INTERCONTINENTAL HALONG BAY RESORT: WHERE MYTH MEETS MODERN LUXURY ON VIETNAM’S ICONIC SHORELINE
Rising from the jade-green waters of Vietnam’s UNESCO-listed Halong Bay, a new icon is set to redefine the luxury hospitality landscape: InterContinental Halong Bay Resort.
With its doors officially opening on July 9, 2025, this landmark resort blends timeless Vietnamese legends, contemporary design, and immersive wellness into a destination unlike any other in the region.
Located just two hours from Hanoi, Halong Bay has long enchanted travellers with its limestone karsts, emerald coves, and ethereal beauty. But while the natural wonder has inspired artists, poets, and filmmakers for generations—including the likes of French writer Marguerite Duras—it has yet to see a true international 5-star resort rise directly on its shores. Until now.
“It’s an iconic destination in Vietnam,” reminds Bastien Pucheu, Area Director of Commercial for IHG in the region, during our recent conversation at IMEX.
Designed by legends, inspired by legends
The InterContinental Halong Bay Resort is the first five-star branded resort situated on the bayfront. The property was conceived and executed in partnership with renowned Singaporean design firm WATG, with architecture and interiors deeply rooted in local mythology.
Halong Bay, whose name translates to “Descending Dragon,” is steeped in legends of ancient battles and celestial beasts. According to Vietnamese folklore, a dragon descended into the bay centuries ago to protect the land from invaders, carving out the rugged islands and rock formations with its tail. That very symbolism is now etched into the hotel’s vertical architecture and natural materials, giving the building the appearance of rising from the earth.
The hotel’s lobby—a visual and conceptual centrepiece—is inspired by the bamboo baskets used by local fishermen, reflecting both the heritage and ingenuity of the surrounding communities.
The resort has also been EDGE-certified, ensuring sustainability at every step. Materials, lighting systems, and construction methods were selected to minimise the hotel’s environmental footprint while maximising energy efficiency.
A culinary and wellness destination in itself
While the resort provides an ideal base for exploring the bay’s natural wonders, it has also been meticulously designed to keep guests delightfully anchored within.
Five dining venues serve as a culinary journey through Asia and beyond:
Marina Kitchen focuses on fresh seafood sourced from local waters.
Roku offers elegant Japanese fare with a curated selection of sake.
Yulong Mansion presents elevated Cantonese cuisine inspired by traditional techniques and regional delicacies.
La Baguette, inspired by French patisserie culture, serves handcrafted pastries, delicate viennoiseries, and aromatic coffee in a setting that pays homage to Vietnam.
Del Mar is a Mediterranean-inspired pool bar and lounge offering fresh seafood, vibrant seasonal dishes, and laid-back coastal charm.
Vietnamese cuisine also plays a prominent role in the in-room dining menu and various outlets. “You’ll find seven-dish tasting menus composed of small, balanced portions—vegetables, meats, fish, and soup—all contributing to harmony on the plate,” Pucheu noted.
Meanwhile, wellness is at the heart of the InterContinental Halong Bay Resort experience. The 10-treatment-room Hidden Lagoon Spa is infused with the same mythic design language as the rest of the resort, featuring limestone-inspired vertical structures and tranquil inner gardens.
Two leading international wellness brands anchor the spa program: Margaret Dabbs London and Sodashi. But the offerings extend well beyond beauty treatments.
Guests can consult with the resort’s on-property Doctor of Wellness, who helps design personalised wellbeing itineraries. Experiences may include sound bowl ceremonies, designed to welcome guests and initiate a sense of presence and calm, as well as silent travel packages tailored for digital detox and mental clarity.
One unique initiative is the "barefoot therapy" program, which encourages guests to reconnect with the earth by walking barefoot on sand and grass. "It's a way to discharge the static stress and electronic pollution that accumulates in city life," said Pucheu. "And it's incredibly simple and accessible."
Fitness facilities are state-of-the-art, offering panoramic views of the bay and modern equipment for all levels. The team is also developing holistic wellness itineraries that will combine physical, mental, and cultural elements.
A resort for every kind of guest
The resort boasts 275 accommodations, ranging from elegant Classic Rooms (starting at 40 sqm) to residences and 24 beachfront villas. Every room features a private terrace overlooking Halong Bay, allowing guests to take in the scenery from sunrise to sunset.
The villas—each with three bedrooms and direct access to a 30-meter pool—can be privatised for families or groups, effectively transforming into standalone luxury homes. With their own private entrances and lounges, these villas offer privacy and exclusivity while still enjoying access to resort-wide services.
For guests seeking elevated arrival experiences, the hotel is exploring seaplane transfers from Hanoi. This optional add-on would give guests a stunning aerial view of Halong Bay before landing near the property, offering a “three-point perspective” of the region—by air, by land, and by sea—as part of a tailored itinerary that may include cruises, guided cultural tours, and romantic escapes.
Tapping into Vietnam’s heritage and France’s heart
The InterContinental Halong Bay Resort is not just targeting international travellers—it’s particularly resonating with French guests, a key demographic in the Vietnamese tourism landscape. Thanks to the historical and cultural ties between France and Vietnam, French travellers rank among the top five source markets for the region.
By blending French elegance, Vietnamese spirituality, and modern luxury, the resort hopes to become a bridge between East and West—a contemporary retreat that pays homage to the past while shaping the future of sustainable luxury travel.
Looking ahead
As Halong Bay continues to evolve, InterContinental Halong Bay Resort is poised to usher in a new era of immersive, design-forward, and culturally anchored travel.
What awaits guests is more than a stay—it’s a story, a myth, and a modern Vietnamese legend in the making.
Asia, a recent University of Birmingham graduate with a degree in Creative Writing and Marketing, was introduced to the world of luxury hospitality through her parents' careers as seasoned journalists. Growing up, she learned the ins and outs of the industry by observing their work and experiences. This unique perspective fueled her passion for writing and her appreciation for upscale accommodations. With her academic background and rich upbringing, Asia is poised to craft vivid narratives that capture the elegance and allure of luxury hospitality.
