The Golden Palace: A Billion-Dollar Wonder in Southeast Asia, and the Unique Profession of its Owner

The construction of Thang Thanh Castle, known for its grandeur, commenced in June 2016 and took three and a half years to complete. This massive structure, touted as the largest castle in Southeast Asia, stands tall at the height of an 18-story building, with a total floor area of 15,000 square meters.

Located strategically along National Highway 1A in Gia Vien, this castle was inspired by the architectural grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican City in Italy. With an estimated investment of over 1,000 billion VND, the opulence and magnificence of Thang Thanh Castle captivate the attention of all who pass by.

Naturally, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who is the owner of this extravagant castle? Meet Do Van Tien, a prominent entrepreneur in the cement industry and Chairman of Thang Thanh Group. With a diverse portfolio, his group now spans sectors such as cement, transportation, port operations, and construction.

Named after Mr. Tien’s two sons, Thanh and Thang, this castle complex boasts a grand entrance and imposing buildings adorned with intricate details and complex motifs. The estate comprises three main structures, including two smaller castles for his sons and a grand palace for the parents and shared spaces.

Remarkably, this castle features nearly 20 luxurious bedrooms fit for royalty, even though there are only four family members residing there, along with their household staff and security personnel. Getting around the castle without a map can be a daunting task! In addition to the bedrooms, the castle boasts spacious areas such as a large dining room that can accommodate over 20 people, a karaoke room, a movie theater, a library, and an impressive prayer room, claimed to be the largest within a residential structure in Vietnam.

The guest reception area is as spacious as an apartment, furnished with handcrafted Vietnamese furniture, luxurious leather upholstery, and golden accents. Even the door handles and hinges are gold-plated, reflecting the utmost attention to detail.

The castle is surrounded by a vast compound spanning approximately 10,000 square meters, enclosed by a sturdy fence and gate system. The main castle stands tall with six floors above ground, each floor measuring around 2,000 square meters.

Adorning the grounds of this magnificent estate are gardens featuring over 20 ancient trees, including pine, loc vuong, and La Han pine trees. Each of these trees is valued at over 1 billion VND, and some were personally sourced by Mr. Tien from provinces such as Dak Lak and Kon Tum. The castle’s underground level comprises three main areas: a main garage spanning 700 square meters that can accommodate approximately 30 vehicles, a secondary garage measuring 500 square meters for around 20 cars, and a spacious music room ranging from 600 to 700 square meters, complete with a stage.