Quang Ninh province has given the green light for Sun Group to build a $2 billion luxury tourism and casino complex in the Van Don Economic Zone, marking a watershed moment for the country’s entertainment industry.
This landmark development, covering 244 hectares, will be the first in Vietnam to pilot casino access for Vietnamese nationals under strict controls, a move that could significantly reshape the domestic gaming and high-end tourism landscape.
The project, helmed by Van Don Sun JSC under Sun Group, received in-principle approval from the Prime Minister on June 27, 2025. At the heart of the development lies a world-class casino—where, for the first time, local players will be permitted to participate as part of a pilot program.
Alongside the casino, the project envisions hotels, high-end resorts, condotels, shophouses, office buildings, conference centers, sports venues, and a broad suite of leisure and wellness offerings—creating a holistic, closed tourism ecosystem tailored to both international visitors and Vietnam’s burgeoning affluent class.
The complex is designed to offer international-standard art performances and nonstop entertainment, aiming to position Van Don as a rival to Macau and Las Vegas on the global stage.
Under the plan, the project will operate for up to 70 years from approval, with a construction and commissioning period expected to span nine years. The venture is set to become a flagship for resort and casino tourism in Quang Ninh, anchoring the transformation of the Van Don Economic Zone and strengthening Vietnam’s appeal to global tourists and high-spending travelers.
Sun Group, the investor behind the project, is already a major force in the region. The conglomerate has delivered multiple signature infrastructure initiatives in Quang Ninh, including Vietnam’s first privately owned international airport at Van Don, the Ha Long International Cruise Port, key expressways, and various luxury resorts.
