Why are 'festival islands' so attractive to tourists?

From million-dollar mega-shows and theme parks to late-night parties, large-scale "festivals" are creating a new attraction for modern tourism.

ZNews•21/05/2026

This trend has been demonstrated in major tourist centers around the world . Singapore is a prime example, with Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa considered a turning point in reshaping the nation's tourism industry. According to Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry, these integrated resort complexes contributed approximately 1-2% of GDP annually before the pandemic, and helped nearly double the number of international visitors within a decade.

Meanwhile, Las Vegas has transformed from a casino-dependent city into an "entertainment capital" with large-scale integrated complexes offering accommodation, performances, shopping, and nightlife. In 2024, the total economic impact from tourism reached nearly $88 billion , demonstrating the strong appeal of destinations capable of fulfilling all needs for fun, relaxation, and entertainment in a single trip.

Night Safari takes visitors through the forest at night, bringing them close to the world of wild animals.

This trend is also becoming increasingly evident in Vietnam, with "island-based" models gradually emerging as "super destinations".

Vinpearl/VinWonders, in particular, boasts a rare large-scale integrated resort and entertainment ecosystem in the region, spanning numerous key tourist destinations across Vietnam.

Hon Tre Island (Nha Trang)

While Nha Trang was once associated with blue seas, golden sunshine, and relaxing holidays, Hon Tre today presents a completely different image: a "festival island" in the bay, where summer seems to last forever with continuous fun from dawn until late at night.

Over nearly 20 years of development, Hon Tre has continuously expanded its large-scale resort, entertainment, and recreation ecosystem, while also bringing many international-standard island and marine entertainment models to Vietnam.

Summer here is ablaze with sound, light, and a long-lasting, vibrant festive atmosphere. VinWonders Nha Trang – the largest island-based amusement park in Vietnam, spanning over 55 hectares – is causing a frenzy among speed and adventure enthusiasts across Asia with its series of large-scale thrill rides, rarely seen in the region, bringing the summer heat on Hon Tre Island to a climax.

Visitors can start their day by feeling suspended between sea and sky on a zipline that holds three records, hurtle down exhilarating speed slides at Slide Wheel - Southeast Asia's leading water park slide, or look forward to the "Thunderbolt Flip" - a "fractured" roller coaster belonging to the group of outstanding thrill experiences in the world, coming out this summer.

In a different setting, the Kingdom of the Sea Gods, with its mermaid show in the heart of the ocean, opens up a fantastical world amidst the tropical sea. As night falls, the Tata Show – Vietnam's first million-dollar live performance – continues to ignite the entire island with its performance technology, mapping, and dazzling fireworks against the backdrop of the night sea.

Hon Tre boasts a stunning beach in Nha Trang Bay, along with a leading-scale resort and entertainment ecosystem in the region.

Northern Phu Quoc Island (An Giang Province)

Unlike Hon Tre, which embodies the spirit of a tropical seaside resort island, the northern part of Phu Quoc Island is likened to a "sleepless festival island" - where visitors can constantly move between wild nature, a magical world of entertainment, and a festive atmosphere that lasts day and night.

Here, each time of day offers its own unique charm. During the day, you'll find the wild world of Vinpearl Safari – a pioneer in the unique "Humans in cages, animals roaming" model, now launching Vietnam's first Night Safari. Alongside this, the Neptune Palace – the world's largest aquarium featuring giant sea turtles – continues to transport visitors into a magical ocean environment with rare and unforgettable experiences.

But when the city lights up, the northern part of Phu Quoc Island seems to enter its most vibrant moment. Grand World shines with music, nightlife, and million-dollar shows like "Tinh Hoa Viet Nam" (Essence of Vietnam) or "Sac Mau Venice" (Colors of Venice).

Amidst the lights, music, and crowds that stretch into the late night, Phu Quoc doesn't close after sunset but continues to unfold with new fun. This itinerary is enough to make many tourists realize that one day in the northern part of the island is never enough.

A 15,000m2 "super aquarium" with over 255,000 marine creatures at VinWonders Phu Quoc.

VinWonders Nam Hoi An (Da Nang)

While the Hoi An - Da Nang journey has become familiar with its ancient town and blue sea, VinWonders Nam Hoi An offers a new dimension: more vibrant, more lively, and full of summer energy.

Summer here is filled with vibrant festivals, including "The Essence of the Festival," Zulu Dance, Aquafest, and a series of seasonal performances. Amidst this lively atmosphere lies a miniature version of ancient Vietnam, featuring traditional craft villages, architecture, and authentic cultural performance spaces, along with River Safari – Vietnam's first river-based wildlife conservation park, where visitors can get closer to the wild in a novel and exciting way.

If daytime is about exploration and interaction, then as night falls, 3D mapping shows and water fountains continue the experience, creating a space where history, technology, and art blend in light and sound.

The 5th season of the "Essence of Craftsmanship" show series, themed "Heritage from the Hands of Artisans," will take place from June 8th to August 22nd.

VinWonders Vu Yen (Hai Phong)

Located just 15 minutes from the center of Hai Phong and over an hour from Hanoi, VinWonders Vu Yen is gradually becoming a new generation entertainment destination in Northern Vietnam, offering a range of experiences from water parks and thrill rides to nature exploration activities and seasonal shows.

Highlights here include a modern water park complex with the Colorful Storm offering 7 spiral slides up to 40m high, the Tropical Lightning for families, and Switchback Coaster 460 - the first inverted roller coaster in Southeast Asia.

Beyond speed experiences, the open zoo and seasonal activities further enhance the multi-generational experience, offering new options for those who want to travel closer but enjoy more.

From Hon Tre Island, northern Phu Quoc Island, southern Hoi An to Vu Yen, VinWonders is contributing to creating a new chain of world-class tourism infrastructure - a destination not just to visit, but to stay, enjoying continuous, valuable experiences and unique, never-ending fun.