Phu Quoc: APEC 2027 Complex opens new MICE era

An iconic project is taking shape in Phu Quoc: The APEC 2027 multi-functional complex invested by Sun Group with over VND21,860 billion, reaching 34% of the total construction volume and expected to be completed from January 2027, ready 10 months before APEC 2027. The complex aims to become an international-class event and performance destination, with a column-free ballroom of 11,050 m², dinner show staged by Cirque du Soleil and a multi-functional performance hall with a capacity of 4,094 seats.

The Convention and Exhibition Center is expected to complete interior by January 31, 2027.

Highlights: conference – performance in a complex

The APEC Convention and Exhibition Center has a total floor area of over 157,000 m², including 4 floors above ground and 1 basement. The ballroom - exhibition space has a column-free span of 81 m, with a scale of 11,050 m². The project is designed for multiple purposes: conferences, exhibitions, events, parties, dinner shows, with the ability to organize events for up to 10,000 people, parties for up to 5,000 people and a press center with a capacity of 4,000 people.

The conference block has a soft shape like Phu Quoc waves, along with the philosophy of "Round Sky - Square Earth" expressed through the main square - round block pair. According to the investor, this is a symbolic complex, aiming to elevate the position of the country in the new era.

Dinner show: cuisine and art in harmony

At the center of the complex is a dinner show area with a capacity of up to 2,000 seats, where cuisine and theater blend into one experience. Sun Group is joining hands with Cirque du Soleil - the world's leading performing arts brand founded in 1984, with more than 400 million spectators on 6 continents and 86 countries - to develop large-scale shows for this space.

Dinner Show space, where world-class shows designed and staged by Cirque du Soleil will be held.

Multi-purpose performance house: technology and symbolism

Located next to the Convention and Exhibition Center is the Multi-purpose Performance Hall with 6 floors above ground, 1 basement, and a capacity of 4,094 seats. The project was built by international units such as SOM (USA) and Apeiro Theater Consultant. The shell is inspired by Dragon scale motifs, with 50 pillars supporting the roof, evoking the image of 50 children following their father to the sea in the legend "Dragon's Descendants", and at the same time recalling the bamboo fence of the village.

Inside is a modern sound, lighting, and stage mechanical system, meeting the standards for international shows, concerts of famous artists, film festivals, etc. After APEC, this place aims to become a new "entertainment and art heart", lit up every night with large-scale programs.

The multi-purpose performance hall is taking shape at an astonishing pace.

Progress and timeline

Despite the architectural and technical complexity, the two main items – the Convention Center and the Multi-purpose Performance Hall – have reached 34% of the total construction volume. The Convention and Exhibition Center is expected to complete the interior by January 31, 2027. According to the investor, the project strives to finish 10 months before APEC 2027.

ASEAN Urbanist – a forum on Southeast Asian urban stories – praised the project's progress and likened it to "light speed".

Connect and move

The complex is directly connected to the expanded DT 975 route – the backbone route running along the island – convenient for traveling from Phu Quoc International Airport, resorts and urban centers. In the future, the urban train line is expected to take visitors from the airport directly to the convention center in a seamless journey, a model commonly seen at leading MICE destinations.

The multi-purpose performance space is equipped with modern furniture and sound and lighting equipment to ensure it can host international shows and concerts, welcoming world stars to perform.

Suggested experiences for MICE travelers

Blend work and play: Attend conferences and exhibitions and stay for a dinner show by Cirque du Soleil.
Architecture and culture: Learn about the philosophy of "Round Heaven - Square Earth", Dragon scale motifs and the story of "Dragon and Fairy's Descendants" expressed in the design.
Top-notch sound and lighting: Get tickets to concerts and international film festivals when the theater is open.

Practical information

Total investment: more than 21,860 billion VND.
Scale of the Convention - Exhibition Center: over 157,000 m² floor; 4 floors above ground, 1 basement; ballroom 11,050 m², span over 81 m without columns.
Capacity: events up to 10,000 people; parties up to 5,000 people; press center 4,000 people; dinner show 2,000 seats.
Multi-purpose performance hall: 6 floors above ground, 1 basement; 4,094 seats; designed and consulted by SOM (USA) and Apeiro.
Progress: 34% of total volume achieved; The Convention - Exhibition Center is expected to complete interior by January 31, 2027.
Connection: direct DT 975 extension axis; expected urban train line from Phu Quoc International Airport.

Planning Tips

Timing: Follow the completion milestones from 1/2027 to combine work and performance experience.
Book early for large-scale events, especially dinner shows and international concerts, once schedules are announced.
Take time to visit both areas: the conference block (ballroom, exhibition) and the multi-purpose performance hall to clearly see the design story.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/phu-quoc-to-hop-apec-2027-mo-ky-nguyen-mice-moi-10314192.html