Vietnam – a hotspot for the world’s upper crust

Vietnam is now home to truly awe-inspiring resorts offering superlative services

Vietnam has achieved worldwide fame thanks to a new generation of architectural masterpieces and high-end tourist attractions, strengthening the country’s reputation for luxury travel.

Once considered more of an exotic destination for backpackers or adventure-seekers, Vietnam is now attracting a different kind of tourist with a growing amount of high-end options. The American Society of Travel Agents, for one, has labelled Vietnam as an emerging destination for luxury travel.

There’s plenty of consensus within the industry. Reputed travel magazines such as Sphere, Condé Nast Traveler, and Travel and Leisure all agree that Vietnam can now offer luxury travel experiences to sit alongside world-class cuisine and the world’s top hotels, not to mention the country’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and awesome food scene.

Last month, British billionaire Joe Lewis toured the famous Vietnamese destinations of Danang, Hoi An, and Halong Bay on his $150 million super-yacht Aviva. Lewis, who owns English football club Tottenham Hotspur, has a total wealth estimated at $5.2 billion, and was listed the 388th richest person on Forbes’ 2018 list of billionaires. As his mobile office, the 98m Aviva, built by German-based Abeking & Rasmussen, first set sail in 2017. It is ranked 57th among the 100 biggest yachts in the world.

Previously in March, the pearl island of Phu Quoc hosted a magnificent seven-day-long wedding party for an Indian couple, at the five-star JW Marriott Resort in An Thoi. A total of 700 guests, as well as dozens of tonnes of goods, costumes, jewellery, and props, were transported from India directly to the island. Bride Kaabia Grewal and groom Rushang Shah celebrated their wedding with 11 major events, including a Great Gatsby-themed party and various activities for guests from India, such as a running competition, lantern-making, hat-painting, watching marine creatures, and musical and opera performances.

Meanwhile, the central coastal city of Danang is the location of InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, the first to truly put Vietnam on the global luxury tourism map, according to many insiders. The resort received three prizes at last year’s World Tourism Awards, including World’s Leading Luxury MICE Resort, World’s Leading Luxury Wedding Resort, and World’s Leading Resort Architecture Design.

Some weddings have become legendary at the resort, such as Singapore’s billionaire couple Brian and Jocelin, and the marriage of John Liang, head of the luxury restaurant chain in Hong Kong, and his wife Janice Ho.

Several years ago Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg also chose Vietnam for his Christmas holiday with friends, including girlfriend Priscilla Chan. They visited Hanoi’s historical and cultural sites, as well as went shopping in the city’s Old Quarter, before chartering a helicopter tour to Halong Bay and then flying to Sapa to explore the tribal uniqueness.

After many years of relative obscurity, it is clear that Vietnam now offers a series of man-made marvels, architectural masterpieces, award-winning resorts, and world favourite golf resorts, all of which have spurred extraordinary growth for the tourism industry and strengthened the country’s reputation in the world as an exciting, dynamic destination for luxury travel.

Vietnam is becoming popular among the rich and famous

Peter Edholm - Area director, Sales and Marketing IHG Indochina

Over recent years, Vietnam has earned a very good reputation as a tourism destination as the experiences this land has to offer are seemingly endless.

The country boasts great natural beauty, with its territory situated in the heart of the tropical region with mesmerising beach lines and the nicest people you have ever met.

Furthermore, the current dynamic economic and stable political environments have been providing Vietnam with a great opportunity to focus on growing its tourism industry.

Dang Minh Truong - Chairman, Sun Group

Since 2007, Sun Group has strived continually towards creating world-class entertainment complexes. After more than a decade of growth, we have successfully developed and unveiled such entertainment complexes under the Sun World brand in many leading destinations across the country.

Located in Vietnam’s most spectacular locations, visiting Sun World will bring travellers a truly profound experience. For example, Sun World Ba Na Hills is located at an altitude of nearly 1,500m above the sea level on the top of Ba Na Hills in Central Vietnam. Sun World Fansipan Legend is situated on the “Roof of Indochina” at a height of 3,143m.

We have other Sun World venues in what can be considered ideal locations in Danang, Halong, and Phu Quoc. Every Sun World has its own unique vibe. Ba Na Hills was Sun Group’s first ideal location. It has a mild climate all year round. There is gorgeous rural architecture inspired by French villages and seasonal festivals are held throughout the year. ­Located on the west bank of Han River, Sun World Danang Wonders offers a combination of unique ­features, including some of the most exciting entertainment rides and attractions in the world and many special cultural highlights that ­showcase an Asian style.

Cradled in the slopes of the legendary Fansipan mountain, Sun World ­Fansipan Legend is home to meaningful cultural works, tourism programmes, entertainment, and a cable car service. At Sun World Fansipan Legend passengers will have a chance to touch the landmarks at the ­summit’s peak.

Phan Huu Duc - Director of Sales and Marketing Conasi - PHD Management

With Forbes naming ­Vietnam among the top five worldwide tourist destinations for 2019, and the US Tour Operators Association doing the same for US travellers, the luxury tourism market from other countries has increased aggressively compared to just a couple of years ago.

Vietnam has great ­potential for luxury tourism through its cultural, ­customary, and traditional diversity, which has been shaped and practiced ­nationwide for thousands of years.

Personalised and customised services can make the difference and would be the main key to ensure the most satisfaction. Indeed, Vietnamese people are very friendly and well-trained in hospitality, providing detailed service for the highest demands of the luxury market. In addition, safety is very important to all travellers and luckily Vietnam is considered the most politically stable country in the region.