Nhà Bè

Nhà Bè is a commune (xã) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It was established on 16 June 2025 through the merger of the former town of Nhà Bè and the communes of Phú Xuân, Phước Kiển, and Phước Lộc of the former Nhà Bè district, pursuant to Resolution No. 1685/NQ-UBTVQH15 of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly.^[1]

Nhà Bè Xã Nhà Bè
Commune
The high-rise building complex on Nguyễn Hữu Thọ Boulevard within the commune's jurisdiction
Nhà Bè
Coordinates: 10°40′27″N 106°44′01″E
Country	Vietnam
Municipality	Ho Chi Minh City
Area
• Total	37.10 km2 (14.32 sq mi)
Population  (2024)
• Total	125,832
• Density	3,391/km2 (8,780/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+7 (ICT)

History

The name "Nhà Bè" originates from floating houses or depots (nhà bè) built on the river in the area during the 17th century. According to legend, Võ Thủ Hoằng (also known as Thủ Huồng or Thủ Hoằng), a wealthy moneylender, had a dream in which he saw his name listed among sinners in the underworld. Upon awakening, he repented and used his wealth for charity. He constructed a large floating house at the confluence of rivers, providing free food, water, and shelter for travelers and boaters. This act inspired others to build similar structures, leading to the formation of a floating market and the area's name.^[2][3]

The area is mentioned in the folk verse: "Nhà Bè nước chảy chia hai / Ai về Gia Định, Đồng Nai thì về" ("Nhà Bè where the water flows in two directions / Whoever goes to Gia Định or Đồng Nai, go this way") as the Nhà Bè River is where the Saigon River (Gia Định) and Đồng Nai River at the Red Light Cape (Mũi Đèn Đỏ) near the Phú Mỹ Bridge. In the spring of 1698, Lord Nguyễn Hữu Cảnh, sent by the Nguyễn lords to expand southward, established administrative units in the region. He designated the Nhà Bè floating market as a central trading hub, connecting it to areas like Cù Lao Phố (means the City Isle; Hiệp Hòa, Biên Hòa, Đồng Nai), Bến Nghé, Cần Giờ, Rạch Cát, Vũng Cù (Tân An), and Gò Vấp.^[4]

During the early 20th century, under French colonial administration, Nhà Bè became one of four districts in Gia Định Province. It played a significant role as a strategic base during the resistance wars against French and American forces.^[5] The modern administrative unit traces its roots to 17 July 1986, when the town of Nhà Bè was formed from parts of Phú Mỹ and Phú Xuân communes. In 1997, portions of it were transferred to the newly established Phú Mỹ ward, District 7, and the district seat moved to Phú Xuân; however, Phú Xuân still stay in its commune status and Nhà Bè is still the only town of the district then. The current commune was formed in 2025 as part of Ho Chi Minh City's administrative reorganization.^[6]

Geography

Nhà Bè is located in the southern part of Ho Chi Minh City, approximately 15 km south of the city center. It lies at the confluence of several rivers and canals, including the Sài Gòn River, Nhà Bè River, and others such as Đĩa Canal, Long Kiểng Canal, Tôm Canal, Cây Bông Canal, Cây Khô Canal, Đôi Canal, Tắc Canal, and Thầy Cai Canal. The area is surrounded by waterways from the Sài Gòn, Đồng Nai, Nhà Bè, Lòng Tàu, and Soài Rạp rivers, providing strategic advantages for trade and transportation.^[7]

Nhà Bè commune is adjacted to:

• Wards of Tân Hưng, Tân Mỹ và Phú Thuận (formerly of District 7) to the North by Đỉa Canal, from west to east respectively.
• Đại Phước commune (Nhơn Trạch district) of Đồng Nai province to the Eastby Nhà Bè River.
• Bình Khánh commune (Cần Giờ district) to the South by Soài Rạp River.
• Hiệp Phước (Nhà Bè) to the Southwest mostly by Long Kiểng Canal.
• Bình Hưng (Bình Chánh district) to the West ng Hiệp Ân canal.

Economy

The commune has developed into an urban area with deep-water ports (Nhà Bè Base), industrial zones, and river tourism. Former marshlands have been transformed into highways, high-rise buildings, parks, and villas. It benefits from connections via bridges, expressways, and ring roads, facilitating cargo handling and urban expansion.^[8]