This also represents a golden opportunity for tourism infrastructure investors. High-end accommodation remains limited while demand significantly exceeds supply. Premium visitor flows are expected to surge once Van Don officially operates under its special economic zone framework.

Tourism – often referred to as the “smokeless industry” – is considered the core economic pillar driving Van Don toward becoming a modern marine economic hub of regional stature.

Awakening the “Smokeless Economy”

In 2025, Van Don Special Economic Zone successfully fulfilled all 18 key socio-economic targets, achieving important foundational results that improved residents’ living standards and enhanced the local investment environment.

These achievements are particularly significant as Quang Ninh Province continues to lead the nation in economic growth, with GRDP estimated to increase by 11.89%, GRDP per capita exceeding USD 10,400, and state budget revenue reaching VND 82,235 billion.

Such impressive figures not only reflect the vitality of the local economy but also indicate that the growth structure is being reshaped toward sustainability and higher value creation.

Within this strategy, tourism — the “smokeless industry” — is positioned as a central pillar, with the goal of transforming Van Don into a modern marine economic zone and a regional tourism and entertainment hub. This vision is supported by a series of large-scale tourism infrastructure projects currently being developed by major investors such as Sun Group, Everland, and Vingroup.

Becoming a new-generation Special Economic Zone is not merely a target but a development aspiration for Van Don. With the presence of reputable and financially capable investors, the area is expected to enter a breakthrough phase from 2026 onward, gradually forming an ecosystem of services, innovation, and high-end tourism, alongside modern, smart, and sustainable urban spaces capable of competing regionally and internationally. Van Don is poised to become a strategic growth pole for both Quang Ninh Province and Vietnam.

A golden investment opportunity riding the special zone wave

In December 2025 alone, within a single day, 26 projects were launched and five projects were inaugurated across Van Don and Quang Ninh Province, representing a total investment of VND 383 trillion. This demonstrates strong determination to accelerate infrastructure development, promote the “smokeless industry,” and create breakthroughs for the local economy.

A destination comparable to Bali or Phuket is gradually taking shape in Van Don, opening a golden investment opportunity for developers and investors in high-end tourism and resort real estate.

According to assessments by the Vietnam Association of Realtors, Van Don now possesses all the conditions necessary for rapid growth: a modern and synchronized transport infrastructure system, including Van Don International Airport with both domestic and international routes and plans for further expansion.

Van Don International Airport plays a key role in the increasingly complete infrastructure system of Van Don.

The number of tourists arriving in Quang Ninh via Van Don International Airport has increased steadily over the years, driving strong growth in both demand and pricing for resort accommodation.

Despite its tremendous potential, real estate prices in Van Don are still considered to be at an early stage of the market cycle, leaving significant room for stable value appreciation and strong liquidity once the market fully absorbs breakthrough policies associated with the new-generation special economic zone model.

Market observations indicate that demand for resort real estate—particularly high-end apartments with direct sea and bay views—is currently high, while supply remains extremely limited. This segment is regarded as the most promising in Van Don and is forecast to experience strong growth in the next market cycle.

At present, within the core area of Van Don, Crystal Holidays Harbour Van Don — developed by Everland Group — is the only project offering high-end apartments with direct panoramic views of the bay and sea.

Ao Tien International Port serves as a gateway for visitors exploring the forest–bay–island tourism routes of Van Don.

Located adjacent to Ao Tien International Port and only 15 minutes from Van Don International Airport, the Crystal Holidays Harbour Van Don complex is built on a 2.6-hectare site with a total investment exceeding VND 5,600 billion. The development includes five towers ranging from 28 to 34 floors and a four-story international convention center, designed in neo-classical architecture inspired by “prosperous sails” reaching toward the sea.

The project has been designed by reputable firms such as Nagecco, HBA, West Green Design, and MDL, while construction and supervision are undertaken by leading contractors including Delta, Unicons, Sing Nam, and Artelia. From architectural design and materials to technical solutions, every aspect has been carefully selected to ensure both high aesthetic value and superior construction quality.

Notably, the complex will be managed and operated by Centara Hotels & Resorts, one of Thailand’s leading hospitality brands, ensuring international five-star standards. The project is also expected to attract significant international visitor flows from key markets such as China and South Korea through strategic cooperation between Crystal Holidays and overseas tourism partners including Marketing Highlands and Century Travel & Marketing (South Korea).

The development will provide 2,274 five-star standard hotel rooms and serviced apartments, together with a comprehensive ecosystem of amenities including a commercial center, retail areas, restaurants, entertainment facilities, wellness services, meeting venues, and themed clubs.

A key highlight of the project is its 1,500-seat international convention center equipped with high-end sound and lighting systems, designed to host both domestic and international conferences and events.

Crystal Holidays Harbour Van Don is emerging as a new resort centerpiece that enhances visitor experiences in Bai Tu Long Bay and Van Don.

Towers A and B were inaugurated on December 19, 2025 and officially commenced operations on April 30, 2026. The project is expected to help address the shortage of high-end accommodation supply in Van Don, attract high-value visitor segments, and establish a large-scale M.I.C.E., resort, and entertainment hub.

Everland Group is also pioneering the development of a synchronized and integrated tourism ecosystem covering accommodation, travel services, transportation, and tourism services. The Group has launched day cruises and overnight vessels operating along “The Beauty of Van Don” maritime routes from Ao Tien Port to islands such as Phat Co, Tay Hoi, and Ban Sen, creating unique experiential tourism products in Bai Tu Long Bay.

This integrated ecosystem forms a closed value chain that enhances visitor experiences while improving the overall quality of local tourism services.

The operation of Crystal Holidays Harbour Van Don is expected to trigger a tourism boom in 2026. At the same time, it presents a golden investment opportunity for forward-looking investors seeking stable, income-generating real estate assets as a safe capital allocation channel amid slowing growth in other investment sectors.