Kempinski Hotels to make its Vietnam debut

Kempinski's Riverside Resort will be rooted in Vietnamese culture and heritage

Designed by acclaimed architectural studio Kengo Kuma & Associates, Kempinski Saigon River reimagines traditional Vietnamese vernacular architecture with an ultra-modern twist through a collection of 100 guest rooms and suites that blend heritage with modern luxury.

The hotel is set to open by the end of 2026 and is currently being developed in cooperation with Vietnamese property developer Ecopark Corporation, which owns other luxury hotels across Vietnam and has a portfolio of highly successful real estate projects that include residences, schools, retail, and universities.

"Kempinski has been present in Asia since 1992, but we are extremely proud to be now entering the exciting market of Vietnam with this truly unique hotel," said René Nijhof, chairman of the Board of Directors, Kempinski Hotels S.A.

"Inspired by the spectacular cultural and natural landscape of southern Vietnam, Kengo Kuma & Associates has reimagined life on the river. Together with the presence of Ecopark Corporation, we are redefining riverside luxury for a new generation of travellers who demand authenticity and heartfelt local experiences," added Nijhof.

Evoking the emerald rice paddies and riverside dwellings of Vietnam, Kempinski Saigon River presents a modern reinterpretation of traditional Vietnamese dwellings. Old-world charm meets contemporary luxury in the 90 guest rooms, which start from 65 square metres (sq.m) and afford expansive views of the river that embraces the property, while 10 suites, including a spectacular Presidential Suite, offer next-level luxury for the most discerning of guests.

Visitors will wake to the gentle murmur of the river, whose timeless flow will also provide the backdrop to spectacular waterfront events and weddings at the hotel’s elegant venues. Landscaping by Bangkok-based landscape architecture and design studio PLA will follow the gentle curves of the river and perpendicular canal, with bridges, ponds, and manicured gardens creating a seamless connection to nature throughout the hotel.

Travellers will be able to ease away the rigours of travel at the 1,500sq.m Resense Spa, a tranquil haven of wellbeing where local remedies and ingredients are incorporated into immersive wellness journeys, and feast on local flavours at a collection of dining venues including all-day dining and a signature Vietnamese restaurant, as well as a riverside bar and Executive Lounge.

Situated in Dongnai on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City, Kempinski Saigon River is part of a broader 55-hectare development that will also be home to residences, schools, a sports club, and retail areas along 700m of riverfront, connected to Ho Chi Minh City via a 45-minute speedboat ride.

"As Europe’s oldest hotel company and one of the most respected luxury hospitality brands in the world, we are thrilled to be working with Kempinski to turn this vision into a reality, providing a new interpretation of luxury living for future generations of visitors and residents," said Trung T. Luong, vice chairman of the owning company.

Dong Nai itself is currently undergoing major infrastructure expansion designed to reduce travel times and foster economic growth, including improvements to the road and railway networks, expanded waterways, and a new airport. Currently under construction, Long Thanh International Airport will be among the largest in the world when complete, with a capacity for up to 100 million passengers per year.

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