The transformation of Ha Long on the global luxury resort map

Once known as one of the most outstanding natural wonders of Vietnam, Ha Long is gradually taking on a new look – not only as a destination of majestic natural beauty, but also as a high-class international resort center.

A clear milestone for this transformation is the birth of InterContinental Halong Bay Resort - the first luxury beach resort in the North, developed by BIM Land and operated by IHG Hotels & Resorts.

From short stays to in-depth luxury experiences

With over a thousand limestone islands amidst emerald waters, Ha Long has always been a dream destination for domestic and foreign tourists. However, the dominant tourism model for many years has been “visit – short stay – leave”, resulting in low average length of stay and lack of depth in the experience.

According to Airbnb data (period 10/2023 - 9/2024), the average length of stay of tourists in Ha Long is 3.7 days, higher than the average of the whole Quang Ninh province (2.56 days), but mainly from independent tourists. Meanwhile, the group of tourists – cruise ships – short-term tours still accounts for the majority, with a common length of stay of only 1-2 nights.

This reality shows that Ha Long has not yet fully exploited the potential of high-value tourism segments such as wellness, MICE, and family resorts - which accounts for 70% of global tourism revenue, although less than 20% of visitors (according to WTTC).

InterContinental Halong Bay opens a new portrait of high-end customers in Ha Long…

…are multi-generational family groups, health resorts, MICE and luxury weddings. Photo: IHG

InterContinental – a strategic push to change positioning

In that context, InterContinental Halong Bay Resort not only fills the gap in high-end resort products but also plays a "triggering" role in the process of repositioning Ha Long.

Located in the center of Peninsula 2 of Halong Marina urban area, the resort owns 174 rooms and sea-view villas, a system of 6 high- class restaurants and bars, large-scale conference - event - wedding space, along with a complex of spa, gym, yoga and personalized health care services that meet international standards.

More than just a resort, InterContinental also opens up a new portrait of high-end customers in Ha Long – from traditional short-term guests to multi-generational families, businessmen combining work and leisure, and long-term health tourists.

Villas with direct views of the heritage bay at the InterContinental Halong Bay resort. Photo: IHG

According to IHG's Q1/2025 report, the average occupancy rate of luxury hotels in Vietnam reached 63.4%, up 2.4% year-on-year – demonstrating a strong recovery and growing demand for high-quality experiential tourism products. Ha Long is the next destination in that wave.

The appearance of InterContinental is not only a milestone in terms of products, but also a strategic statement: Ha Long is ready to become a new member of the "club" of the region's leading luxury resort destinations, alongside Phuket, Koh Samui (Thailand), Bali (Indonesia) or Phu Quoc (Vietnam).

InterContinental Phu Quoc, built by BIM Land on the pearl island, has been selected by World Travel Awards as the Best Luxury Family Resort in Asia for 6 consecutive years since its opening in 2019. Photo: IHG

If Phu Quoc has InterContinental Long Beach Resort which has become a symbol of the luxury resort segment combining family - events - high-class cuisine, or Nha Trang gathers many international brands such as Six Senses, L'Alya..., then Ha Long stands out with a rare combination of natural heritage, modern infrastructure and long-term sustainable development orientation with InterContinental Halong Bay Resort.

Halong Marina – unique advantage of Ha Long

Halong Marina brings a distinct competitive advantage to Ha Long tourism. Photo: BIM Land

Unlike many coastal cities that develop separately between isolated resorts, Halong Marina - a resort tourism place is fully connected to the rhythm of coastal urban life.

Here, guests staying at InterContinental Halong Bay Resort not only enjoy the luxurious, private space of a high-class resort but also easily immerse themselves in local life through experiences such as local cuisine, coastal walking street, Cai Dam traditional market, as well as explore the culture of the bay in a close and authentic way.

In particular, all amenities – from accommodation, shopping, cuisine to entertainment – ​​are within walking distance, planned synchronously in the Halong Marina urban area. The presence of international brands such as Citadines, À la Carte, Sailing Club, LOTTE… creates a unique blend of internationality and local identity – a key factor to enhance the experience and prolong the stay.

Golden time to create the future

According to the development plan to 2040, with a vision to 2050, Quang Ninh province aims to turn Ha Long into a regional and international tourism and service center, focusing on green, smart, sustainable and climate change-adaptive tourism.

In 2024, the province welcomes more than 17 million visitors, including more than 3 million international visitors - a testament to its growing appeal and increasingly complete infrastructure, from the Ha Long - Hai Phong - Hanoi expressway, Van Don International Airport to the international passenger port.

However, infrastructure is only a necessary condition. The sufficient condition is the appearance of high-class resort products with international brands, leading to new tourism experiences. That is what InterContinental Halong Bay Resort, created by BIM Land, is brewing to open a new future for Ha Long tourism.

Nguyen Khang

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/cuoc-chuyen-minh-cua-ha-long-tren-ban-do-nghi-duong-hang-sang-toan-cau-3365062.html