HCMC – Cat Ba Island off the coast of Haiphong City is transforming into Vietnam’s newest tourism and entertainment destination, marked by a record-setting show and a wide array of newly launched attractions by Vietnamese conglomerate Sun Group.
On May 30, Sun Group officially unveiled a large-scale tourism and entertainment complex in Cat Ba’s central bay area, coinciding with the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Haiphong City’s liberation (May 13, 1955 – 2025). The project aims to elevate the island’s global appeal while preserving its World Heritage-listed core region.
Speaking at the launch, Vu Trong Hieu, chairman of the People’s Committee of Cat Ba Town, emphasized the need for a distinctive development path. “As the core area of a World Heritage site, Cat Ba must offer exceptional experiences while preserving its ecological and cultural values,” he said.
Dang Minh Truong, chairman of Sun Group, said the company aims to bring world-class experiences to Vietnamese audiences. “We do not replicate what’s already been done. We search for what Vietnam does not yet have—but truly deserves,” he said.
The highlight of the launch was “Symphony of the Green Island,” an artistic and sports performance staged over the sea, which simultaneously set two Guinness World Records. The show features the world’s largest jet ski formation launching fireworks and the most backflips on a flyboard in one minute.
Built in just two months, the show brought together nearly 40 international athletes on a sea stage—marking the first time Vietnam has hosted a performance of this scale over open water. Audiences can enjoy the spectacle five nights a week until early September.
Beyond the show, Cat Ba’s central bay area has undergone a rapid transformation. A beachfront square, clean bathing areas, and a network of new restaurants, a night market, and electric transport systems have created a seamless tourism ecosystem. The entire infrastructure was developed in under a year.
Visitors can now explore the vibrant Vui-Fest Night Market, enjoy local delicacies, live acoustic music, and OCOP-certified souvenirs. Nearby, two new beachside restaurants serve seafood and barbecue alongside Sun Kraftbeer, making its northern Vietnam debut.
Sun Group also launched a new green transport system connecting Phu Long cable car station with the bay, offering electric bus and buggy rides for easier access to the entertainment zone. This forms part of a broader strategy to ease traffic and promote sustainable tourism infrastructure.
Sun Group’s investment in Cat Ba is part of its broader strategy to revitalize underdeveloped regions through long-term planning and international-standard tourism products.
