Hanoi (VNA) - Located in Bai Tu Long Bay and adjacent to world heritage siteHa Long Bay in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh, the Van Don EconomicZone possesses significant advantages to develop the local and national leisurereal estate sector.

Van Don isset to become a multi-sector marine economic zone by 2040, which lays a legalfoundation enabling the district to grow stronger, faster, and more sustainably,said lawyer Truong Thanh Duc from the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre.

There isplenty of room for the expansion of leisure and vacation properties in economiczones like Van Don, according to Dr Le Xuan Nghia, director of the Institute ofBusiness Research and Development and member of the National Monetary andFinancial Advisory Group.

Van Don hascaught the eye of many strategic investors as its future has been compared to Singapore,he said, and the area is vital in boosting overall development in Quang Ninh.

Most ofthe country’s major developers, such as VinGroup, the CEO Group, the Sun Group,the FLC Group, and HD Mon, have staked out a presence in Van Don, pouring inmillions of VND to give the area a facelift.

One highlightis the 358-ha Sonasea Van Don Harbour City luxury complex, being developed by theCEO Group in Ha Long commune at a cost of 5 trillion VND (214 million USD).

Thecomplex stretches along some 2.2 km of beachfront and features a harbour, ashopping mall, a waterpark, an entertainment centre, shophouses, a 1,000-roomhotel, condotels, and beach villas, offering international-standard services toboth domestic and foreign vacationers.

Earlierthis year, the Government approved a master plan to develop Van Don into amulti-sector maritime economic zone and a hi-end industrial zone with casinosand resorts by 2040, with it also serving as an international gateway withcompetitive products and modern urban areas.

Theeconomic zone will be transformed into a smart, modern and green coastal urbanarea as well an economic and cultural hub in the region.

Its populationis to increase to 140,000-200,000 by 2030 and 300,000-500,000 by 2040.

QuangNinh is zoning off Van Don as a high-quality administrative-economic specialzone and has adopted a long-term, sweeping vision.

Theisland district boasts diverse topographic conditions, with forests, seas, limestonekarsts and caves, and mountains. Its forest ecosystem is home to 1,028 speciesof animals while its marine ecosystem boasts 881 species, including 102 thatare named in the Vietnam and world Red Books (of endangered species).

It is alsohome to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Gulf of Tonkin, such as QuanLan, Minh Chau, Ngoc Vung, and Bai Dai.

Lookingout to Bai Tu Long Bay, Quan Lan Beach is blessed with smooth white sands,transparent blue seas, fresh air, and peace and tranquillity. It’s ideal forthose seeking to get away from the pressure of the city. Its lush pineapplesmake the beach even more memorable.

Meanwhile,Bai Dai (Long Beach) is an untamed treasure of Van Don, appealing to visitorswith its wild, poetic beauty rarely found in beach destinations. Its long,white sands join underwater worlds visible through crystal-clear waters. FromBai Dai, one can look out towards picturesque Bai Tu Long Bay. Sportingactivities are varied, such as kayaking, water motorcycling, tennis, and volleyball.

Minh ChauBeach is also an ideal spot for travel enthusiasts. Thousands of holidaymakersflock here every year to enjoy a vacation. Couples in particular favour thespot, where truly amazing wedding photos can be shot. The beach is 230 km fromHanoi and 15 km from Quan Lan Beach. A unique feature is its pristine whitesand, which is so soft and comfortable to walk on./.