Land surface temperature evolution in rapidly urbanizing areas of Southeast Asia: Studies from Vietnam and Cambodia

Land surface temperature (LST) is one of the crucial variables in urban microclimate studies. Satellite-based thermal data and vegetation indices, like the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), help to understand changes in LST and the development of urban heat islands (UHI). We analyzed the variations in LST and vegetation coverage in two rapidly urbanizing provinces, located in southern Vietnam and Cambodia, respectively, over the 10 years from 2013 to 2025. Additionally, complementary ERA5 Interim air temperature data were also utilized. The satellite and in situ data analysis have been used to understand the impacts of urbanization on LSTs. Spatiotemporal changes in NDVI showed rapid urbanization in the eastern region of Battambang city (39.2 km2 to 47.8 km2) and throughout the southern areas of Binh Duong Province (387 km2 to 464.3 km2). Time-series analysis indicated a consistent increase in LST in both study sites. There has been a notable increase in minimum LST since 2017 in the entire city of Battambang, whereas the central area of Battambang has become consistently warmer after 2020. The minimum estimated LST in Battambang varied between 16.1 °C and 28.58 °C (and increased 0.35 °C per year), whereas the maximum LST varied between 29.2 °C to 40.23 °C (and increased 0.36 °C per year). The LST in southern Binh Duong increased gradually during the study period, primarily due to rapid urbanization and vegetation loss. The minimum estimated LST in Binh Duong varied between 13.2 °C to 24.73 °C (and increased 0.26 °C per year), whereas the maximum LST varied between 34.6 °C to 41.3 °C (and increased 0.024 °C per year). The outcome of this study holds considerable importance, as the phenomenon of UHI formation has been documented in rapidly expanding cities and impervious surfaces globally, especially in Southeast Asia.