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In a significant stride for Vietnam’s tourism and entertainment landscape, local powerhouse Sun Group has received formal approval from both the Prime Minister and the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee to develop a US$2 billion integrated resort in Van Don, Quang Ninh Province. The resort will be managed by the Sun Group affiliate, Van Don Sun Joint Stock Company, marking a pivotal expansion in the developer’s impressive regional portfolio.

The sprawling development will occupy approximately 244.5 hectares, with 182.4 hectares designated for the resort itself and 62.1 hectares preserved as natural forest—a delicate balance between large-scale development and environmental stewardship. The project promises to deliver a robust mix of offerings: luxury hotels and resorts, condotels, townhouses, retail and office spaces, and convention facilities, alongside a high-end casino permitted under a renewed pilot program allowing Vietnamese locals to participate in gambling under controlled conditions.

This latest initiative reinvigorates the concept of domestic participation in casino gaming—a model previously trialed only at Corona Resort & Casino on Phu Quoc Island, which ceased operating its locals‑gaming pilot at the start of 2025. Under the new program, local players will likely face an entry levy—potentially VND 2.5 million for a 24‑hour pass or VND 50 million for a month—rather than the previous requirement to verify financial stability.

Sun Group’s chairman for its Northern Region, Nguyen Quang Huy, emphasized the transformative potential of the project, expressing hope that it would both enrich guest experiences and significantly bolster Quang Ninh’s economy, positioning the Van Don Economic Zone as Vietnam’s new benchmark for tourism and entertainment.

This ambitious plan is part of a broader national strategy to elevate Vietnam’s tourism infrastructure, aiming to rival regional heavyweights such as Macau and Las Vegas. The resort is expected to feature world-class cultural festivals, continuous entertainment offerings, and premium wellness amenities, effectively turning Van Don into an all-weather, all-market tourist magnet.

Economically, the project is expected to bring substantial benefits. Estimates suggest a lifespan of operations extending up to 70 years, with a nine-year construction timeline once land allocation is finalized. Financial models foresee a significant contribution to the national budget—exceeding VND 228 trillion (approximately US$8.7–9.7 billion)—spanning a rich mix of taxes, employment-generated income, and intensified tourism-related revenue.

Environmentally and culturally, Sun Group has pledged to proceed with sustainability in mind, coordinating with national and provincial authorities to embed local crafts, architecture, and traditions into the design—ensuring the development reflects the heritage of Quang Ninh while forging a distinct identity of its own.

This announcement arrives on the heels of a renewed national push to expand the scope of integrated resort development in Vietnam—building on Sun Group’s solid foundation in the region. Their prior ventures include the Van Don International Airport, Ha Long–Van Don expressways, Sun World Ha Long theme park, and Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh, which collectively have elevated visitor access and appeal long before the resort concept took shape.

In conclusion, the greenlighting of this US$2 billion integrated resort represents a watershed moment in Vietnam’s evolution as a global tourism and entertainment destination. If successful, it could redefine regional travel dynamics, fuse luxury and culture, and solidify Quang Ninh Province as the country’s premier leisure hub. Yet the project also carries important responsibilities—ensuring sustainable growth, regulatory clarity in locals’ gaming, and preserving the region’s natural and cultural assets will be critical determinants of its long-term success.