Cultural investments commensurate with Dong Nai’s status

In recent years, besides economic growth, Dong Nai has dedicated significant resources to culture, sports, and tourism. Many projects are gradually becoming cultural “rendezvous” for local communities.

Tan Lan Communal House relic in Tran Bien Ward, Dong Nai, has been restored and renovated. Now, it is a popular destination for residents and visitors. Photo: My Ny

These efforts not only improve the cultural life of residents but also create new momentum for the province’s sustainable development.

Many facilities upgraded and restored

In early 2025, Quang Truong Park in Tan Trieu Ward was expanded as local authorities and partner units removed the surrounding fence to open up the space. The expansion has not only given the park a more open, modern look but also encouraged residents to take part in cultural, artistic, and community sports activities.

Quang Truong Park’s upgrade has been followed by improvements to other public spaces, including Duong Tu Giang Park in Tam Hiep Ward and Nguyen Van Tri and Bien Hung parks in Tran Bien Ward. These areas have been enhanced with more greenery, playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment, and reading nooks, creating inviting community spaces. They now serve not only as places for exercise, leisure, and recreation but also as cultural highlights of the urban landscape, reinforcing Dong Nai’s image as a modern, dynamic province.

Between 2020 and 2025, Dong Nai has carried out a wide range of projects to restore historic sites and build new cultural and sports facilities at the local level. Many important cultural and historical landmarks have been preserved and restored, helping safeguard the province’s heritage, promote traditional values, and enrich the cultural life of its people. These include Tran Bien Temple of Literature, Nguyen Tri Phuong Temple, Binh Truoc Assembly Hall, Ong Pagoda, Tan Lan Communal House, To Su Shrine, and Phuoc Thien Communal House.

Truong Lam Thuy, Head of the Management Board of To Su Shrine in Tran Bien Ward, said that in 2022, the shrine worked with cultural agencies to upgrade and repair the Tam quan (Three-Entrance Gate) in accordance with the Law on Cultural Heritage. The gate was built from Buu Long blue stone at a total cost of more than VND 3 billion, funded entirely through social contributions. Thanks to these efforts, the shrine has become increasingly well-maintained and, for many years now, a familiar cultural and spiritual destination for local residents.

At the same time, significant investment has been made in cultural and sports facilities. Examples include the Thac Dai Hamlet Cultural House in Phu Van Commune (now Phu Nghia Commune, Dong Nai), a nearly 200-square-meter venue with full supporting amenities, and the Cho Ro Ethnic Cultural House in Bao Vinh Ward. The latter, part of the Cho Ro Ethnic Village Infrastructure Project, spans 2.57 hectares with a total investment of more than VND 72 billion. The House plays a central role in meeting the community’s cultural needs.

Throughout the province, over 2,000 pieces of outdoor exercise equipment have been installed in various communes and wards. Local businesses and residents have also actively invested in sports facilities, ranging from swimming pools, mini football fields, gyms, to yoga studios. These facilities provide the community with greater opportunities to stay active and maintain their health.

Lam Thi Bao Yen, a resident of Tri An Commune, shared: “Since the public spaces in our commune were upgraded with new exercise equipment, I’ve been coming here every day to work out. It’s not only good for my health but also a chance to meet friends, which makes me feel much more relaxed.”

Building on the existing network of local cultural and sports facilities, the cultural sector plans to survey and assess local conditions following administrative mergers, and invest in upgrading infrastructure and equipment to better serve the community. Priority will be given to facilities that are worn out or well-located with easy access across communes and wards, to ensure they are used effectively.

Le Thi Ngoc Loan, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism

Prioritizing resources for the construction of cultural facilities

Dong Nai has seen impressive developments not only in culture and sports but also in the tourism field. In recent years, the province has attracted over VND 3 trillion in private investment to develop tourist sites and accommodation facilities. New tourism projects have been put into service, including Son Tien Tourist Area in Long Hung Ward and Ba Giot Waterfall Tourist Area in Phu Hoa Commune, while additional 2- to 3-star hotels have opened, helping to improve the quality of tourism services across the province.

However, to effectively build on the existing achievements, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Le Thi Ngoc Loan, said the cultural sector will continue to prioritize key cultural projects, especially the restoration and preservation of historic sites. These efforts will link the conservation of traditional values with sustainable tourism development. Infrastructure and facilities for sports training and competitions, including swimming pools, gyms, and stadiums, will also receive more investment.

Tourism infrastructure investments, which focus on transport links and piers connecting major attractions, aim to create breakthroughs and remove bottlenecks in the industry. This strategy is intended to attract strategic investors to develop large-scale, high-quality, and diverse tourism areas. At the same time, other economic actors will be invited to make investment according to approved plans, with priority given to experienced and reputable investors capable of mobilizing non-state capital for cultural and sports facilities linked to tourism in key locations.

By: My Ny

Translated by: Le Hung - Thu Ha