Thanh Long Baywalk by TA Landscape Architecture: A Fusion of Nature, Culture, and Scenic Design in Vietnam

Located on the dramatic coastline of Hon Lan Bay – Ke Ga Cape in Binh Thuan, Vietnam, the Thanh Long Baywalkis a striking landscape architecture project designed by TA Landscape Architecture in 2022. Spanning 17,000 m², this baywalk seamlessly integrates ecological sensitivity with immersive public space design, creating a unique destination for visitors to experience both nature and culture. The site features natural rocky shores forming a cape, complemented by sandy beaches and indigenous coconut forests, which inspired the project’s visionary design.

Concept: The Silky Strip Among Coconut Forests

The central design element, known as the “Silky Strip,” is a raised promenade flowing above the coconut canopy, painted in dragon fruit-inspired colors. Visitors are offered a rare perspective—walking among the treetops while feeling the texture of real coconut leaves through fiber concrete structural columns. This imaginative integration of architecture and nature transforms the visitor experience, providing dynamic views of the bay from above and allowing an interaction with the natural landscape typically unseen from ground level.

Celestial Inspiration: The Moon Halo Above the Milky Way

The baywalk also draws inspiration from astronomy, evoking the imagery of a starry night sky over the Binh Thuan Sea. Metal-clad panels are perforated to mimic dragon fruit seeds during the day and twinkling stars at night, creating a visual narrative that changes with sunlight and darkness. This “Moon Halo” concept acts as a gateway feature, guiding travelers to the site and connecting them to local heritage, including views of the nearby Poshanu Cham Tower.

Ecological Design: Wavy Sand Beneath Green Pebbles

Sustainability is central to the Thanh Long Baywalk. The square and pathways utilize precast, self-compacting concrete bricks on natural sand, allowing efficient drainage while minimizing environmental impact. Vegetation is carefully layered with groundcovers, shrubs, and sun- and wind-tolerant coconut trees, creating green oases that contrast beautifully with the white sands. This layered planting approach emphasizes indigenous species and low-maintenance solutions, reinforcing the ecological integrity of the site.

Connectivity and Experiential Design

Thanh Long Baywalk serves as a bridge between humans and nature. Visitors can stroll across sandy promenades, feel the coconut leaves above and below, and engage with panoramic views of the bay. The design fosters multisensory experiences, whether walking under the sun, enjoying the breeze, or observing the “starry sky” installation at night. The project beautifully demonstrates how landscape architecture can merge ecological responsibility, cultural storytelling, and aesthetic delight.

Technical Collaboration

• Lighting Design: ASA Lighting Design Studios
• Construction: Dai Dung Metallic Manufacture Construction & Trade Corporation
• Photographs: Trieu Chien

All the photographs are works of Trieu Chien