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The first luxury Ha Long Bay resort is set to open in summer 2025! There, InterContinental Halong Bay Resort will be situated at the gateway to Ha Long City, in the exclusive Ha Long Marina Urban Area, just outside the vibrant streets of Bai Chay. The resort will offer curated experiences tailored for leisure seekers, culture enthusiasts and nature lovers alike – from luxury cruises through Ha Long Bay and explorations of hidden caves to visits to fishing villages for an authentic glimpse into life on the water.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay takes its name from Vietnamese legend, with Hạ Long meaning the ’descending dragon’. According to myth, a mother dragon and her children descended from the heavens to protect the Vietnamese people from invaders. As they soared across the sky, they released jewels and emeralds into the sea, which are said to have shaped the bay’s captivating landscape, forming the towering limestone karsts like sentries today.

The resort’s architecture, led by WATG, reflects the heritage and vibrancy of the region, weaving together narratives from ancient folklore and celebrating the dramatic interplay of land, sea, islands and inlets that define Ha Long Bay’s natural beauty. With interiors by P49Deesign, the resort’s lobby takes inspiration from Vietnam’s traditional bamboo basket boats, while guestrooms highlight the striking colours of land and sea – with turquoise blue upholstery, brass accents, and playful textures reminiscent of fish scales, rippling waters, or iridescent pearls throughout.

The resort will feature 174 guestrooms and suites, 60 residences and 41 private villas, along with six eclectic dining venues that will take guests on a culinary journey of regional and international flavours. Signature restaurants will include Roku & Sky Bar, located on the 10th floor of the resort’s rooftop. Inspired by the Land of the Rising Sun, Roku & Sky Bar will offer a menu of specialty Japanese cuisine infused with local flair. From handcrafted cocktails to a traditional Sake Library, this rooftop destination, with a dramatic hanging bamboo art installation evoking the legend of Ha Long, will provide a unique dining experience, complemented by panoramic views of the bay. Yulong Mansion is a two-story venue that will offer a modern Cantonese dining experience. It will feature multiple private dining rooms, an open kitchen allowing guests to watch chefs at work, as well as notable tableside preparations such as Peking duck carving, elevating the dining experience with culinary craftsmanship.

Spa and recreational programming will also be introduced at the resort. The spa will collaborate with Margaret Dabbs London, a luxury British beauty brand, and Sodashi, an Australian clean beauty brand, who will provide wellness treatments ranging from healing facial rituals to nurturing, sensory body therapies for ultimate wellbeing. From beach activities such as volleyball to outdoor archery, three outdoor pools, the family-friendly Planet Trekkers kids’ club and The Game Room, which will feature a cinema, will ensure all generations entertained.

Today’s travellers lead diverse lives, and InterContinental Hotels & Resorts acknowledges the need for seamless transitions throughout their day. To address this and enrich the travel experience, the brand will help guests shape shift through their day at its hotels and resorts. Initiatives include scientifically backed food and beverage programmes designed to reduce travel fatigue while multiple dining venues cater to differing guest needs from morning to night. All guests will also receive access to Timeshifter, a jet lag app which enables international guests to use the latest circadian science to adjust quickly to new time zones.

Featuring five dedicated event spaces and breakout areas equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the resort will welcome corporate meetings and events, weddings and celebratory milestone occasions. The elegant Grand Ballroom is the largest space, accommodating up to 1,050 guests in a theatre setup, 810 for receptions or 680 for banquets. Additionally, there are four versatile meeting rooms as well as outdoor venue options, including a manicured garden with a capacity of 330 persons and a terrace accommodating up to 390 persons for receptions.

InterContinental Halong Bay Resort is conveniently located just two hours from Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport. Offering a luxurious retreat, the resort will provide the perfect base for travellers to explore the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay, and a great accommodation for pre and post cruise stays.