chi Minh City, the development is poised to house more than 200,000 residents by 2033. The project’s scale is impressive, but what truly sets it apart is its philosophical underpinning: a deep appreciation for the Gold Coast’s distinctive ability to integrate urban vitality with environmental stewardship.
“What this development signifies extends far beyond property—it's a testament to Australian planning principles and lifestyle,” said Ms Xuan Pham, Chief Commercial Officer for Gold Coast, Vung Tau. “The Gold Coast has solved the complex challenge of creating a vibrant coastal community that heroes the environment—which is precisely the balance our project seeks to achieve.”
Traditionally, Southeast Asian city planning has looked to urban models in Singapore, Hong Kong, or Western Europe. This new direction signals a significant pivot—one that places Australian urbanism at the centre of emerging Asian development trends.
A Blueprint for Balance
The Vietnamese developer, Gold Coast Holdings, has identified five core principles drawn from the Gold Coast’s DNA. These include:
- High-density development that remains closely tied to accessible natural environments
- A balance of tourism and long-term residential infrastructure
- Public space that prioritises waterfront living and beach access
- The indoor-outdoor architectural style typical of Queensland’s coastal homes
- A commitment to preserving natural assets as defining features of the city’s identity
This multidimensional approach appeals strongly to Vietnam’s growing middle class, many of whom are seeking a lifestyle not afforded by the nation’s increasingly congested urban centres.
“The Gold Coast is a living example of how a city can maintain its connection to natural surroundings as the population grows exponentially. It’s a uniquely Australian approach that resonates with the aspirations we hold for Vietnam,” said Pham.
Australian Architecture on the Global Stage
Further underlining the Australian connection, the project’s masterplan and signature architecture will be led by Gold Coast-based Contreras Earl Architecture. The studio is celebrated for its avant-garde design, technological integration, and its commitment to blending built forms with natural environments.
“We’re exploring how to merge Australian coastal sensibilities with Vietnamese cultural identity in a way that’s deeply authentic,” said Rafael Contreras, Co-Founder and Director of Contreras Earl Architecture. “This collaboration isn’t about imposing a design language—it’s about creating a unique synthesis that respects and elevates both traditions.”
Contreras Earl is known for its innovative use of robotics, advanced materials, and adaptive software to create fluid, sculptural buildings that evolve with their environment—an ideal fit for a development that champions both lifestyle and sustainability.
From Tourist Mecca to Economic Model
While the Gold Coast is best known globally as a tourism magnet, Vietnamese planners are looking at it through a different lens: as a city that has matured into a sustainable, economically diverse urban environment with strong transport links to Brisbane.
“What makes the Gold Coast truly remarkable is its transition from tourism dependency to a multi-faceted economy—something many coastal destinations worldwide have struggled to achieve,” Pham noted.
Vietnamese urban developers see this transition as a model for managing the country’s rapid economic growth while avoiding the pitfalls of overdevelopment. With its blend of tourism, business, and community life, the Gold Coast offers a future-forward template that aligns with Vietnam’s long-term urban ambitions.
Construction Begins on a New Coastal Chapter
Construction for Gold Coast Vung Tau commenced in January 2025, with initial districts expected to be completed by 2027. The project is already being recognised as one of the most significant examples of Australian architectural influence in Southeast Asia.
More than just a replication of form or layout, the project is being positioned as a lifestyle experiment—an attempt to translate the Gold Coast ethos into a Vietnamese context. From public space to skyline, the essence of Australia’s beachside living is finding new expression thousands of kilometres away.
By anchoring its future in Australian design principles, Vietnam is embracing a new urban narrative—one shaped not only by global best practice but by a distinctively coastal, Australian state of mind.
