Exposing Vietnam’s “Specially Approved” Tourism Projects
Khanh Hoa Province’s Inspectorate has released findings on troubled tourism projects facing delays and underperformance.
The report reveals major tourism and resort projects in Khanh Hoa received investment licenses without proper bidding, violating Vietnamese law. Specifically, Bai Dai Resort and Duyen Ha Luxury Resort were granted licenses without competitive selection, according to inspectors.
This breaches the 2005 Investment Law and related regulations. Responsibility falls on Khanh Hoa’s People’s Committee and Department of Planning and Investment (2012-2013).
Bai Dai’s pristine beaches, a coveted tourism destination in Khanh Hoa.
Golden Summit Nha Trang Resort & Hotel also bypassed proper procedures. The Department of Planning and Investment approved its license without inter-agency consultation. The People’s Committee then selected the investor without bidding, violating the 2005 Investment Law and Circular 03. Responsibility lies with the 2014 People’s Committee and 2013-2014 Department of Planning and Investment.
More seriously, inspectors uncovered land management violations in Cam Ranh Peninsula’s northern resorts. Prime Resorts and Hotels exemplifies planning abuses.
Beyond bypassing bidding, authorities allocated over 5 hectares as “non-residential land” for villas. Developers were allowed to sell these villas with indefinite land rights, contradicting the area’s commercial zoning (which permits only leased land).
Consequently, 175 land titles were issued as “rural residential,” effectively transforming a national tourism zone into a residential area. This misallocation squanders resources and undermines sustainable tourism goals. Responsibility falls on the People’s Committee, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, and involved individuals.
Similarly, Phat Dat Resort received improper residential land designations from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, contravening land laws. The 2016-2018 People’s Committee and Department share responsibility.
What’s the Solution?
Inspectors attribute violations to state management failures or joint investor-management errors.
For non-bidding projects, inspectors recommend the People’s Committee seek special mechanisms (like Resolution 170/2024/QH15) to legalize land use while reassessing land values for proper taxation.
Duyen Ha Resort, one of the projects flagged in the inspection. Photo: L.H
For land violations, inspectors urge reclassifying “non-residential” plots to “commercial services” in line with planning. Authorities must also hold accountable all organizations and individuals involved in these violations.
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