Sun Group has officially launched construction of a large integrated casino tourism complex in Vietnam’s Van Don Economic Zone, Quang Ninh province, following a groundbreaking ceremony held on December 19. The project forms part of a coordinated national programme marking major historical anniversaries and policy milestones, during which multiple large-scale developments were launched or inaugurated across the country. With a total investment reaching up to US$2 billion, the Van Don development ranks among the most substantial tourism and entertainment projects announced in northern Vietnam to date.
Project Scale, Design, And Development Vision
According to VietnamPlus, The Van Don complex is planned across a site covering more than 244 hectares and is being developed under what the company defines as a “resort city” model. In a public statement, Sun Group said: “The project is planned under a modern ‘resort city’ model, aiming to create a regional-scale entertainment and tourism destination meeting international standards, integrating a wide range of tourism, accommodation, commercial, and entertainment functions, and operating on a 24/7 basis.”
Master planning for the site follows the “Art in Landscape” concept, where natural surroundings are incorporated as a core design element rather than serving as a decorative backdrop. The open urban layout includes connected landscape axes, pedestrian boulevards, and public plazas intended to support extended visitor stays throughout the year and encourage continuous tourism activity across seasons.
The first development phase includes a large hotel complex operated under the Marriott brand, featuring several thousand rooms built to international specifications. Plans also cover beachfront resort villas, commercial shophouse districts, and a broad mix of dining, retail, and entertainment facilities. Indoor and outdoor recreational areas, landscaped parks, performance spaces, and community venues are intended to support a steady flow of visitors beyond peak travel periods.
Casino Component, Policy Framework, And Economic Impact
A central element of the project is its casino gaming and entertainment area, which will operate under a pilot framework allowing Vietnamese citizens to participate in accordance with government policy. Sun Group has described this segment as a “key highlight” of the wider resort city, positioning it as a driver for increased visitor interest and longer stays. The company has stated that the project aims to establish a development model capable of competing with major international entertainment destinations such as Macau, Singapore, and Las Vegas.
The casino component is scheduled for inauguration in 2028, while full completion of the entire project is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2034. Approval in principle was granted by the prime minister in June this year, although the concept dates back to a 2017 government decree that introduced a pilot scheme allowing Vietnamese nationals to gamble at selected casino locations. Despite earlier planning discussions, construction did not commence until the December 19 ceremony.
Nguyen Thai Hoai Anh, Deputy General Director of Sun Group, commented on the project’s objectives, stating: “With the orientation toward developing a world-class resort city, together with the pilot policy allowing Vietnamese citizens to participate in gaming entertainment, we expect the project to contribute to the formation of a new, well-regulated, and sustainable service sector.” She added: “More importantly, it will serve as a driving force helping Van Don move closer to its goal of becoming a modern marine economic zone and a regional-scale tourism and entertainment hub, delivering long-term value to the community and the local economy.”
The development is located within the Bai Tu Long Bay area and near the Ha Long Bay World Natural Heritage site, an area known for its island ecosystems, coastal landscapes, and tourism potential. Transport infrastructure in Van Don has expanded significantly in recent years, including the opening of Van Don International Airport and expressway links connecting Ha Long, Van Don, and Mong Cai, improving access from major economic centres.
The groundbreaking also coincided with strong economic indicators for Quang Ninh province. In 2025, provincial authorities estimate GRDP growth of 11.89 percent, with GRDP per capita projected to exceed US$10,400 and state budget revenue expected to reach VND82.235 trillion. On the same day, construction began on 26 projects with a combined investment of VND383 trillion, alongside the inauguration of five completed developments.
Once completed, the Van Don complex is expected to become the first large-scale resort city in northern Vietnam, targeting visitors from Northeast Asia and the domestic market. Officials and developers view the project as a new growth centre with the potential to stimulate commercial activity, tourism services, and resort real estate development, while supporting Van Don’s long-term transformation into a next-generation special economic zone.
