According to an environmental impact assessment report, Van Don JSC, a Sun Group subsidiary, described the project as “urgent and necessary” to attract international tourists, particularly from Northeast Asia, and strengthen Vietnam’s competitiveness against regional tourism rivals.

The integrated resort will span about 244 hectares in the strategic Van Don Economic Zone, much of it forest land, with one side facing the sea. It is designed to host up to 10,500 visitors.

Illustration of the project in Quang Ninh province, northern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of the Van Don Economic Zone Authority.

Construction will be carried out in three phases: the first is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2027, the second by late 2030, and the final phase by mid-2032.

The centerpiece will be a 36.7-hectare casino featuring high-rise hotels, luxury entertainment, and conference facilities.

The casino will house an estimated 214 gaming tables and 2,140 slot machines across a 25-story tower with three basement levels. The developer is expected to seek government approval to allow Vietnamese nationals to gamble at the casino on a three-year trial basis.

Sun Group said the casino-resort project would benefit from existing transport links, including Van Don International Airport, Ha Long International Cruise Port, and the Ha Long-Van Don and Van Don-Mong Cai expressways, enhancing accessibility for both domestic and foreign visitors.

Quang Ninh province estimates the project will contribute more than VND228 trillion ($9.6 billion) to the local budget over its 70-year lifespan and create 6,000 jobs.

During the first half of 2025, the province, home to the world-renowned Ha Long Bay, welcomed 12.1 million tourist arrivals (up 16% year-on-year), including 2.3 million foreign visitors, according to the local tourism watchdog.