Preparations are underway for a USD 216 million tourism complex at the old airfield in Vang Vieng.
Lao Yijin Group Co., Ltd. is leading the project, which received government approval after passing feasibility and regulatory reviews, according to state media. The company signed a concession agreement with Vientiane provincial authorities and plans to complete construction within five years on 16.24 hectares formerly managed by the Ministry of National Defense.
The development will feature a five-star hotel, a private hospital, a public park, and a casino, though the casino must still be approved by authorities. Officials will relocate residents within the project area, noting the land does not legally belong to them and that affected households will receive support during the transition.
The developer estimates the complex will generate 4,000–5,000 jobs for local residents and contribute additional tax revenue, supporting long-term economic growth in Vang Vieng and Vientiane Province.
Vang Vieng has a long history as a travel destination, growing into a major adventure tourism hub by the late 1990s thanks to its natural surroundings and outdoor activities. The old airport, constructed in the 1960s and 1970s as a war-era airstrip, still bears remnants of its military past.
Improved infrastructure has made Vang Vieng more accessible. The Vientiane–Vang Vieng Expressway, completed in 2020, reduced travel time from around four hours to roughly 1.5 hours, boosting tourism and investment. The China–Laos Railway further enhances connectivity, shortening travel to key destinations and increasing arrivals, particularly from China and regional markets.
Authorities began clearing commercial stalls near the old airport in 2023, instructing vendors and restaurants to vacate by 30 April of the same year. The government emphasized the project’s potential to create jobs, attract international tourists, and stimulate economic activity, while acknowledging that some small local businesses may face temporary disruption.
The Central Plaza development represents a major step in Vang Vieng’s transformation into a modern tourism and commercial hub, leveraging improved transport networks and regional integration to expand the district’s economy and tourism sector.


