Singapore’s Golden Goose
Since its grand opening in 2010, Marina Bay Sands (MBS) has become a global icon of Singapore and one of Asia’s most successful integrated resort, entertainment, and commercial complexes. Spanning 15.5 hectares, the project was funded by billionaire Sheldon Adelson of Las Vegas Sands Corporation. Featuring three hotel towers, an infinity pool shaped like a ship atop the building, a museum resembling a blooming lotus, and a state-of-the-art casino, Marina Bay Sands rightfully stands as Singapore’s pride.
Beyond its significant economic impact on the Lion City, MBS has elevated Singapore’s global recognition. Alongside the Merlion statue, MBS’s ship-like structure has become a staple in Singapore’s tourism promotions.
According to Las Vegas Sands Corporation, by 2025, MBS had welcomed over 500 million visitors, averaging nearly 38 million annually, contributing over $2 billion in EBITDA to Singapore’s economy each year. The complex employs more than 11,800 people directly and supports tens of thousands of indirect jobs in services, commerce, and tourism operations.
With an initial investment of $5.6 billion, MBS is Singapore’s “golden goose,” not only boosting tourism revenue but also shaping the city’s image as a “city that never sleeps,” where visitors can experience everything from luxury stays, conferences, shopping, dining, and world-class entertainment within a single complex.
Its iconic architecture, premium services, and comprehensive experiences have made Marina Bay Sands a benchmark for destinations across the region.
Da Nang Downtown – Vietnam’s Answer to Marina Bay Sands?
Observers believe Vietnam, particularly Da Nang, is poised to replicate this success. As Vietnam’s “most livable city,” with robust infrastructure and a focus on high-quality tourism, Da Nang is leading the way in developing large-scale integrated entertainment, commercial, and resort complexes.
The Da Nang Downtown super complex, a 76.92-hectare project by Sun Group with an investment of nearly $3.3 billion, broke ground in August 2025. Located on the Han River’s banks, it sits at the heart of Da Nang, surrounded by key transportation routes, tourist areas, and administrative hubs.
Rendering of Da Nang Downtown – Vietnam’s MBS. Image: Sun Group
Designed as a “mini-city by the river,” the project includes a cultural park, riverside commercial streets, a 4,000-seat theater, a light art festival area, luxury apartments, a 5-star hotel, Class A offices, and a 408-meter, 69-story iconic tower – set to be Central Vietnam’s tallest building.
Inspired by the Vietnamese ao dai, the tower symbolizes Da Nang’s global aspirations. It will house a hotel, conference center, observatory, restaurants, bars, and shopping areas, mirroring MBS’s successful “all-in-one” model.
To ensure international standards, Sun Group has partnered with three global leaders in planning, design, and performance art.
Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF, USA), known for iconic projects like Marina Bay Financial Centre and Hudson Yards, is overseeing the master plan, blending modernity with Vietnamese traditions and the Han River’s urban identity. EDSA (USA), renowned for Atlantis Bahamas and Disney World, is creating pedestrian-friendly landscapes with greenery, plazas, and a marina. ECA2 (France), famous for Marina Bay Sands’ and Expo Dubai 2020’s shows, will transform Da Nang Downtown into a world-class nightlife hub with multimedia performances along the Han River.
Da Nang Downtown will feature one of Central Vietnam’s tallest towers. Image: Sun Group
Cao Tri Dung, Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association, believes the project will elevate Da Nang to a leading Asian tourism hub: “With this development, Da Nang will become a gateway for international visitors, helping achieve the goal of 30 million tourists and beyond. It’s a breakthrough, completing the city’s missing piece in high-end nightlife entertainment.”
Just as Marina Bay Sands established Singapore as Asia’s top tourism and commercial center, Da Nang Downtown is expected to do the same for Vietnam. With its bold vision, world-class planning, and iconic architecture, the project promises to redefine Da Nang and drive Vietnam’s tourism growth, bringing it closer to regional iconic city status.
“This project is not just Da Nang’s new symbol but also a significant boost to the local economy and community, creating new products, services, jobs, and purchasing power,” affirmed Cao Tri Dung.
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What Future Awaits Da Nang Downtown: Insights from Global Tourism Icons?
In 2010, the $5.6 billion Marina Bay Sands (MBS) mega-complex opened its doors, becoming a cornerstone of Singapore’s economy. Since then, MBS has consistently contributed approximately 1% annually to the nation’s GDP, propelling Singapore onto the global stage. Similarly, Vietnam’s Da Nang Downtown project, valued at 80 trillion VND (roughly $3.2 billion), is poised to replicate this success, promising to elevate the country’s economic and international standing.
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A groundbreaking 140 km highway is being proposed by the consortium of Trung Nam Group, Indel Corp, and Trung Nam E&C, strategically linking three major tourism hubs in South Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands.
Da Nang Downtown: A Landmark Befitting Vietnam’s Largest City
Seizing the immense opportunities post-merger, Da Nang’s tourism sector faces fresh challenges in rebranding itself. The anticipated presence of the Da Nang Downtown cultural, entertainment, and commercial supercomplex is poised to become a new economic lever and iconic tourism symbol for the city.
