Cat Ba opens new entertainment tourism complex in time for summer

In just one year, Cat Ba's central bay has undergone a remarkable transformation with a modern beach square, upgraded beaches, an ecosystem of restaurants, a vibrant night market, and electric transport breathing new life into the island.

Vu Trong Hieu, Chairman of Cat Ba People’s Committee, said, "The locality has determined that it cannot follow a mass tourism model. As a world heritage site, it boasts not only spectacular natural scenery and rich biodiversity, but also deep cultural heritage. The town has taken a distinctive approach, one that preserves the heritage and keeps tourists coming back."

The show set two Guinness World Records. Photo: Sun Group

During the celebrations, thousands of spectators witnessed the presentation of two Guinness World Records for the show 'Symphony of the Green Island', the first time in Vietnam a single show has achieved two world records at once. The show was recognised as the 'Largest jet ski formation launching fireworks' and 'Most backflips on a flyboard in one minute.'

Symphony of the Green Island was created in just two months, transforming the previously unutilised coastal waters of Cat Ba Central Bay into a stage for an internationally scaled art-sports performance. With simultaneous completion of key infrastructure, including a grandstand accommodating thousands and a multi-layered water-based stage, the show gathered nearly 40 of the world’s top athletes. After passing three rigorous rounds of verification, it was officially recognised with two unprecedented Guinness World Records.

This feat is not only a testament to the organisers’ capability, but also a clear reflection of the aspiration to bring world-class performance arts to Vietnamese audiences, so they can enjoy such experiences right at home.

The Crane Fairy on a jetsurf. Photo: Sun Group

Produced by global creative leaders H2O Events and LaserVision, the show draws inspiration from the Vietnamese legend of the Crane Fairy and the Five Elements philosophy by using jet skis, flyboards, jetsurfs, lasers, fireworks, music and advanced visual technologies. The debut night drew thousands of visitors to the central square and Cat Ba Beach.

A tourist from Sydney, Australia, said, "I thought I was watching computer-generated imagery. Every move was so precise and awe-inspiring, it was unbelievable."

The show runs five nights a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) from 8:00pm to 8:30pm, and is expected to continue through early September. Ticket prices start at VND1 million ($38.43), with discounts for combo purchases of two or three tickets or show-and-dining packages. Bookings made via the Sun Paradise Land app enjoy up to 45 per cent off, bringing the price down to just VND550,000 ($21.14).

Beyond the record-setting show, the entire central bay area of Cat Ba has been comprehensively upgraded to become the island’s new tourism hub.

The Vui-Fest Night Market opens up a vibrant space with mini shows, games, music, and cuisine. Visitors can enjoy a 'mini Haiphong food tour' with local delicacies, participate in mini-games, play claw machines, enjoy acoustic music, or shop for 'One Commune One Product'-branded local items or souvenirs.

Next door to the market, two beachfront restaurants, The Forest Beach Club and The Sea Beach Club, serve guests all day with signature cuisine, from fresh seafood to grilled dishes, and introduce Sun Kraftbeer to northern Vietnam for the first time.

In tandem with the tourism product launch, Sun Group also inaugurated its electric transport service on May 30, linking the Phu Long cable car station with Cat Ba Central Bay, the nexus of entertainment, dining, and major events on the island. This electric bus and buggy system is part of a green infrastructure development strategy, making travel more convenient and reducing pressure on existing transportation systems.

The simultaneous rollout of multiple offerings in a single day reflects Sun Group’s ambition to revitalise destinations through a relentless pursuit of differentiation. "We don’t replicate what already exists. We seek what Vietnam doesn’t have yet, but deserves to have. So that Vietnamese people can enjoy the finest in art and cuisine right at home," said Dang Minh Truong, chairman of Sun Group.

Danang International Fireworks Festival 2025 to be largest of its kind A press conference was held for the upcoming launch of Danang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2025 on January 8, with a series of exciting events.

Emirates and Sun Group team up to promote tourism in Vietnam Emirates and Sun Group signed a MoU on April 30 to strengthen inbound tourism to Vietnam and drive passenger traffic.

Sun Group gets okay to establish Sun PhuQuoc Airways Vietnam is expected to welcome a new airline in the fourth quarter of this year, increasing the total number of carriers in the country to six.