Hanoi (VNA) - In just a short period, Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong city has undergone a dramatic transformation, emerging as a vibrant tourism hotspot with distinctive offerings that elevate entertainment and artistic experiences to a level on par with leading international destinations.
As Hai Phong celebrates the 70th anniversary of its Liberation Day (May 13, 1955 – 2025), the port city marked a new milestone on May 30 with the official launch of a tourism–entertainment–culinary complex at the Cat Ba Central Bay, developed by Sun Group. This marks a major turning point, underscoring the ambition to elevate the core area of the World Natural Heritage site into a world-class tourism destination.
In just one year, the central bay has undergone a remarkable transformation. A modern beach square, upgraded beaches, an ecosystem of restaurants, a vibrant night market, and electric transport have breathed new life into the island. Most notably, a unique art-sports show on water that simultaneously set two Guinness World Records has debuted, symbolising a spirit of innovation and a bold vision for raising the destination’s profile.
According to Vu Trong Hieu, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Cat Ba town, the locality has determined that it cannot follow a mass tourism model. As the core of a world heritage site, it boasts not only spectacular natural scenery and rich biodiversity, but also deep cultural heritage. The town a distinctive approach, one that preserves the heritage and keeps tourists coming back, he affirmed.
A one-of-a-kind marine spectacle premiere in Cat Ba
On May 30, thousands of spectators witnessed a historic moment: 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 the 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.
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. It recreates the natural flow using advanced visual technologies, jetski, flyboard, jetsurf, lasers, fireworks, and music. The debut night drew thousands of visitors to the central square and Cac Ba beach.
A tourist from Sydney, Australia, said she thought she was watching Computer-generated imagery (CGI) work, 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 1,000,000 VND (38.43 USD), with discounts for combo purchases of 2 or 3 tickets or show-and-dining packages. Particularly, bookings made via the Sun Paradise Land app enjoy up to 45% off, bringing the price down to just 550,000VND (21.14 USD), a record-low for a show of international calibre.
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. In just a year, and especially in recent months, green transport infrastructure, a central plaza, night market, and beachfront restaurants have all been rapidly completed, offering a seamless travel experience from day to night.
The Vui-Fest Night Market opens up a vibrant space with mini shows, games, music, and cuisine. Visitors can enjoy a “mini Hai Phong food tour” with local delicacies, participate in mini-games, play claw machines, enjoy acoustic music, or shop for OCOP (One Commune One Product)-branded local products and souvenirs.
Next door, 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 craft beer to northern Vietnam for the first time. It’s a fresh space for those who want to “dine well, drink quality, and enjoy the view” right on the island.
In tandem with the tourism product launch, Sun Group also officially 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.
From once-quiet lands, Sun Group has helped awaken tourism potential through long-term vision, comprehensive investment, and a mission to bring global excellence to Vietnam. And Cat Ba, with Symphony of the Green Island, stands as the clearest testament to that aspiration./.
