Unlocking Nha Trang’s Night Economy: What’s the Sharpest Drill to Tap into This Goldmine?

Insights from Khanh Hoa’s Night Economy Development Strategy

According to Khanh Hoa’s night economy development plan, Phase 1 (2023–2025) focuses on leveraging existing nighttime services and areas. From 2026 to 2030, the province aims to establish a comprehensive night economy model, gradually attracting investment in large-scale entertainment and resort complexes. This will create a dedicated “nighttime living space” where visitors can stay, experience, and consume within a self-contained ecosystem.

With this vision, Khanh Hoa is aligning itself with Asia’s leading tourism cities, which have demonstrated the immense economic power of “nighttime illumination.” For instance, Singapore’s Clarke Quay generates over SGD 1 billion annually in tourism and commerce, attracting millions of international visitors. Originally a bustling 19th-century port, it has been transformed into a “nighttime paradise” featuring hundreds of restaurants, bars, clubs, and shopping areas blending classic and modern styles.

Every night, thousands flock to Shenzhen, China, to witness the Mangrove Groove multimedia show on a 5,600 m² water stage or explore The Happy Coast, a pedestrian street lined with international restaurants, open-air bars, luxury shopping centers, and continuous street performances. All these attractions are located within OCT Bay, a 24/7 entertainment, commercial, and cultural hub by Nanshan Bay. Even China, a global economic leader, views the “night economy” as a strategic tool to boost domestic consumption and reshape tourism cities.

Back to Khanh Hoa, the opportunity to create a Vietnamese version of “OCT Bay” or “Clarke Quay” is within reach. Nha Trang, with its unique blend of sea, river, mild climate, high international visitor density, and rich local culture, is poised to become Vietnam’s “night economy capital.”

Nha Trang’s stunning landscapes, high international visitor numbers, and vibrant culture lay the foundation for Vietnam’s “night economy capital.”

“24-Hour Entertainment City” in Nha Trang – Unlocking a Billion-Dollar Economy

Following the initial phase of developing night markets, food streets, and outdoor art performances, Khanh Hoa’s night economy is entering a more ambitious second phase. Nha Trang remains the strategic focal point, with Sun Group’s investment of over VND 17 trillion in the Charmora City project in South Nha Trang. This 227-hectare urban complex is set to redefine the city’s landscape.

Aligning with global night economy trends, Sun Group has long been a pioneer in Vietnam, illuminating Phu Quoc Island with Sunset Town’s artistic fireworks and the Symphony of The Sea show. Similarly, Ba Na Hills in Da Nang transforms from a daytime fairyland into a mesmerizing nighttime wonder.

Charmora City is expected to reshape Nha Trang’s urban landscape, aiming for international “24-hour entertainment city” status.

Building on these successes, Charmora City aims to become the largest entertainment, commercial, and night economy hub in South Central Vietnam. The project will feature riverside parks, Onsen parks, yacht marinas, water-based light shows with fireworks, floating markets, and the VuiFest night market. Together, these elements create a “non-stop entertainment cycle,” where life after 6 PM transforms into a vibrant, energetic, and dazzling new experience.

Sun Group also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability by designing Charmora City as a “Sponge City.” Inspired by the flexibility of sponges, this model absorbs, filters, and retains natural water through rivers, lakes, parks, and roads. The resulting green spaces create a sustainable, flood-resistant urban ecosystem.

Charmora City adopts the Sponge City model, creating a sustainable urban ecosystem.

Charmora City promises to revolutionize Khanh Hoa’s night economy development. By seamlessly integrating entertainment and tourism activities within its urban model, it will redefine Nha Trang’s skyline. The city will evolve from a vibrant seaside destination into an internationally recognized “24-hour entertainment city.”

Historically, Nha Trang’s tourism has focused on its coastline, despite its rich riverscapes. Riverside areas, as demonstrated by Singapore’s Clarke Quay, are prime locations for night economy ecosystems. Thus, Nha Trang’s riverside potential remains vast for developing large-scale night economy complexes, leveraging its waterways to generate billion-dollar economic flows.

Charmora City leverages its riverside location to become the “ace” awakening Nha Trang’s night economy.

Strategically located in South Nha Trang, Charmora City is surrounded by the Quan Truong and Tac Rivers, maximizing this untapped potential. By transforming riverbanks into entertainment, commercial, and tourism hubs, Sun Group’s pioneering project will ignite Nha Trang’s—and Khanh Hoa’s—nighttime economy.