

![]() |
![]() |
|
Construction Update December 08, 2011
The suburbs of Ho Chi Minh City emanate similar feelings and impressions as the Disney-infested eastern suburbs of Shanghai. Cheap dwellings, dirt roads, street shops and motor bikes meet billion dollar theme park construction site.
Happyland is reportedly costing a staggering 2 billion USD - an unprecedented investment in a theme park located in a country with such low per capita income. The artwork leans heavily on Disney inspirations and looks a bit simple and uninspired, yet it is too early to judge Happyland's ultimate quality. Nor would I want to judge the future of Vietnam and its citizen's average income in 2014, when the theme park opens. Asia is on the move, and so is Vietnam.
Welcome to Happyland!
Happyland illustration
Happyland Main Street: Orthodox church replaces Neuschwanstein castle
Log An district, south-west of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Long An river
My driver and local helper
This is where Happyland will take shape
Happyland in rural Vietnam
Happyland gate
Happyland cartoon characters
Let's get a closer look!
Entering the construction site
Happyland site, Vietnam
Early works have started
Closer look
My helper's shoes
Proposed dark ride
Happyland loves Disneyland