Happy TravellerWelcome to Biên Hòa, the capital city of Đồng Nai Province in Vietnam, and one of the centers of industry in southern Vietnam. A part of the Ho Chi Minh City metropolitan area, Biên Hòa is located to the east of Ho Chi Minh City, linked by Vietnam Highway 1. Classified as a class-1 provincial city, it is the sixth largest city in Vietnam by population. With a rich history that reflects Vietnam’s journey through French colonialism and the Vietnam War, Biên Hòa is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in Vietnam’s culture and heritage.
== Geography ==
Biên Hòa spans 264 square kilometers of midland terrain in the west of Đồng Nai province, with most of the city lying east of the Đồng Nai River. The city shares borders with Trảng Bom district to the east, Bình Dương Province to the west, Long Thành district and Ho Chi Minh City to the south, and Vĩnh Cửu district to the North.
== Demographics ==
With a population of 1,119,190 as of 2021, Biên Hòa is the sixth largest city in Vietnam by population. The city has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with the population crossing the one million mark for the first time in 2012. In 1989, the estimated population was 273,879, which increased to 435,400 in 1999, and 701,194 in 2009.
== History ==
Biên Hòa’s history reflects Vietnam’s journey through French colonialism and the Vietnam War. The capture of Biên Hòa on December 16, 1861, was an important allied victory in the Cochinchina Campaign (1858–62), which concluded with the establishment of the French colony of Cochinchina, inaugurating nearly a century of French colonial dominance in Vietnam. During the Vietnam War, Biên Hòa grew into a major suburb of Saigon as the capital city of the Republic of (South) Vietnam grew. Following the war, post-war Biên Hòa suffered a period of severe economic decline until the 1980s, when the government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam initiated the economic reform policy of Đổi Mới. Biên Hòa and the surrounding areas received large amounts of foreign investment capital, and the area rapidly industrialized. Today, Biên Hòa is an industrial center of southern Vietnam, with many factories and warehouses (often funded in collaboration with foreign investors) operating in the area surrounding the city.
== Economy ==
Biên Hòa is one of the centers of industry in southern Vietnam, with six industrial zones, including Biên Hòa I Industrial Zone, Biên Hòa II Industrial Zone, Amata Industrial Park, Long Bình Industrial Zone Development, Agtex Long Bình Industrial Park, and Tam Phước Industrial Park. Sanyang Motors Vietnam Manufacturing & Export Processing Co., Ltd. (VMEP) is located in Biên Hòa. Biên Hòa Sugar is also located near the city.
== Landmarks ==
Trấn Biên Literature Temple, the Ancient Citadel of Biên Hòa, Nguyễn Hữu Cảnh Temple, and Đồng Nai Bridge are some of the notable landmarks in the city. The city also includes several amusement parks, nightclubs, and restaurants lining the Đồng Nai River, providing entertainment for locals and tourists alike.
== Sister City ==
Biên Hòa has two sister cities: Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea and Pakse, Champasak province, Laos.
We hope that this travel guide has piqued your interest in Biên Hòa, Vietnam. From its rich history to its booming economy and stunning landmarks, Biên Hòa is a city that has something to offer everyone. Don’t hesitate to add it to your travel bucket list today!
