Landmark Development to Transform Quang Ninh’s Economic Outlook
Vietnam has formally approved a monumental $2 billion integrated resort and casino project in the northern province of Quang Ninh, positioning Van Don as a future epicenter for high-end tourism and gaming. The approval, issued on 27 June 2025 by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha via Decision No. 1395, authorizes the development of a 244-hectare complex within the Van Don Special Economic Zone.
This mega-project marks a significant milestone in Vietnam’s long-term strategy to bolster coastal development, modernise its tourism economy, and cautiously liberalise gambling under tightly regulated frameworks.
Key Features: A Pilot Casino and Luxury Ecosystem
The Van Don resort will include hotels, villas, a retail and entertainment district, conference halls, and, notably, a casino open to Vietnamese nationals—a rarity in the country. Vietnam continues to restrict gambling access for locals, with limited pilot programs operating under strict supervision. This resort will expand that approach under controlled conditions.
Once complete, the complex is expected to generate annual post-tax profits of VND8.2 trillion (approximately US$313.6 million) and contribute VND228 trillion (US$8.7 billion) to the state budget over its 70-year lifespan. Authorities project capital recovery within 32.8 years, underlining strong long-term financial viability.
Government Oversight and Local Impact
The Quang Ninh provincial government will be tasked with overseeing investor selection, capital flow monitoring, and ensuring full compliance with environmental and land-use laws. The resort’s development timeline is expected to span nine years, contingent upon land clearance and adherence to environmental regulations involving forest and water resources.
Critically, the development is forecast to create approximately 6,000 jobs, offering a substantial boost to the regional labour market and catalysing economic growth in adjacent sectors like logistics, services, and infrastructure.
Infrastructure Advantage: Gateway to Northern Vietnam
Van Don’s strategic location already benefits from robust infrastructure, including the Van Don International Airport, Ao Tien Port, and the Ha Long–Van Don–Mong Cai Expressway. These assets not only enhance domestic access but also open corridors to northern China, potentially attracting affluent cross-border tourists.
The resort aligns with Vietnam’s Vision 2030 strategy to position Van Don as a marine and island tourism hub, competing with global destinations in luxury, leisure, and entertainment.
Looking Ahead: Cautious Liberalisation in a New Market
This project comes amid broader debates about gambling liberalisation in Vietnam. While most citizens remain barred from local casinos, pilot programs—such as the one in Phu Quoc—have demonstrated manageable results under strict regulatory controls. The Van Don casino adds a new dimension, potentially acting as a bellwether for broader policy shifts.
As the only local casino in northern Vietnam expected to welcome Vietnamese players, the project carries both economic promise and regulatory sensitivity. Its success will likely influence future gaming legislation and investor sentiment in the region.
Conclusion: A Regional Game-Changer
The Van Don Integrated Resort represents Vietnam’s most ambitious step yet toward high-end tourism and a measured expansion of its gaming sector. Backed by favourable geography, government support, and careful oversight, the resort is poised to become a cornerstone of Quang Ninh’s economic transformation and a key case study in Vietnam’s evolving approach to domestic gaming.
