Vietnam’s Sun Group has officially been chosen to lead a multibillion-dollar development that will transform Quang Ninh province into one of the country’s most ambitious entertainment hubs. The $2 billion casino and tourism complex, approved by both the Prime Minister and the provincial People’s Committee, will be built in the Van Don Economic Zone and is set to become the second venue in Vietnam where locals can legally gamble under a controlled pilot program.

A Landmark Development in Quang Ninh

The Van Don Sun Joint Stock Company, a subsidiary of Sun Group, has been named as the project’s investor. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh granted in-principle approval on June 27, 2025, paving the way for one of Vietnam’s largest integrated resort undertakings to date.

According to the approved master plan, the resort will span 244.45 hectares, with 182.4 hectares dedicated to facilities and 62.1 hectares set aside for natural forest preservation. The project encompasses far more than casino gaming, including luxury hotels and resorts, condotels, townhouses, high-end shopping malls, office and convention spaces, as well as international-standard sports, recreation, and wellness centers.

Sun Group said the Van Don Integrated Casino & Tourism Complex will feature “luxury casino operations, high-end hotels and resorts, condotels and shophouses, shopping and commercial centres, large-scale convention and exhibition halls, [and] international-standard sports and recreation facilities, as well as premium wellness, health care, and entertainment services.”

The project is expected to be built in phases with a nine-year construction timeline once land allocation is finalized. Its operation period will extend up to 70 years from the official approval date.

Pilot Access for Vietnamese Gamblers

Perhaps the most notable feature is that the casino will be open to Vietnamese citizens on a pilot basis. Previously, only the Corona Resort & Casino on Phu Quoc island was authorized to admit locals under a trial program, which expired at the start of 2025.

This new policy signals a revival of the locals’ gaming model, but under a modified framework. Reports indicate that instead of proving financial stability as in the original program, players will likely pay an entry levy—VND2.5 million (approximately US$100) for 24-hour access or VND50 million (around US$2,000) for a month’s pass.

Sun Group confirmed: “The casino would allow Vietnamese citizens to participate under a carefully regulated policy.”

Positioning Van Don as a Global Destination

Sun Group has already invested heavily in Quang Ninh. Its portfolio includes Van Don International Airport—the country’s first privately funded airport—Ha Long International Cruise Port, major expressways connecting Ha Long to Van Don and Mong Cai, as well as world-class attractions like Sun World Ha Long, Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh, and Oakwood Ha Long.

Nguyen Quang Huy, chairman of Sun Group Northern Region, said: “We believe this project will create unprecedented experiences for guests, while making a significant contribution to Quang Ninh’s economy and driving the Van Don Economic Zone forward to become a new benchmark of tourism and entertainment in Vietnam.”

The company added that Van Don will serve as a stage for “international-scale art performances, world-class cultural shows, and vibrant entertainment venues operating around-the-clock.” With this ambition, Sun Group envisions Van Don joining Macau and Las Vegas as a global tourism and gaming hub.

According to The Investor, with more than $2 billion in total investment, funded through equity, loans, and mobilized capital, the complex is expected to provide thousands of jobs and stimulate regional growth. Beyond the casino, the resort’s retail, hospitality, and convention offerings are designed to draw both international tourists and Vietnam’s growing middle and upper classes.

Officials believe the project could make Van Don a centerpiece of Vietnam’s long-term tourism strategy. The province is already home to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the new complex is expected to complement the area’s natural attractions with year-round entertainment.