Big Investment Group (BIG), a Vietnamese multi-sector investment firm, has secured up to $5 million in equity from Brookland Group & Partners. The capital will be used to acquire hotels, co-living spaces, and nightlife venues in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, particularly in District 1. This move directly addresses a gap identified by the city's tourism authorities: a shortage of quality venues operating past 10 pm.
Vietnam is experiencing a tourism boom, with 12.3 million international arrivals in the first half of 2026, a 14.9% increase year-on-year. Ho Chi Minh City risks falling behind regional peers like Bangkok due to its limited night-time offerings. Hotel occupancy in the city reached 83% in the fourth quarter of 2025, with an average daily rate of $137, yet asset pricing remains competitive.
Asset-light strategy and membership model
BIG's strategy is asset-light, focusing on management mandates, leasebacks, and franchises. The group plans to integrate co-living, dining, and entertainment under a single membership model, with a target of expanding room capacity significantly by 2035. "Occupancy is back, rates are back, and the assets are still priced as though neither had happened," said Huy Nhat Vo Phi, CEO of BIG.
The investment coincides with BIG's preparation for a listing on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange by September 2026. This transition from the UPCoM market will require higher disclosure and governance standards. Khoa Van Kieu, President of the Board of Directors at BIG, noted that the exchange upgrade is a testament to the company's robust governance and structure.
For travel professionals, this development signals a growing appetite for late-night tourism infrastructure in Southeast Asia. As cities like Bangkok and Singapore continue to dominate the region's nightlife scene, Ho Chi Minh City is positioning itself to capture a share of that market. The investment also reflects broader trends in the hospitality sector, where asset-light models are gaining traction among investors seeking to maximize returns without heavy capital expenditure.
BIG's focus on District 1, the city's central business district, is strategic. The area is already a hub for international tourists and business travelers, but lacks the variety of entertainment options found in other regional capitals. By integrating co-living, dining, and nightlife under one membership, BIG aims to create a seamless experience for both residents and visitors.
The company's expansion plans come at a time when Vietnam's tourism sector is rebounding strongly. The country's international arrival numbers are approaching pre-pandemic levels, and hotel performance metrics are improving. However, the nightlife segment remains underdeveloped, presenting an opportunity for early movers like BIG.
Industry observers will be watching to see how BIG's model performs in a market where late-night venues are still relatively scarce. The company's ability to secure prime locations in District 1 will be critical to its success. With the backing of Brookland Group & Partners, BIG has the financial firepower to move quickly.
For more on related developments, see Thailand's EV investment boost and Avolon's credit facility upgrade.
