Believe it or not, the southern coast of Vietnam has become one of the hottest up-and-coming vacation destinations. In fact, Vietnam was identified as one of 53 “hot-spot” tourist destinations in 2008 by the New York Times, with golf cited as a main attraction for international visitors. One of the biggest issues in the country is the lack of five-star resorts, but that's about to change with the opening of the first phase of the Ho Tram Strip resort/casino in 2010.

The Vietnamese government awarded a highly coveted investment certificate to Canada's Asian Coast Development Ltd. (ACDL) that allows for the construction of the formerly war-torn nation's largest tourism venture. The Ho Tram Strip will eventually be a 9,000-room luxury resort hotel that should rival the finest casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, thanks to the help of designers the Steelman Partners - one of Sin City’s premier architectural firms.

The first phase of the project, which includes a five-star hotel resort with 1,100 rooms, a golf course designed by legendary golfer Greg Norman and Vietnam’s first Las Vegas-style casino, is scheduled to open in late 2010. Next up will be Phase 2, which includes a second luxury resort with 1,300 rooms, a casino as well as ten restaurants and nightclubs. The second phase is scheduled to open in the spring of 2011. Within 10 years the Ho Tram Strip resort will be fully realized.

Now, you're probably thinking "why would I go to Vietnam for vacation?" The answer lies in the gorgeous white-sand beaches and tropical climate, as well as a slew of attractions that have opened in the hopes of attracting Westerners. Upon completion,the Ho Tram Strip will include five resorts and an international conference center. Guests will be provided with recreational options such as luxury spas, state-of-the-art performance facilities, upscale retail stores and a large selection of gourmet restaurants offering both local and international cuisine. Sounds good to us!

Labels: Scott Bernstein, Travel, vietnam