ThaiGroup to launch 5-billion USD mega project in Ninh Binh by year-end

Covering more than 1,000 hectares and requiring an estimated investment of 128 trillion VND (approximately 5 billion USD), the project is regarded as a strategic initiative to transform Ninh Binh into a new growth engine for Vietnam. It is expected to support the province’s ambition of achieving double-digit economic growth while further strengthening its position on the global tourism map.

A “Sleepless City” and a world-class entertainment destination

The centerpiece of the mega complex will be a “Sleepless City” and an entertainment hub envisioned as a new iconic destination in Asia. Inspired by globally successful models such as Disneyland and Universal Studios, the project aims to create a distinctive identity that reflects the cultural heritage of Vietnam’s former imperial capital.

In line with the Government’s Night-Time Economy Development Programme, the complex will pioneer a wide range of nighttime attractions, including immersive live performances, light and music festivals, and vibrant culinary streets. A key highlight will be a 6-kilometre FIA-standard Formula 1 racing circuit, expected to become a new landmark and attract motorsport enthusiasts from around the world.

The master plan also includes an international football academy based on successful Spanish and Japanese development models. The academy is intended to nurture young football talents not only for Ninh Binh but also for Vietnamese sports as a whole.

One of the project’s most urgent objectives is to address the shortage of high-end accommodation in Ninh Binh. With plans for 15,000 to 20,000 hotel and resort rooms, the development is expected to help meet growing demand as the province welcomed approximately 19.4 million visitors in 2025.

An integrated ecosystem featuring luxury hotels, convention centres, pedestrian zones, and shopping complexes will be developed to encourage longer visitor stays. The project is also expected to diversify Ninh Binh’s tourism offerings, helping the province evolve from a heritage-focused destination into an internationally recognised hub for entertainment and experiential tourism.

Strategic partnerships with global giants

Beyond reshaping the urban landscape, the mega complex is projected to generate significant economic and social benefits. Preliminary estimates indicate that land-use fees alone could contribute more than 35 trillion VND to the state budget, providing substantial resources for infrastructure development and social welfare programs. The project is also expected to create tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs for local residents.

The project’s vision extends beyond creating a standalone destination. It is designed to support Ninh Binh’s long-term strategy of developing a “Millennial Heritage City,” a concept that combines cultural preservation with modern urban and economic development.

To realise this vision, ThaiGroup has partnered with two of the world’s leading design firms. The first is POPULOUS, a globally renowned design company with over 40 years of experience and more than 3,500 completed projects. The second is SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill), the prestigious architectural firm behind iconic structures such as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and One World Trade Center in New York.

The Ninh Binh mega complex is expected to become a transformative addition to the province’s development strategy, helping write a new chapter in its heritage story - one defined by ambition, innovation, and a distinctive sense of place./.