Billionaires in Vietnam: From Bill Gates to Mark Zuckerberg, Why the Elite Choose Da Nang and Sapa

Vietnam has increasingly become a preferred destination for the world's most influential billionaires, seeking both business opportunities and high-end relaxation. Most recently, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his girlfriend attracted significant media attention during their five-day visit to Da Nang and Hoi An in March 2024. Arriving on a private jet, the tech icon stayed at a luxury resort on the Son Tra Peninsula. During his stay, Gates was spotted enjoying local pastimes and playing tennis and Pickleball, showcasing a more relaxed side of the philanthropist. This visit underscores Da Nang’s growing reputation as a hub for luxury tourism and international diplomacy.

Bill Gates is far from the first member of the 'three-comma club' to fall in love with Vietnam’s landscapes. Back in 2011, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan made a secret trip to the country. They were famously photographed riding water buffalo and exploring the misty mountains of Sapa, as well as cruising through the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay. Zuckerberg’s visit was characterized by a desire for authentic experiences away from the corporate spotlight. Similarly, billionaire investor George Soros visited Da Nang in 2012, utilizing the same world-class resorts on the Son Tra Peninsula that would later host Gates. These visits have provided invaluable global promotion for Vietnam’s tourism sector.

Other notable visitors include British billionaire Joe Lewis, the former owner of Tottenham Hotspur, who has visited the river city of Can Tho multiple times. Lewis often arrived on his superyacht, Aviva, expressing a deep fondness for the Mekong Delta's unique culture and the hospitality of the local people. The presence of such high-profile figures highlights Vietnam's successful development of premium infrastructure, including five-star resorts and private aviation services. For these billionaires, Vietnam offers a perfect blend of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and the privacy they require. As the country continues to modernize, it is likely that even more of the world’s elite will choose the 'S-shaped land' for their secret getaways and official visits.

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