Gold Coast Legacy, Reborn: Australia’s Coastal Blueprint Drives Vietnam’s $2 Billion Urban Vision

In a significant endorsement of Australian urban design and beach-side lifestyle, Vietnamese developers have initiated a $2 billion new-city project modelled after Queensland’s City of Gold Coast, a nod to the global influence of Australia’s iconic beachside city that extends well beyond tourism.

The Vietnamese “Gold Coast Vung Tau” is being built beachside at Vung Tau, just south of Ho Chi Minh City, with plans to accommodate more than 200,000 residents by 2033.

“What this development signifies extends far beyond property—it’s a testament to Australian planning principles and lifestyle,” stated 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.”

Having the Gold Coast act as blueprint for the significant Vietnamese project represents a notable shift in Asian development patterns, which has typically looked to Singapore, Hong Kong, or Western European for influence.

The Vietnamese development group, Gold Coast Holdings, has identified key elements of the Gold Coast Australia model, which are set to be the pillars of Gold Coast, Vung Tau:

• Integration of high-density urban areas with accessible natural environments
• Balancing tourism infrastructure with permanent residential communities
• Public space design that heroes beach access and waterfront living
• Distinctive indoor-outdoor architecture that defines Queensland coastal living
• Preservation of natural assets as central to urban identity

“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 Ms Xuan Pham.

The project marks one of the most significant examples of Australian architectural influence in Southeast Asia, with leading Australian design firms appointed as primary consultants—including the visionary Gold Coast-based studio, Contreras Earl Architecture, led by Rafael Contreras. Known for its bold, sculptural work and commitment to technological innovation, Contreras Earl Architecture believes that architecture should evolve with technology and exist in harmony with nature.

By embracing advanced software, robotics, materials, and construction methods, the studio transcends conventional forms and practices—liberating design to explore more creative, avant-garde solutions

deeply connected to their natural surroundings. Contreras Earl Architecture brings a global perspective shaped by experience on landmark projects across Australia, the UK, and Asia.

“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. At its core, it’s about lifestyle: how people live, connect, and thrive within the built environment.”

While the Gold Coast is internationally renowned as a tourism destination, Vietnamese planners have focused intently on its evolution as a successful city with thriving residents and connection to its capital city, 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,” Ms Xuan Pham, noted.

“The Gold Coast has given us valuable insights for Vietnams emerging middle class, who are seeking a way

of life that’s not achievable in our high-density cities.” Construction commenced in January 2025, with completion of the initial districts scheduled for 2027.