Property giant Sun Group commences work on $1.35 bln spiritual tourism complex in central Vietnam

Sun Group, Vietnam's leading real estate developer, on Saturday broke ground on its Am Tien spiritual and historical tourism complex project in the central province of Thanh Hoa.

The $1.35 billion project, covering over 350 hectares in Trieu Son district, is set for completion between 2027 and 2030.

It will be developed in three phases. The first phase will build commercial service areas and a cable car system, with a total investment of VND2.97 trillion ($114.23 million). This segment is scheduled to be operational by 2027.

The second phase features a cultural landscape axis and tourism service area as the centerpiece of the project.

It includes a Vairocana Buddha statue which will be the world’s largest silver-plated bronze statue - about 167.5 meters high including its base - and crafted by hundreds of renowned Vietnamese bronze artisans.

The third will involve the construction of a 295-hectare eco-resort, highlighted by the "Legendary Village" that artistically recreates the image of Lady Trieu, a Vietnamese heroin in the third century, through sculptures, white elephant symbols, bronze gongs, and battle drums.

Dang Minh Truong, chairman of Sun Group, stated that developing the Am Tien spiritual and historical tourism complex is considered a special cultural mission. Beyond revitalizing a sacred land, the project aims to establish an internationally significant cultural and spiritual tourism destination.

The Am Tien site is historically tied to Lady Trieu’s heroic uprising against the Eastern Wu invaders in ancient Vietnamese history. Considered one of the most sacred “acupoints” in the country, it carries profound cultural and spiritual meaning.

The project not only seeks to tap into the tourism potential but also represents a strong commitment to preserving and promoting Vietnam’s historical and cultural heritage, he said.

It is expected to significantly boost the local economy, create thousands of jobs, and improve the quality of life and income for residents, Truong added.

Thanh Hoa, known for its rich history and cultural legacy, is strategically located along the North-South economic corridor.

Despite its natural and cultural assets, including Sam Son beach, Pu Luong nature reserve, and the sacred fish spring, it has long lacked a large-scale, world-class spiritual tourism center. The Am Tien complex is expected to fill that gap, transforming Thanh Hoa into a new highlight on Vietnam’s tourism map.

In addition to the Thanh Hoa project, Sun Group is also preparing to open its Sun World Ha Nam Water Park, the first water park in Vietnam inspired by traditional water puppetry, in Ha Nam province, about 50 kilometers from Hanoi.

This project marks another strategic move by Sun Group in combining cultural values with world-class tourism development.

The park is set to make its debut during Vietnam’s National Reunification Day and May Day holidays (April 30-May 1) and will officially launch on May 10, at the Sun Urban City residential area in Phu Ly town.

Home to Southeast Asia’s first-ever parallel racing water slide, it is expected to become one of the top summer travel destinations in northern Vietnam.

Sun Group is famous for its tourism complexes in Danang city, Ha Long town - home to Ha Long Bay, the resort town of Sapa, and Phu Quoc -Vietnam's largest island.

The group is the investor of Vietnam's first and only privately-invested airport - Van Don Airport - and the Ha Long International Cruise Port, both in Quang Ninh province.