The Son Tra entertainment complex in Da Nang, Vietnam is a world-class destination that represents the pinnacle of immersive, story-based, master planning design.
Client: Sun Group
Services: Master Planning
Location: Da Nang, Vietnam
Falcon’s Treehouse was chosen to deliver a concept design and schematic design for 40 acres of a mixed-use entertainment destination on the east coast of the beautiful Son Tra peninsula.
The goal of Sun Group, Falcon’s client and owner of the green field site, was to transform a quiet fishing beach into an international hub of trade and culture. They also wanted the various zones and their offerings to tie into a themed framework that borrowed elements from ancient Vietnamese mythical tales. Utilizing those crucial components, along with several design filters, which included aquatic, luxurious, adventurous, and joyful, Falcon’s crafted the storyline for this tourist-friendly site that’s rich in wonder, steeped in culture, and destined to bring good luck to all visitors, thanks to the power of a mighty dragon. The dragon is an important creature in Vietnam’s folklore, as it is the symbol of yang, which represents the universe, life, existence, and growth. Together, these elements form Son Tra Ocean Park: Ports of the World.
The visitor’s journey begins at the Entry Plaza, a magical place inspired by tales of mythical seaports, heroic ocean voyages, and legendary sea creatures from around the world. The architectural style is extremely eclectic and heavily influenced by ancient port cities that existed in Singapore, Morocco, Arabia, Russia, and Greece.
During their journey through Ports of the World, guests will experience the sights, sounds, tastes, and thrills from far off lands. This one-of-a-kind destination features luxury guest accommodations, a water park, a cruise ship terminal, a yacht and seaplane harbor, retail shops, Venice-style food and beverage spots, an aquarium with a dolphin experience, a water show, and an entertainment stage. In Son Tra, visitors can go on a flume ride; travel through a story-based, interactive walk-through attraction; catch dazzling human and animal performances; take a ride in a gondola; experience immersive, cutting-edge attractions and thrill rides that have never before been available in Vietnam; and so much more. There is truly something for everyone. At the end of their adventure, guests can soak in a nighttime spectacular that celebrates the cultures of the world in an extravagant, emotionally charged display that is sure to amaze guests of all ages.
The water park takes up the largest chunk of real estate in the entertainment complex. It is divided into seven distinct zones (called ports) to represent each of the planet’s continents: North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica. In some cases, the names of the ports were modified for storytelling purposes. For example, South America was changed to Latin America. Although it’s called a water park, there are only dry attractions here. No swimsuit is required, but be sure to bring your imagination!
Within each port, guests will discover features that personify a specific area within that actual geographical region. In the North American port, that happens to be New Orleans. The buildings here look like they were plucked directly from Bourbon Street. Because of the celebratory nature of the city of New Orleans, as well as its iconic architecture, this site was chosen as the park’s main street, so it’s the first avenue that visitors explore. New Orleans culture comes alive here. If you’re in the mood for Cajun food, lively music, or shopping for unique gifts, this is the place you want to be. This port is also home to the Mariner’s Lighthouse, the symbol of the entire Ports of the World complex.
Other notable points of interest are an Egyptian pyramid, a “Nile River” journey, a Great Barrier Reef replication, and Meso-American ruins. There’s even an opportunity to feel the sub-zero temperatures of the South Pole, if you’re daring enough.
Falcon’s was honored to provide design services for this elite entertainment destination.
