The local development program aims to make Van Don a diverse marine economy and entertainment hub by 2040

The Van Don Urban Development Program to 2030 and a vision to 2040, is designed to transform Van Don into a diversified marine economic zone and a hub for the entertainment industry, featuring casinos, premium maritime tourism and comprehensive services. The plan also envisions Van Don as a sustainable, green, and climate-resilient urban area with integrated infrastructure, preserving its unique terrain, landscape, and identity while effectively leveraging its geographical and natural advantages. The district is set to meet Class III urban criteria by 2025 and aims to evolve into Van Don City, satisfying Class II urban criteria by 2030.

Urban-developed areas are specified in the Adjusted General Plan of Van Don Economic Zone to 2040, approved in Decision 266/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister. Accordingly, Van Don Economic Zone is divided into two development areas (Cai Bau Island and Van Hai Archipelago).

Cai Bau Island will focus on developing main functional areas of urban areas and economic zones. Cai Bau Island is divided into the eastern region (Cai Rong area), the western region (Van Don Airport area) and the northern region (Mui Chua - Van Hoa Port). The Van Hai Archipelago will develop high-end resort tourism and eco-tourism services and high-tech agricultural production, associated with preserving the ecological landscape and biodiversity. Residential development will be limited on some islands (Canh Cuoc, Tra Ban, Ngoc Vung, Cong Dong and Cong Tay).

In terms of the development trajectory and urban expansion plans up to 2025, Van Don is set to finalize, construct and refurbish existing urban zones, initiate tourism ventures, new urban sectors, and residential and resettlement areas. The district will invest in harmoniously interconnected urban infrastructure systems in Cai Rong town, Dong Xa commune, and Ha Long commune to meet ward establishment norms. Concurrently, Van Don will rally investment resources for foundational infrastructure projects and foster incentives for urban growth. The district is poised to progressively enhance urban quality to attain Class III urban standards by 2025.

During the 2026-2030 phase, Van Don will elevate the standard of urban infrastructure, broaden the inner city, and cultivate key maritime tourism zones in Quan Lan and Minh Chau. Here, Doan Ket Ward will prioritize investment for infrastructure connectivity from the existing urban core. The district will establish a new administrative center, serving as the political, commercial, and service hub of the urban area. It will fortify the primary transportation network linked to downtown, refurbish the urban infrastructure, and enhance the urban standards of Van Don City. Investments will be made to construct Van Don City to meet Class II urban standards and aim to achieve Class I urban standards for the quality of social, economic, and technical infrastructure by 2030.

In 2031-2040, Van Don will invest in upgrading infrastructure quality, expanding the construction of new urban areas, commercial and service areas, connecting Doan Ket commune infrastructure system through Dai Xuyen and Van Yen communes. It will improve the quality of socioeconomic infrastructure and technical infrastructure of island communes.

To carry out the planning and the roadmap, the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee assigned Van Don District People's Committee to implement and announce the Van Don Urban Development Program to 2030, with a vision to 2040; plan, implement and direct implementation of chosen urban development programs and projects; and periodically report the implementation progress to the Provincial People's Committee. In addition, the district will prepare and adjust zoning plans to manage and attract investment as approved.

The district will monitor and supervise the implementation of development investment projects to match with approved plans and progress; synthesize, propose and coordinate with relevant authorities to handle matters arising out of the investment process; and intensify the management of existing urban order and planned urban development areas.