Central Vietnam rich in resorts

In the first quarter of 2007 alone, Da Nang and Quang Nam provincial Vietnam authorities licenced 7 high-grade resort and entertainment complex projects totaling nearly $300mil.

The coastal area of 40 km in length from Son Tra to Hoi An Vietnam is brimming with five star resort projects which aim to receive high-grade tourists. VinaCapital alone is the investor of two projects on five star sea tourism complexes, and the golf course in Hoa Hai (Ngu Hanh Son). The two projects, covering an area of 260 ha, are estimated to have total investment capital at $130mil. All necessary procedures have been completed by the investor, and construction is expected to start soon.

Moreover, VinaCapital has also announced it will invest in the $16mil Hoi An Royal Bay project, acting as a partner in the joint venture with OIL. Hoi An Royal Bay resort will consist of 100 villas and entertainment and sports centres, covering an area of 7 ha in Dien Ban district. The construction of the project is expected to start in the second quarter of the year.

Don Lam, Director of VinaCapital, said that it would be wise to make investment in high-grade resorts in coastal areas that can provide high-grade and diversified services. Experts have forecast that the number of tourists coming to Vietnam increases by 20% every year, and most of them are high-end clients.

It is estimated that by the end of 2008, Da Nang will see a series of five star hotels in coastal areas put into operation.

However, experts have warned that the tourism programming of the central region must be considered thoroughly, as too many resorts and tourism complexes could spoil the local landscapes and the environment.

They have pointed out that the tense density of tourism complexes in the Son Tra peninsular area is threatening to spoil the landscape of the very beautiful land.

Environmental pollution is also a big concern of environmentalists. In order to keep the environment unpolluted, local authorities should only licence projects which can meet the requirements for four star resorts and higher. The construction works must have the maximum construction density of 20-30% of total space, and the height of the works must not be higher than the peak of coconut trees.

Hotels in Hoi an

(Source: VN Media)