Van Don Set to Become Vietnam’s First Large-Scale Resort City with Casino Complex, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 19, 2025

On December 19, 2025, Sun Group officially broke ground on its highly anticipated integrated casino tourism services complex in the Van Don Economic Zone, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. This ambitious project, with a total investment of 2 billion USD, is a significant milestone for the region’s tourism and entertainment industries. When completed, the complex promises to be the first mega-resort city in Northern Vietnam, attracting a large volume of Northeast Asia and domestic visitors, driving economic growth, and reimagining local tourism.

A New Era for Tourism and Entertainment in Northern Vietnam

The integrated casino tourism complex in Van Don is designed to be a world-class resort city, offering a wide array of tourism, accommodation, commercial, and entertainment services. The project spans more than 244 hectares and aims to create a vibrant destination that operates 24/7, catering to a diverse range of international tourists. By combining high-end amenities with the region’s natural beauty, the complex will become a major hub for both leisure and business travelers, contributing significantly to the growth of the tourism and service sectors in the area.

One of the key features of the development is its commitment to creating an immersive experience for visitors, with a focus on both high-end leisure and entertainment offerings. The resort city will include luxury hotels, commercial shophouses, beachside villas, and a comprehensive range of recreational and cultural facilities. This inclusive approach will ensure that Van Don becomes a year-round destination, attracting visitors across all seasons.

A Focus on Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development

The master plan for the resort city is built on the philosophy of “Art in Landscape,” where the surrounding natural environment is not only respected but integrated into the overall design. The urban structure is open and seamlessly connected with pedestrian boulevards, public plazas, and green spaces, creating a visually cohesive and environmentally friendly destination. Visitors will be able to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region, including its pristine beaches, coastal landscapes, and the nearby Ha Long Bay World Heritage site, which is renowned for its spectacular limestone karsts and emerald waters.

Sustainability is a key component of the project, with Sun Group prioritizing eco-friendly practices and responsible development. The resort city will blend modern architecture with the region’s cultural heritage, offering an authentic Vietnamese experience for tourists while respecting the natural surroundings. The development of this world-class resort also aligns with Vietnam’s broader strategy to promote sustainable and responsible tourism, providing long-term value to both the local economy and the environment.

Enhancing the Tourism Infrastructure of Van Don

One of the critical factors contributing to the success of the Van Don tourism project is the region’s improving infrastructure. The opening of Van Don International Airport, Vietnam’s first privately developed international airport, has significantly enhanced the area’s accessibility. The airport connects Van Don with major domestic and international economic centers, making it easier for tourists to reach this remote yet beautiful region. Additionally, the Ha Long – Van Don and Van Don – Mong Cai expressways have dramatically reduced travel times, ensuring that visitors can easily access the new resort city from other parts of Vietnam and beyond.

This enhanced connectivity is expected to attract high-quality visitors from across the region and around the world. The project’s location along a strategic axis linking Quang Hanh’s wellness and onsen-style resorts, the Sun World Ha Long entertainment complex, and Ha Long International Passenger Port ensures that tourists can enjoy a seamless travel experience, moving between destinations with ease.

The Role of the Casino in Attracting Tourists

One of the most exciting aspects of the Van Don project is the introduction of a pilot casino gaming and entertainment area. This casino, which will allow Vietnamese citizens to participate in accordance with government policy, is set to enhance Van Don’s attractiveness as a global tourism destination. The casino will be an integral part of the resort city, offering a range of gaming options, entertainment, and luxury services.

The introduction of casino gaming is expected to significantly boost tourism numbers, as it will attract international visitors seeking the excitement of a premier casino experience. In the future, the complex aims to compete with other major global entertainment destinations, such as Macau, Singapore, and Las Vegas, offering a world-class gaming experience alongside the region’s natural beauty and cultural attractions.

Impact on Local Economy and Employment

The construction and eventual operation of the integrated casino tourism complex in Van Don will have a significant impact on the local economy. Not only will it create thousands of jobs in the hospitality, entertainment, and service sectors, but it will also stimulate growth in related industries, such as construction, retail, and transportation. This influx of investment and development will help diversify the local economy, making it less reliant on traditional industries while creating a robust, sustainable tourism-driven economy.

Local businesses will also benefit from the surge in tourism, as more visitors flock to the region to experience its world-class amenities, cultural sites, and entertainment offerings. The project is expected to support the growth of resort real estate, with demand for properties in the area expected to increase as the resort city becomes a major tourism hub.

Timeline for Completion and Future Prospects

The integrated casino tourism complex in Van Don is slated to be completed in phases, with the casino component expected to open in 2028. Full completion of the entire project is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2034. As the project progresses, it is expected to serve as a key driver of economic development in Quang Ninh Province and contribute to the broader transformation of Vietnam into a global tourism and entertainment destination.

Sun Group’s commitment to developing this high-end integrated resort complex highlights the growing potential of the tourism and entertainment industries in Vietnam. By positioning Van Don as a world-class destination, Sun Group is playing a central role in shaping the future of tourism in Vietnam, attracting international visitors, and contributing to the country’s economic growth.

Van Don’s Transformation into a Global Tourism Hub

With the integration of high-class accommodation, entertainment, and cultural heritage, the project aims to put Van Don on the list of top tourist and entertainment spots in Asia. The resort city is expected to welcome tourists not only from Northeast Asia but also help the Quang Ninh Province reap economic benefits in the field of employment and tourism development.