InterContinental Halong Bay, the latest luxury beachfront resort under the world-renowned InterContinental brand, is expected to set a new benchmark for high-end hospitality in Northern Vietnam. But what made this global brand choose Halong Bay?
Long recognized as a natural tourism icon of Vietnam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay ranks among Asia’s top beach destinations. However, according to data from the Quang Ninh Department of Tourism, most international visitors to Halong Bay opt for day trips or overnight cruises.
Despite the presence of international hotel brands such as Wyndham Legend Halong, Radisson Blu, and Hyatt Place, the city has yet to unlock its full potential due to seasonal limitations and the lack of international-standard resorts capable of encouraging longer stays.
Nguyen Quang Son, Deputy General Director of APC Corporation and CEO of GTDO – a global tourism development organization – commented: “European and American tourists usually spend just one night in Halong Bay for sightseeing before heading back to Hanoi the next morning – a great waste of natural resources. Many international travelers want to stay longer, even up to a week, but don’t know what else there is to do or what quality products are available.”
For domestic tourists, travel trends show a shift towards the South, where destinations like Danang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc offer more developed resort complexes. Search data from Booking.com indicates that during the summer peak (June–July), the top five most searched destinations in Vietnam are Danang, Dalat, Vung Tau, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
According to Pham Ha – Chairman and CEO of LuxGroup: “High-end travelers come to Vietnam to relax, explore culture, and are willing to pay for meaningful experiences. They don’t travel based on summer or holidays, but rather their own schedules, often seeking privacy, premium service, and in-depth content. This is the segment we should target to fill low seasons.”
The launch of InterContinental Halong Bay is expected to not only fill this long-standing gap, but also spark a new direction for the region – encompassing high-end accommodation, F&B, wellness, sports, and events – moving Halong Bay closer to becoming a sustainable international luxury destination.
Over the past decade, IHG has repositioned InterContinental as not just the world’s longest-standing luxury hotel brand, but also a new icon for cultural tourism, personalized experiences, and immersive travel. With over 200 hotels in more than 60 countries, the brand is redefining luxury hospitality worldwide, with the Asia-Pacific region as a key strategic focus.
Andrew Davidson, Managing Director for Indochina & Korea at IHG Hotels & Resorts, shared: “Bringing InterContinental to emerging destinations like Phu Quoc, Halong, and the upcoming Thanh Xuan Valley is how we expand our footprint and help stimulate local tourism. International brands like InterContinental not only enhance guest experiences but also create value for the community – through investment, jobs, and infrastructure.”
“We trust BIM Group because they demonstrate a clear vision, solid execution, and a long-term commitment to sustainable development,” he added. “From Phu Quoc to Halong and soon Thanh Xuan Valley, BIM has proven they don’t just build resorts – they build destinations.”
In addition to product development, BIM and IHG share a vision for cultivating high-quality human resources – a foundational element in building a sustainable tourism industry and elevating Vietnam’s service standards globally.
Adam Riley Owen, Head of Hospitality at BIM Group and former Vice President of Hotel Development at IHG China, said choosing Halong Bay was a strategic move: “Halong Bay is world-famous, yet paradoxically, it has lacked a true international-standard beachfront resort for years. The market gap was obvious. Now is the right time. Vietnam is becoming a new hotspot for high-end travelers, and the region’s infrastructure has significantly improved. InterContinental Halong Bay marks the beginning of Halong’s entry onto the global luxury resort map.”
More than just a leisure destination, InterContinental Halong Bay is also positioned as a premium MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) hub, aiming to attract large domestic and international groups. With its system of meeting rooms, ballrooms, and outdoor event spaces, the resort is expected to increase guest stay duration, extend the peak season, and redefine Halong Bay’s role in the regional MICE landscape.
Discover why global hotel brand InterContinental chose Halong Bay for its latest luxury resort. A game-changer in Northern Vietnam’s tourism landscape, this project by BIM Group and IHG sets new standards in sustainable hospitality and premium MICE experiences.
In the summer of 2025, BIM Land – a member of BIM Group – will officially launch the InterContinental Halong Bay Resort, marking a significant milestone not only for the developer but also for the luxury tourism landscape of Northern Vietnam.
BIM Land, a member of BIM Group, was honored in the Top One category for the Most Promising Green Building Project of 2025 with Thanh Xuan Valley.
