Hanoi plans to upgrade five rural districts of Dong Anh, Gia Lam, Thanh Tri, Hoai Duc and Dan Phuong to urban districts by the end of 2025 following a master plan on investment and development of the five districts.

Among the five districts, Dong Anh is the largest, covering more than 180 sq km with a population of about 380,000, including 23 communes and one town.

Gia Lam follows, with an area of nearly 115 sq km, a population of 280,000, 20 communes and two towns.

Hoai Duc has an area of 82 sq km and a population of over 230,000, consisting of 19 communes and one town.

Dan Phuong spans more than 77 sq km with a population exceeding 174,000, comprising 15 communes and one town.

Thanh Tri is the smallest, with an area of over 63 sq km and a population of more than 200,000, including 15 communes and one town.

The municipal People’s Committee has asked relevant agencies to strive to submit the proposal to upgrade Dong Anh and Gia Lam districts to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly for approval in the fourth quarter of 2024 or the first quarter of 2025.

Meanwhile, the proposal for Thanh Tri and Hoai Duc district is expected for approval in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Hoai Duc district is expected to be approved later.

Hanoi currently has 12 urban districts.