Singapore's Banyan Tree Group will build a large resort near the historical city of Hue in central Vietnam.
Situated on a 280ha beachfront site within an hour’s drive from Danang, Laguna Hue will be one of the largest premium integrated resorts in the country and is estimated to cost US$900 million to build.
“Vietnam holds the greatest potential of replicating the success of our flagship Laguna Phuket destination resort within Asia,” said Banyan Tree executive chairman Ho Kwon Ping during the recent groundbreaking ceremony.
He added: “We are confident that Hue has the potential to flourish as an international luxury-tourist destination.”
The imperial city of Hue, formerly the royal capital of the Nguyen emperors, and the historical trading port of Hoi An are both Unesco World Heritage sites.
The first phase of the Laguna Hue is targeted to open by 2012, and will include Banyan Tree Hue and Angsana Hue – which together will comprise some 350 rooms, an 18-hole golf course designed by Nick Faldo and branded resort residences.
When completed, Laguna Hue will include seven international branded hotels, convention facilities and a town centre with retail and recreational facilities.
The Banyan Tree Group is rapidly expanding its portfolio in Asia. It recently secured a contract to manage the 1,300-room Angsana Fu Xian Lake, which is expected to open next year. The company also is in the process of opening resorts in Hangzhou, China; Bali, Indonesia; Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates; and Acapulco, Mexico.
For more information, visit www.banyantree.com
Sandy Goh