Phu Quoc: APEC 2027 Complex ushers in a new era of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
Sun Group's construction of the APEC 2027 complex in Phu Quoc has reached 34% completion, including an 11,050 m² column-free ballroom and a dinner show with Cirque du Soleil; expected to be completed from January 2027.
An iconic project is taking shape in Phu Quoc: the APEC 2027 multi-functional complex, invested by Sun Group with over VND 21,860 billion, has reached 34% of its total construction volume and is expected to be completed from January 2027, ready 10 months before APEC 2027. The complex aims to become a world-class event and performance destination, featuring an 11,050 m² pillarless ballroom, a dinner show staged by Cirque du Soleil, and a 4,094-seat multi-purpose performance hall.
Highlight: conference and performance within a complex.
The APEC Convention and Exhibition Center has a total floor area of over 157,000 m², comprising 4 above-ground floors and 1 basement floor. The ballroom and exhibition space features an 81-meter column-free span, covering an area of 11,050 m². The building is designed for multiple purposes: conferences, exhibitions, events, banquets, and dinner shows, with the capacity to host events for up to 10,000 people, banquets for up to 5,000 people, and a press center with a capacity of 4,000 people.
The conference center features a soft, flowing shape reminiscent of Phu Quoc's waves, alongside the philosophy of "Round Sky - Square Earth" expressed through the dominant square and circular blocks. According to the investor, this is an iconic complex aimed at elevating the nation's status in the new era.
Dinner show: Cuisine and art in harmony.
At the heart of the complex is a dinner show area with a capacity of up to 2,000 seats, where cuisine and stage performance blend into one experience. Sun Group is partnering with Cirque du Soleil – a leading global performing arts brand established in 1984, with over 400 million viewers across 6 continents and 86 countries – to develop large-scale shows for this space.
Multipurpose performance space: technology and symbolism
Located next to the Convention and Exhibition Center is a multi-purpose performance hall with 6 above-ground floors and 1 basement floor, accommodating 4,094 passengers. The building was designed by international firms such as SOM (USA) and the consulting firm Apeiro Theatre. The facade is inspired by dragon scale patterns, with 50 pillars supporting the roof, evoking the image of the 50 children following their father to the sea in the legend of "Children of the Dragon and the Immortal," while also reminiscent of the bamboo groves of a village.
Inside, it boasts a state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and stage engineering system, meeting the standards for international shows, concerts by famous artists, film festivals, and more. After APEC, this venue aims to become a new "entertainment and arts hub," lighting up every night with large-scale programs.
Progress and timelines
Despite the architectural and engineering complexity, the two main components – the Convention Center and the Multi-Purpose Performing Arts Center – have reached 34% of the total construction volume. The Convention and Exhibition Center is expected to have its interior completed by January 31, 2027. According to the investor, the project aims to be finished 10 months before APEC 2027.
ASEAN Urbanist – a forum on Southeast Asian urban stories – has praised the project's progress, likening it to "the speed of light".
Connect and move
The complex is directly connected to the expanded DT 975 road – the backbone running along the island – facilitating convenient travel from Phu Quoc International Airport, resorts, and the urban center. In the future, a planned urban tram line is expected to transport guests directly from the airport to the convention center in a seamless route, a model commonly seen at leading MICE destinations.
Suggested experiences for MICE travelers.
- Work-life balance: Attend conferences and exhibitions, then stay to enjoy a dinner show staged by Cirque du Soleil.
- Architecture and Culture: Exploring the philosophy of "Round Heaven - Square Earth," dragon scale motifs, and the story of "Descendants of the Dragon and the Immortal" as reflected in the design.
- Top-notch sound and lighting: Hunt for tickets to concerts and international film festivals when the theater opens.
Fact-checking information
- Total investment: over 21,860 billion VND.
- The Convention and Exhibition Center has a floor area of over 157,000 m²; 4 above-ground floors, 1 basement floor; a ballroom of 11,050 m², and a column-free span of 81 m.
- Capacity: events up to 10,000 people; parties up to 5,000 people; press center 4,000 people; dinner show 2,000 seats.
- Multipurpose performance venue: 6 above-ground floors, 1 basement floor; 4,094 seats; designed and consulted by SOM (USA) and Apeiro.
- Progress: 34% of the total volume completed; the Convention and Exhibition Center is expected to have its interior finished by January 31, 2027.
- Connectivity: Direct access to the expanded DT 975 highway; a planned urban tram line from Phu Quoc International Airport.
Planning tips
- Timing: Align with the completion milestones from January 2027 to combine work and performance experiences.
- Book early for large-scale events, especially dinner shows and international concerts, when the schedule is announced.
- Take the time to visit both areas: the conference block (ballroom, exhibition) and the multi-purpose performance hall to fully understand the design story.
