Dong Nai province

Dong Nai province
Name	Dong Nai province
Settlement type	Province
Coordinates	11, 07, N, 107...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Vietnam
Seat type	Capital
Seat	Bien Hoa
Leader title	Secretary of the Party Committee
Leader name	Nguyen Hong Linh
Leader title1	Chairman of the People's Committee
Leader name1	Cao Tien Dung
Area total km2	5864.4
Population total	3,097,107
Population as of	2019
Population density km2	auto
Demographics type1	Demographics
Demographics1 title1	Ethnic groups
Demographics1 info1	Kinh, Hoa, Cham, Koho
Timezone	ICT
Area code	251
Iso code	VN-39
Website	www.dongnai.gov.vn

Dong Nai province is a key economic and industrial hub in the Southeast region of Vietnam. It is bordered by Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong province, Binh Phuoc province, Lam Dong province, Binh Thuan province, and Ba Ria–Vung Tau province. The province is strategically positioned along the vital National Route 1 and near the Saigon Port, with its administrative center located in the bustling city of Bien Hoa.

Geography

Dong Nai province features a diverse topography that transitions from the Central Highlands in the north to the flat alluvial plains of the Mekong Delta in the south. The landscape is dominated by the Dong Nai River system, one of the largest river basins in Vietnam, which includes major tributaries like the La Nga River and the Be River. Significant natural areas include the Cat Tien National Park, a UNESCO-recognized World Biosphere Reserve, and the man-made Tri An Lake, created by the Tri An Dam for hydroelectric power. The climate is characterized by a tropical monsoon pattern, with distinct wet and dry seasons influencing its rich agriculture and forestry sectors.

History

The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, evidenced by archaeological finds at sites like the Neolithic Cau Sat site. Historically part of the Kingdom of Champa, it was later absorbed into the southward expansion of the Nguyen lords during the Nam tien period. During the Vietnam War, it was the site of intense conflict, hosting major United States Army installations such as Bien Hoa Air Base and Long Binh Post, and was a key battleground during the Tet Offensive and the 1968 Tet Offensive attack on Bien Hoa Air Base. Following the Fall of Saigon in 1975, the province became a central part of national reconstruction and industrialization efforts.

Administrative divisions

Dong Nai is subdivided into eleven district-level units, including two cities and nine rural districts. The provincial capital, Bien Hoa, is a first-class city, while Long Khanh holds city status as well. The rural districts are Cam My, Dinh Quan, Long Thanh, Nhon Trach, Thong Nhat, Tan Phu, Trang Bom, Vinh Cuu, and Xuan Loc. These are further divided into townships, communes, and wards, forming the local governance structure under the Provincial People's Committee.

Economy

As a leading industrial center, Dong Nai hosts numerous industrial parks such as Amata City Bien Hoa, Nhon Trach Industrial Park, and Long Thanh Industrial Zone, attracting massive foreign direct investment from corporations like Hyundai, Nike, and Pou Chen Group. Key sectors include manufacturing, electronics, textiles, and food processing. It remains a major agricultural producer, exporting commodities like rubber, coffee, black pepper, and fruit. Major infrastructure projects shaping its future include the under-construction Long Thanh International Airport and the expansion of the Bien Hoa–Vung Tau Expressway.

Demographics

With a population exceeding three million, Dong Nai is one of Vietnam's most populous provinces. The Kinh (Viet) constitute the majority, with significant communities of Hoa (ethnic Chinese), Cham, and indigenous groups such as the Koho, Ma, and Stieng. The population is concentrated in urban centers like Bien Hoa and Long Khanh, with rapid growth driven by industrialization and migration from other regions like the North Central Coast and the Mekong Delta.

Culture and society

The cultural landscape is a blend of traditions from the Kinh, Cham, and various Montagnard groups. Important religious sites include the Buu Phong Pagoda in Bien Hoa and the historic Dong Nai Church. The province is known for traditional crafts such as Dong Ho painting-inspired pottery in Tan Van and stone sculpture. Annual festivals like the Kate Festival of the Cham people and the Whale Festival in coastal communes highlight its ethnic diversity. Higher education is served by institutions like Dong Nai University and Lac Hong University.

Category:Provinces of Vietnam Category:Dong Nai province