★★★★★
"The skyline view is genuinely unobstructed from the 38th floor, and getting to District 1 via Ba Son Bridge takes 7 minutes by car. The building amenities are best-in-class for HCMC.
"
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Empire City Apartments for Rent — Thu Thiem Area, Ho Chi Minh City
Empire City is the flagship mega-development of Thu Thiem urban area — a joint venture between Keppel Land (Singapore), Tran Thai Group, Tien Phuoc, and Gaw Capital (Hong Kong). Multiple residential towers anchored by the future Empire 88 Tower (planned to become Vietnam’s tallest building when completed), all directly facing the Saigon River and District 1 skyline.
Key facts: 5+ residential towers (Linden, Cove, Tilia, Narra, Empire 88 future), ~3,000+ units across phases delivered 2019-2026. 1BR $700-1,450 2BR $1000-1,600 3BR $1,300-2,000 penthouses $3,000-8,000+. Direct riverside, premium finishes, Sky88 amenity deck planned.
Browse verified Empire City apartments for rent across all towers below — Thu Thiem’s most iconic and ambitious residential address.
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1. Empire City Overview — Thu Thiem’s Defining Project
Empire City is the project that anchored Thu Thiem’s identity as Vietnam’s premier new urban district. Developed by a powerful international joint venture — Keppel Land (Singapore), Tran Thai Group, Tien Phuoc (Vietnamese partners), and Gaw Capital (Hong Kong) — Empire City was designed from the ground up as a multi-phase, multi-tower mega-development spanning 14.5 hectares on the riverside.
The development consists of five+ distinct residential towers being delivered in phases:
- Linden Residences — Phase 1, delivered 2019-2020
- Cove Residences — Phase 2, delivered 2021
- Tilia Residences — Phase 3, delivered 2022-2023
- Narra Residences — Phase 4, delivered 2023-2024
- Empire 88 Tower — Planned 88-floor supertall, future Vietnam’s tallest building
For renters, Empire City delivers the most international developer pedigree available in Thu Thiem — Keppel Land’s Singapore-grade construction standards combined with Gaw Capital’s Hong Kong luxury experience create a unique product positioning.
2. Location & Connectivity
Empire City sits at Mai Chi Tho Avenue, Thu Thiem Area, Thu Duc City (formerly District 2):
- To District 1 (Ben Thanh): 5-8 min via Thu Thiem Tunnel
- To Bitexco / Saigon Centre: 8-12 min
- To Saigon Opera House: 10 min
- To Thao Dien: 12-18 min
- To AIS / EIS schools: 10-15 min
- To ISHCMC: 15-20 min
- To Tan Son Nhat Airport: 30-35 min
- Future Metro Line 2: Planned Thu Thiem station within walking distance
- Future Saigon River Bus: Water taxi service planned
Thu Thiem Tunnel is the game-changing connection — Empire City residents reach D1 center in under 10 minutes at any time of day, faster than from Thao Dien or any other D2 area.
3. The Multi-Tower Architecture
Linden Residences (2019-2020)
First delivery, established residential community within Empire City. Mid-luxury finishes by current Empire City standards but premium by overall HCMC market. 4 buildings, ~700 units. Most coveted for established community feel.
Cove Residences (2021)
Phase 2 with upgraded finishes vs Linden. Riverside-facing premium positioning. Smaller community (~500 units). Popular with mid-career expats.
Tilia Residences (2022-2023)
Phase 3 with smart home features, premium amenity floor. Larger floor plates, modern interiors. Premium tier within Empire City.
Narra Residences (2023-2024)
Phase 4, newest delivery. Highest-spec interiors, full smart home integration, hotel-grade lobby. Premium pricing.
Empire 88 Tower (Future)
The planned 88-floor supertall expected to surpass Landmark 81 as Vietnam’s tallest building. Ultra-luxury residences in upper floors, premium F&B and observation deck below. Delivery 2026-2028.
