The first phase of the Hoiana multibillion US dollar casino resort complex on Vietnam’s central coast will have a soft opening in October.

This is what Andrew Lo Kai Bong, an executive director of Suncity Group Holdings, one of the scheme’s backers, told GGR Asia recently.

The investors hope that approximately two years after the venue’s launch they will be able to apply to open the casino to economically-qualified locals.

“We expect the first phase to open in October and by then basically 90 per cent of the first-phase content will be launched - such as the golf course and hotels. But that should be a soft opening,” Lo told GGR.

First-phase facilities are to include an 18-hole golf course, the Hoiana Residence condominium-hotel space carrying 270 units and three hotels providing 800 rooms.