Destinations

InterContinental Halong Bay experiences launch: For decades, the world’s travellers have visited the world-famous bay to cruise among its idyllic islands and explore its labyrinth of hidden caves, secluded coves and floating villages. Now, visitors can rediscover Vietnam’s most iconic seascape at the region’s first international luxury beachfront hotel, which unveils a new series of highly exclusive activities and services that will elevate the destination above traditional “stay & cruise” tourism and position it at the pinnacle of premium, stay-led hospitality.

Nestled on a sandy beach with direct views of the UNESCO World Heritage site, InterContinental Halong Bay Resort marks a new chapter for this popular adventure tourism haven. While guests can still uncover the natural and cultural wonders of Ha Long Bay, they can also enjoy unparalleled hospitality – including exciting new additions for June 2026: a spectacular six-bedroom beachfront villa, a world-class Cantonese restaurant, and Japanese cuisine crafted by Andy Huynh, the former Nobu executive chef and one of Vietnam’s leading culinary maestros.

InterContinental Halong Bay experiences: Halong Bay Estate villa

Halong Bay Estate villa is an ultra-exclusive six-bedroom beachside sanctuary where loved ones and groups can come together and create timeless memories in complete privacy. Nestled directly on the sandy shore, this residential masterpiece lets guests unwind in style and forge social bonds in 565 square metres of living space, spanning multiple zones which are distinct yet seamlessly interwoven. A dedicated spa & sauna, a gym, private cinema, billiard room and library promise quiet spaces for wellness, work or reflection, while the light-filled living areas, open-air terraces and a sea-facing outdoor infinity pool offer opportunities for connection, overlooking Ha Long Bay.

A private chef will be on-hand to provide personalised services, including breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails served in the villa, and a mini-bar is stocked with premium products, including Champagne. Perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, corporate retreats and executive getaways, the Halong Bay Estate villa is set to become the area’s most prestigious address.

Rates start from USD 9,600++ per night, inclusive of daily breakfast. For reservations and further information, guests are invited to visit the resort’s website.

InterContinental Halong Bay experiences: Yulong Mansion Cantonese dining destination

From June 2026, guests can discover Yulong Mansion, a refined and sophisticated Chinese dining destination where time-honoured traditions, contemporary techniques, and elevated rituals converge. Expertly led by Head Chef Kan, who hails from Southern China but has lived in Vietnam for 27 years, the restaurant’s culinary philosophy is rooted in Cantonese flavours, including handcrafted dim sum, while also having a deep understanding of local preferences. Diners’ taste buds will also be transported to Northern China and Sichuan with a menu that celebrates the finest ingredients, including sustainable seafood, Kobe beef, Iberico pork, and the signature 42-day pinewood-roasted Peking duck.

With four elegant private dining rooms designed for intimate gatherings and special celebrations, Yulong Mansion offers an elevated dining experience unlike any other in the region. More than just a restaurant, it is set to become a destination in its own right, attracting discerning diners from Hanoi and beyond.

Executive Chef Andy Huynh creates Japanese artistry at Roku

Roku, the contemporary Japanese restaurant and sky bar, is also reimagined – with the arrival of new Cluster Head chef of Japanese Cuisine, Andy Huynh. One of Vietnam’s most celebrated culinary experts, Chef Andy trained in the USA and spent 15 years with Nobu, rising to executive chef roles at restaurants in the Bahamas and California. Now, he introduces his passion, creativity and innovation to Roku, the 10th floor restaurant and rooftop bar where diners can embark on a Japanese culinary journey through traditional techniques, all crafted using the finest ingredients and infused with Chef Andy’s artistry.

Roku means “six” in Japanese, and true to its name, the restaurant is built around six core culinary techniques: sushi & sashimi, pickling, grilling, simmering, steaming and frying. Each method is thoughtfully represented throughout the menu, offering guests an authentic exploration of Japanese gastronomy through craftsmanship, seasonality and premium ingredients.

InterContinental Halong Bay experiences: destination Ha Long Bay

While Ha Long Bay is famous around the globe, this coastal haven is now attracting a new wave of visitors. The launch of Van Don International Airport and a new expressway from Hanoi has made it even more accessible for leisure travellers and event planners, which resulted in Ha Long Bay welcoming 8.2 million¹ tourists in 2025 – a 91% jump compared to the pre-pandemic total in 2019. The majority of guests, however, still enjoy traditional short “stay & cruise” itineraries.

The debut of InterContinental Halong in 2025 transformed the region’s tourism landscape by introducing global luxury hospitality and world-class facilities to the market. With a collection of sea-facing rooms, suites and villas, eclectic restaurants, three swimming pools, the Hidden Lagoon Spa, a yoga area, fitness centre, cinema room, and the Planet Trekkers children’s activity centre, plus extensive facilities for grand conferences and glamorous weddings, all with direct beach access and panoramic vistas, this remarkable resort is changing how travellers think about Ha Long Bay.

“InterContinental Halong offers something entirely new in the market – an exclusive beachfront sanctuary where guests can uncover the region’s natural beauty, while also experiencing the finest hospitality, gastronomy and wellness. We are positioning Ha Long Bay not only as part of an itinerary, but as a standalone destination. The debut of our Halong Bay Estate villa, Yulong Mansion restaurant and the arrival of Head Chef Andy Huynh at Roku restaurant this June will elevate tourism in Ha Long Bay to new levels of luxury, and I look forward to welcoming a new era of domestic and international explorers to uncover the wonders of this iconic seascape,” said GM Grant Thompson.