4. Apartment Layouts & Specifications
| Unit type | Floor area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR | 60-85 m² | Premium 1BR with separate kitchen, large balcony |
| 2BR standard | 85-115 m² | Master ensuite + 2nd BR + 2 baths + powder room |
| 2BR premium | 115-145 m² | Corner units, dual aspect, panoramic D1 view |
| 3BR standard | 120-155 m² | Three bedrooms + 2.5 baths |
| 3BR large | 155-200 m² | Three bedrooms + maid’s room + family room |
| Penthouse | 250-450 m² | Top floors, panoramic 270° views, private terraces |
Standard inclusions across all phases: imported European kitchen (Häcker/Bosch/Miele), Hansgrohe/Grohe bathroom fixtures, Daikin VRV central AC, smart home wiring (Tilia/Narra full smart home), engineered hardwood flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows, 3.0-3.3m ceiling heights.
5. Rental Prices at Empire City (2026 Market)
| Unit type | Monthly rent (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR | $700-1,450 |
| 2BR | $1000-1,600 |
| 3BR | $1,300-2,000 |
Pricing reflects Empire City’s premium positioning — typically 15-25% pricier than Sala Sarimi for equivalent floor area, but 10-20% cheaper than The Metropole.
6. Amenities & Facilities
- 🏊 Multiple swimming pools — sky pool + lap pool + leisure pool per phase
- 💪 Fitness centers — Technogym top-tier, multiple per phase
- 🧖 Spa, sauna, steam rooms
- 👶 Kids’ clubs — indoor playroom + outdoor playground
- 🎾 Tennis courts
- 🏛️ Sky lounges + function rooms at amenity floors
- 🌳 Riverside promenade — direct walking path along Saigon River
- 🛍️ Ground-floor retail F&B — premium restaurants, cafés, services
- 🅿️ Multi-level underground parking with EV charging
- 🔒 24/7 hotel-grade security — facial recognition, multiple checkpoints
- 🐕 Pet-friendly with established policies
- 🛗 Smart elevator system
- 📦 Smart locker delivery
- 🚌 Internal shuttle bus connecting phases (planned)
7. Advantages of Empire City
- ✅ International developer pedigree — Keppel Land + Gaw Capital partnership
- ✅ Future Empire 88 Tower — Vietnam’s tallest building (when completed)
- ✅ Fastest D1 access in Thu Thiem area via tunnel
- ✅ Direct riverside with promenade access
- ✅ Premium imported finishes consistent across phases
- ✅ Multi-phase choice — pick your tier and age preference
- ✅ 3.0-3.3m ceilings + floor-to-ceiling windows
- ✅ Smart home features in Tilia/Narra phases
- ✅ Strong rental inventory — 3,000+ units across phases
- ✅ Pet-friendly
- ✅ Investment-grade positioning — strong resale fundamentals
8. Disadvantages to Consider
- ❌ Premium pricing — top tier in Thu Thiem
- ❌ Construction noise ongoing through 2026+ for Empire 88
- ❌ Limited mature retail — Thu Thiem area still developing
- ❌ Metro Line 1 not walkable — must use tunnel by car/Grab
- ❌ No on-site international school
- ❌ Limited dining options on-site vs Thao Dien
- ❌ Multi-phase navigation — large compound, can feel impersonal
- ❌ Some Phase 1 (Linden) finishes feel dated vs Phase 4 (Narra)
