Northern Vietnam province opens bid for $2 bln tourism-casino complex project

Quang Ninh, a coastal province in northern Vietnam, is seeking investors for a large-scale tourism and casino complex valued at VND51.5 trillion ($2 billion) in its strategic Van Don Economic Zone.

The proposed project will span more than 244.45 hectares, including 62.08 hectares of protected natural forest, which will be preserved in its existing state.

The remaining 182 hectares will be developed into key functional areas, including a casino, high-end hotels, resorts, villas, and other tourism amenities.

Designed with a maximum operational term of 70 years, the project is expected to complete construction within nine years.

Once operational, the complex aims to position itself as a premier destination for luxury hospitality and integrated resort real estate. However, casino operations will only proceed subject to legal approval.

Early this year, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha granted in-principle approval for the project. The provincial economic zone authority has been tasked with preparing supporting infrastructure plans, including housing and social services, to accommodate the project’s future workforce.

This initiative is part of Quang Ninh’s broader investment strategy. In May, the Quang Ninh People’s Committee approved a list of 259 non-budget investment projects to be promoted between 2025 and 2030, spanning nearly 21,000 hectares.

Among these are eight planned golf course developments totaling 2,200 hectares, with a combined investment of over VND13 trillion ($510 million).

During the first half of 2025, Quang Ninh 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.