Vietnam is affirming its position on the world's leading luxury tourism map.

That is the opinion of Mr. Jesper Bach Larsen, CEO of InterContinental Halong Bay Resort, in a sharing session with Thanh Nien Newspaper about the trend of luxury resort tourism that is growing strongly in Vietnam.

Mr. Jesper Bach Larsen, General Director of InterContinental Halong Bay Resort

* According to Avison Young statistics, before 2000, there were only about 6 large international hotel operators present in Vietnam, but in the past 15 years, 10 more units have joined. How do you perceive the growth rate of the mid- to high-end hotel market in Vietnam?

- Mr. Jesper Bach Larsen: The Vietnamese hotel industry has developed at an extraordinary pace. The presence of international hotel brands in the past 15 years not only reflects the expansion of the market, but also signals a change in the way the world views Vietnam.

Vietnam is becoming a destination of choice for high-end travelers who previously only chose developed markets in the region. They come to Vietnam for the landscape but return for the cultural depth, high-quality service and unique experiences. This trend is growing significantly and we believe this is just the beginning of Vietnam’s journey to become a leading luxury travel destination in Asia.

Clearly, the growing demand from luxury travelers has led to an increase in the mid-range and high-end hotel segment. International hotel groups are no longer just “testing the market” but are investing in Vietnam strategically and for the long term. This reflects confidence in Vietnam’s solid foundations: improved infrastructure, a young, service-minded workforce, and a maturing domestic tourism market.

As the first international 5-star resort on land in the iconic heritage site, we are proud to usher in a new era of luxury travel in Ha Long. But above all, we are here to tell the story of Vietnam with respect, sophistication and authenticity - providing guests with not only enjoyment, but also a lasting connection to the spirit of a country rich in national identity.

Mr. Jesper Bach Larsen, General Director of InterContinental Halong Bay Resort

* Vietnam used to be known for being in the "top" of the most beautiful and cheapest destinations, but recently it has been continuously praised by the international press as one of the most luxurious and attractive destinations in the world. How do you view this journey of "escaping the label" of cheap tourism? In your opinion, what are the important factors that help Vietnam make this spectacular change?

- Vietnam’s journey of tourism development over the past decade has been truly extraordinary. Once known as a beautiful and accessible destination, today, Vietnam is firmly asserting its position on the world’s leading luxury tourism map. This transformation is not accidental, but the result of a convergence of many factors.

Firstly, the Government ’s strategic investments in infrastructure – such as upgrading airports, highways and enhancing digital transformation and connectivity – have contributed significantly to improving accessibility and convenience in tourism. Secondly, the vision of developers and investors has changed significantly, focusing on quality, sustainability and experience rather than just chasing quantity.

Vietnam has also become more confident in expressing its cultural identity. We are no longer simply welcoming tourists, but are proudly sharing our stories of heritage, crafts, cuisine and local lifestyle through exquisitely designed and distinctive experiences. Although destinations such as Bali, Maldives or Dubai have long been in the minds of super-rich travel enthusiasts, in my opinion, what makes Vietnam different is not just the scenery, but the "soul". It is the warmth of the people, the depth of culture and the ability to bring meaningful values ​​to visitors.

InterContinental Halong Bay Resort is the first luxury international resort on the shores of Ha Long Bay.

* Specifically, how can this uniqueness from the "soul" be used as material to create different experiences?

- First of all, it must be determined that this special customer segment will have special needs. Today's travelers not only seek luxury but also want to immerse themselves in authentic cultural experiences, explore local heritage and reconnect with themselves through sustainable physical, mental and spiritual health care activities. This demand creates a growing trend of tourism combining luxury resorts and heritage exploration.

InterContinental Halong Bay Resort is proud to anticipate and fully meet these expectations through its design and space that celebrate the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay. The experiences are carefully curated thanks to a deep network of local connections, along with a comprehensive wellness journey inspired by traditional Vietnamese values. Each experience here is delicately personalized, bringing deep emotions and sincere connections. It is the harmonious combination of cultural depth - personalization and timeless luxury that makes InterContinental Halong Bay Resort the top choice for high-end guests looking for authentic values ​​in their journey to discover Vietnam's heritage.

In addition, the increasingly sophisticated expectations of the ultra-wealthy clientele are showing a clear trend: the concept of modern luxury is no longer about ostentation, but is defined by exclusivity, core values ​​and high levels of personalization. At InterContinental Halong Bay Resort, we have unique advantages to meet this trend through carefully selected services and a brand philosophy that focuses on deep personalization and emotional connection.

The resort’s exclusive offerings are built on four core pillars: cultural insight to deliver “once in a lifetime” experiences that go beyond the ordinary; intentional flexibility to help staff tailor each journey to each individual. Whether it’s a bespoke menu created with the head chef, an in-villa spa treatment or a personalised wellness programme, every service is tailored to each guest’s lifestyle and preferences; creating memorable moments; and finally, inclusiveness at every turn, ensuring that even the most personalised experiences are always welcoming, effortless and executed with sophistication – because true luxury is about feeling deeply understood and completely relaxed.

Designed by WATG, the world's leading design firm, the architecture of InterContinental Halong Bay Resort reflects the heritage and vibrancy of the bayside destination, interwoven with ancient folklore stories. From there, it honors the stunning natural beauty, full of impressions between the mainland, the sea, the islands and the small bays of Ha Long.

The resort is the result of a long-term strategic partnership with BIM Group - one of Vietnam's leading private developers, with a pioneering vision and philosophy for sustainable tourism development. The project is a testament to the shared commitment to creating iconic destinations that honor local culture and meet international standards. This is what modern travelers are looking for and Vietnam is now ready to welcome the world with its own uniqueness and depth.

InterContinental Halong Bay Resort is the first international luxury resort on the shores of Ha Long Bay, with 174 basic rooms and suites, 60 apartments, 41 private villas, all with stunning views of the bay. The resort features a signature spa; 3 outdoor pools - 1 indoor pool; a family-friendly Planet Trekkers kids club; a games room and a fully equipped fitness center, equipped with Technogym facilities. In addition, InterContinental Halong Bay Resort offers the best culinary experiences in Northern Vietnam and Ha Long Bay, with 6 different restaurants - bars next to Vue - a cozy lounge in the lobby for afternoon tea...

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/viet-nam-dang-khang-dinh-vi-the-tren-ban-do-du-lich-cao-cap-hang-dau-the-gioi-18525070907344503.htm