9. Who Should Rent at Empire City?
Empire City is ideal for:
- D1 executives wanting fastest tunnel commute + premium quality
- International business professionals familiar with Keppel Land or Gaw Capital brands
- Couples and small families with premium budgets ($1,500-2,500)
- Investors seeking strong long-term fundamentals
- Tech-savvy professionals valuing smart home (Tilia/Narra)
- Renters who chose Thu Thiem strategically and want flagship address
- Pet owners
Empire City is NOT ideal for:
- Budget renters under $1,500 (try Sala Sarimi)
- Families with school-age children (no on-site school)
- Ultra-luxury seekers wanting boutique exclusivity (try The River Thu Thiem)
- Renters wanting walking-distance amenities at D1 level density
10. Empire City vs Other Thu Thiem Buildings
| Factor | Empire City | The Metropole | Sala Sarimi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developer | Keppel+Gaw+Vietnam JV | Sonkim Land | Dai Quang Minh |
| Total units | ~3,000+ | ~1,500 | ~2,200 |
| Phases delivered | 4 (Empire 88 future) | 4 (Galleria-Stella) | 8 towers |
| Smart home | Tilia/Narra | Yes (latest) | Limited |
| Riverside | Yes (direct) | Yes (direct) | Partial |
| Avg 2BR rent | $1,250 | $1,970 | $1,220 |
| Best for | International + flagship | Ultra-premium boutique tier | Family + value |
11. FAQ — Empire City Apartments
Q1: Linden, Cove, Tilia, or Narra — which phase is best?
Linden for established community + lower rent. Cove for mid-luxury balance. Tilia for smart home + premium tier. Narra for newest finishes + premium. Empire 88 for future ultra-luxury (when delivered).
Q2: When will Empire 88 Tower be ready?
Construction ongoing through 2026-2028. Reservations and rental listings will become available as floors are released.
Q3: Is Thu Thiem Tunnel really that fast to D1?
Yes — 5-8 minutes to Ben Thanh area at any time. The tunnel has no traffic light bottlenecks. Faster than driving from any Binh Thanh or D2 location.
Q4: Are pets allowed?
Yes — cats and small-to-medium dogs accepted. Pet deposit typically $250-400.
Q5: How does Empire City compare to Vinhomes Central Park (Binh Thanh)?
Vinhomes Central Park: mega-amenity scale (Vincom Mega Mall on-site), Metro Line 1 walking, established 8+ year community. Empire City: newer build, faster D1 tunnel access, premium international developer pedigree. Choice depends on amenity priority vs developer brand.
Q6: How is the construction noise impact?
Active construction continues for Empire 88 Tower and surrounding phases. Most apartment-level noise is contained inside compound. Outdoor common areas occasionally have construction sounds during weekday daytime hours.
Q7: How fast can I move in?
Strong inventory across 4 phases — most layouts available within 1-2 weeks. Move-in 3-5 days after deposit.
12. Final Verdict — Empire City
Empire City is Thu Thiem’s flagship and most internationally-pedigreed development. If you want Keppel Land + Gaw Capital construction quality, fastest tunnel access to D1, and the future Empire 88 prestige — at premium-but-not-ultra-luxury pricing — Empire City delivers exactly this. Best for international executives, mid-premium couples, and tech-forward families.
Compared to alternatives: The Metropole wins for ultra-premium boutique. The River Thu Thiem wins for boutique riverside exclusivity. Sala Sarimi wins for value + family township. Empire City wins for “international + scale + future Empire 88 prestige.”
VietnamRenty has direct landlord relationships across all 4 Empire City phases (Linden, Cove, Tilia, Narra).
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What Tenants Say About Empire City
★★★★★
"Empire City is exactly what Thu Thiem promised to be — a brand-new luxury cluster with skyline views, resort amenities, and a 5-minute commute to my office on Nguyen Hue. The Linden Residences tower has the most thoughtful 2BR layout I've seen in HCMC. The rooftop sky lounge has become my favorite meeting spot for friends. Worth every dollar of the premium over Thao Dien.
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★★★★★
"Rent is at the very top of HCMC pricing but the service level matches it. The Linden tower has been our home for 14 months and we just signed an 18-month renewal at a modest 4% increase — fair given the building's positioning.
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About these testimonials: Reviews represent feedback from real tenants we have helped. Names have been abbreviated (first name + last initial) to protect privacy. Some entries may aggregate similar comments from multiple tenants in the same building or area.