Quang Binh, home to world's largest cave, breaks ground on $90M international port

By VNA March 21, 2025 | 07:06 pm PT

Trucks are seen in the groundbreaking ceremony of Hon La port project in Quang Binh Province, March 21, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Vo Thanh

Construction officially began on the Hon La International Port, valued nearly VND2.3 trillion ($90 million), in the central province of Quang Binh on Friday, aimed to bolster socio-economic development in the locality and the region.

According to Chairman of the Hon La Port JSC Phung Van Phat, the port, spanning over 39 hectares, will not only serve the Hon La Economic Zone and industrial parks in the province but also facilitate cargo transfers with Laos, Thailand's northeastern region, Myanmar, and economic zones in the vicinity.

The project is set to be carried out in two phases. The first one involves the construction of two berths with a combined length of 470 meters, able to accommodate cargo vessels up to 50,000 tonnes and bulk carriers up to 70,000 tonnes. The annual capacity is estimated at 3 million tonnes. The second one, scheduled for 2027, will add two more berths, 500 meters in total length. The facilities will handle vessels up to 100,000 DWT and double the port’s annual capacity to 6 million tonnes.

Phat said the port features comprehensive planning with modern warehouses, logistics areas, and technical facilities. Its strategic location in the sheltered Hon La Bay, protected by Hon Co and Hon La islands, provides ideal natural depth for large vessels.

At the ground-breaking ceremony, the Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Tran Phong highlighted the port's strategic importance for national socio-economic development. Beyond freight transportation, the port is able to welcome international cruise ships, opening opportunities for maritime tourism and contributing to local sustainable growth.

Quang Binh is also known as Vietnam's cave kingdom given its system of more than 500 caves, with many open to tourism, including the world's largest Son Doong.

He urged investors to fulfill their commitments, adhere to approved investment guidelines, maintain safety and quality standards, and comply with legal regulations. Besides, he emphasized the importance of close coordination with relevant agencies, particularly the Quang Binh Economic Zone Management Board and local authorities, to promptly address any issues that might affect the project timeline.

Phong stressed the importance of prioritizing social welfare and employment opportunities for local residents in the project area while pledging continued support throughout the implementation and operation phases.