Massive Development at Vietnam's Hai Van Pass Foothills Sparks Controversy Over Landscape and Heritage

A massive resort development project by Vingroup, known as Vinhomes Làng Vân (or Vinhomes Hải Vân Bay), at the foot of Vietnam's renowned Hai Van Pass is sparking significant debate on social media over its impact on the landscape. Recent images circulating online show large swathes of forest cleared and land transformed into a construction site, drawing widespread shock and dismay. Photographers and travel pages have highlighted the stark contrast between the area's former verdant beauty and its current state as a sprawling development, evoking nostalgia among many. The Hai Van Pass holds historical significance, serving as a natural boundary between Vietnam and the Champa Kingdom. It is also associated with the history of Làng Vân, a former leper colony, adding an emotional layer to the community's reaction to the changes. The project spans approximately 512 hectares with a total investment of around 44 trillion Vietnamese dong (approximately $1.8 billion USD). Construction officially began in June 2025, with partial operations expected from 2027. Criticism extends beyond landscape and heritage concerns. In 2014, a resort project by a Chinese firm in the same area was canceled due to strong opposition from Da Nang city officials, who cited national security risks related to the strategic location. While Vingroup is a Vietnamese company, some express unease about a private entity developing such a critical site. Da Nang has experienced rapid urbanization, with past development projects on sites like Ba Na Hills and Son Tra Peninsula also facing intense public scrutiny over the balance between heritage preservation and economic growth. The Vinhomes Làng Vân project, while promising an international tourism hub, raises questions about its long-term effects on the local community and environment, necessitating further discussion. Source: BBC Vietnamese