Luxury travel where global class meets local soul

How does InterContinental Halong Bay balance international standards with local culture and sustainability?

Today’s travel trends go far beyond simple relaxation. Modern travellers seek to connect with the soul of a destination, to truly feel and understand its spirit through immersive, culturally rich experiences woven seamlessly into luxurious and refined stays.

As a resort situated in one of the country’s most iconic locations, we at InterContinental Halong Bay Resort are proud to be part of this transformation-offering not just luxury, but a meaningful connection to place. The resort is the result of a long-term strategic partnership with BIM Group, one of Vietnam’s leading private developers known for its sustainable vision and commitment to quality tourism. This collaboration reflects a shared dedication to creating iconic destinations that honor local culture while meeting the highest international standards. This is what modern luxury travelers are seeking, and Vietnam is now beautifully poised to meet, and exceed, those expectations.

At InterContinental Halong Bay Resort (ICHL), we go beyond the expected, offering immersive cultural experiences seamlessly woven into world-class luxury.

Guided by our brand hallmarks, Insider Expertise, we bring Halong’s heritage to life through two key pillars including Insider Partnerships and Personalised Service.

From exclusive cruise routes with Grand Pioneers and Ambassador Cruises to behind-the-scenes access at Halong Pearl Farm, and authentic culinary journeys with local vendors, our trusted local connections unlock Halong’s hidden gems. Every guest journey begins before arrival. With tailored recommendations, insider tips, and 24/7 support via our Canany and Concierge hotline, we help you craft your own “Perfect Day”, for a stay that feels uniquely yours.

ICHL is proud to be at the forefront of a new wave of travel, one that celebrates cultural depth, heritage, and authentic local lifestyles, all while delivering exceptional, personalised, and elevated experiences.

What local traditions and cultural experiences does ICHL offer its in-house guests?

We are dedicated to enriching our guests' stay with meticulously curated cultural and heritage activities. These include exclusive excursions to authentic traditional fishing villages, insightful pearl farms, and unique floating communities, offering an intimate and respectful glimpse into the local way of life.

Guests can board a local fishing boat or speedboat to visit a traditional fishing village in Halong Bay. The journey offers a peaceful ride through stunning seascapes, arriving at floating communities such as Cua Van or Vung Vieng. Guests can explore traditional floating homes, participate in hands-on activities like casting fishing nets or learning about pearl farming, and enjoy fresh seafood they catch themselves.

Along the way, guests may meet local elders who have spent their entire lives on the water, sharing stories of resilience, from weathering storms to raising families on floating homes and adapting to the challenges of climate change. They may also encounter children who are growing up entirely at sea, inheriting generations of fishing wisdom passed down from an early age.

At Halong Pearl Farm, guests can witness ethical pearl farming, try their hand at pearl planting and receive custom souvenirs. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at Vietnam’s most beautiful natural treasure.

The pearl farming tradition in Halong Bay began in the early 1960s, when local fishermen discovered natural pearls in oysters. This sparked a thriving industry, which today positions Halong among the world’s largest pearl farming centres, producing nearly 10 million pearls each year.

Each of these immersive experiences is guided by our distinct Insider Expertise. This core brand differentiator ensures our guests gain unparalleled, authentic insights into Halong Bay's rich history, enduring traditions, and hidden gems, fostering a truly profound and personal connection with this extraordinary destination.

With ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking more bespoke experiences, how is ICHL catering to this demand through its personalised offerings?

The evolving desires of ultra-high-net-worth individuals reveal a clear trend: luxury is no longer defined by excess, but by exclusivity, meaning, and hyper-personalisation. ICHL is uniquely equipped to deliver on this demand through curated service and a brand philosophy built around deep personalisation and meaningful connection.

Our bespoke offerings are shaped by four core differentiators such as the Insider Expertise, which allows us to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences that go beyond the ordinary, from private access to hidden cultural gems, to exclusive excursions guided by local experts with generational knowledge of Halong Bay.

Secondly, Intentional Flexibility empowers our team to design every touchpoint around the individual. Whether the custom menus crafted with the executive chef, in-villa spa rituals, or personally tailored wellness journeys, we adapt seamlessly to our guests’ lifestyles and preferences.

Thirdly, Incredible Occasions means every celebration, milestone, or quiet moment of escape is elevated, whether it’s a candlelit dinner on a secluded terrace, or an in-villa concert curated to personal taste.

And with Inclusive Everywhere, even the most personalised experiences remain welcoming, effortless, and sensitively delivered because true luxury is about feeling deeply understood and entirely at ease.

We’ve also designed our suites, penthouse and villas with privacy and personalisation in mind, ideal for wealthy visitors seeking a discreet, self-contained space with elevated, on-demand services.

How does the resort equip its management and staff to deliver the high level of service expected by such wealthy individuals?

Serving the ultra-wealthy requires more than precision, it demands intuition, cultural fluency, and service that feels both seamless and sincere. We’ve built a team and culture specifically designed to meet this level of expectation, guided by our service philosophy: Inspire Incredible.

To us, Inspire Incredible is more than a promise, it’s a mindset. It means going beyond excellence to create moments that feel personal, meaningful, and utterly unforgettable. Our colleagues are trained in ultra-luxury service standards, emotional intelligence, and cross-cultural etiquette and are empowered to act with autonomy and empathy, allowing them to anticipate needs before they’re spoken.

Whether it’s arranging a bespoke cultural immersion, ensuring discreet in-villa service, or remembering the smallest personal preferences, our team is equipped to deliver at the highest level, with warmth, discretion, and a profound understanding of what truly inspires our most discerning guests.

InterContinental Halong Bay Resort is located in two-time UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay. The resort features 174 guestrooms and suites, 60 apartments, and 41 private villas, all with stunning views of the bay. For more information and reservations, visit intercontinental.com and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Tet 2024 Hamper Collection by Intercontinental Saigon On the occasion of Lunar New Year 2024, the Year of the Dragon, InterContinental Saigon is proud to deliver its newest Tet Hamper Collection Xuan Hoa, Tet Rong with two exquisite designs to praise this Zodiac.

InterContinental Saigon goes back to basics to enhance customer experience Tourism results for Vietnam were decent in 2023, but the country is hoping for a stellar 2024 to get the industry fully on track. General manager of InterContinental Saigon Justin Malcolm shared with VIR’s Hoang Dan his inside experiences of operating and managing the luxury hotel in the southern hub of Ho Chi Minh City in that direction.

InterContinental Halong Bay Resort to open this summer InterContinental Halong Bay Resort, the first luxury resort by IHG in the Halong Marina Urban Area, will open its doors this summer.