Walkable Southeast Asia: A Comparative Study Between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City

This study presents a data-driven approach to compute walkability indicators from open-data sources. We compare Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City, two Southeast Asian cities that share cultural, historical, and economic similarities. We inspect street network connectivity, population density, building density, facilities density, and elevation range. Overall, the findings suggest that Phnom Penh exhibits higher walkability due to its greater network density, population density, and facility density, fostering greater city-wide connectivity. In contrast, Ho Chi Minh City, a key economic hub in Vietnam, shows lower walkability metrics, possibly influenced by higher urban development and income levels. Wealthier residents may prefer vehicular transportation, supported by the city's robust GDP-driven infrastructure.