Aligning with Global Standards
The blueprint reveals a mega-complex pairing premium casino facilities with luxury accommodations, residential towers, convention spaces, sports arenas, and wellness retreat centers. The development aims to establish Van Don as a Southeast Asian counterpart to Macau and Las Vegas with round-the-clock entertainment and cultural performances.
Provincial leaders expect the integrated resort to help in the economic zone’s transformation into a leisure hotspot, elevating Vietnam’s profile in international tourism and diversifying local revenue sources.
Gaming Policy Shift
The Van Don complex marks a bold step in casino access for Vietnamese residents, since it is the second venue ever permitted to welcome local players under strict regulations. Corona Resort & Casino ran a pilot program before the COVID-19 pandemic, which ended in 2024.
Authorities now propose replacing the stringent income verification required in the pilot program with tiered entry fees. The proposal suggests VND2.5 million (US$100) for 24-hour access or VND50 million (US$2,000) monthly passes. Developers explain that the initiative operates under a “carefully regulated policy” that seeks to balance economic opportunity with social safeguards.
The project will transcend gaming, integrating luxury hospitality and cultural attractions to court international tourists alongside Vietnam’s growing upper and middle classes. The final regulatory frameworks are still under negotiation.
A Three-Phase Project
The casino resort will be built in three phases, with $964 million allocated to initial development, followed by $849 million and $165 million spent in subsequent stages. The undertaking comes at significant global gaming sector changes, including the withdrawal of Thailand’s IR bill, positioning Vietnam as an emerging player.
Sun Group highlighted prior infrastructure investments in Quang Ninh, including Van Don International Airport (Vietnam’s first privately funded air hub) and Ha Long’s dedicated cruise terminal. These projects demonstrate Sun Group’s ability to undertake large-scale infrastructure.
