The first international luxury resort in UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay now welcoming guests
InterContinental, the world’s first and largest international luxury hotel brand, continues its legacy of pioneering in new destinations with the opening of InterContinental Halong Bay Resort in Quang Ninh Province, northeast Vietnam, within the twice-recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay.
Located in the exclusive Ha Long Marina Urban Area, near Bai Chay, the resort welcomes leisure seekers, families and cultural explorers alike. Guests can enjoy curated experiences that connect them to the region’s heritage, from pottery workshops at Little Colmar Studio to visits to the floating fishing villages of Cửa Vạn and Vung Viêng, ethical pearl cultivation at the Ha Long Pearl Farm, and excursions to sacred pagodas and temples dating back more than 700 years.
“InterContinental as a brand has been hosting guests for almost 80 years globally. We are incredibly proud to now have a footprint in one of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our guests will experience the brand’s hallmarks of worldly elegance, personalised service and cultural connection – for a stay that inspires discovery and meaningful experience,” Jesper Larsen, General Manager, InterContinental Halong Bay Resort.
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 the 275 guestrooms, suites, private villas and residences highlight the striking colours of land and sea – with turquoise blue upholstery, brass accents, and playful textures reminiscent of fish scales, rippling waters and iridescent pearls throughout.
InterContinental Halong Bay Resort features six eclectic dining venues, with its signature restaurant Roku & Star Bar slated to open later in 2025. Located on the 10th floor, it will serve Japanese cuisine showcasing six classic techniques: nukazuke (pickled and cold dishes), sashimi and sushi, mushimono (steamed), Yakimono (grilled), agemono (fried), and nimono (simmered). This rooftop destination will also feature a curated Sake Library and a dramatic bamboo installation inspired by the descending dragon legend of Ha Long, offering a unique dining experience with sweeping views of the bay. Yulong Mansion, a two-storey venue opening in 2026, will present modern Cantonese cuisine through a lens of culinary artistry, with multiple private dining rooms, an open kitchen, theatrical Peking duck carving and traditional Kungfu Tea ceremonies.
Among the resort’s dining offerings already available to guests are Marina Kitchen, a seafood speciality restaurant serving modern coastal cuisine; La Baguette, a French-Vietnamese bistrot; Del Mar, a poolside lounge bar inspired by the floating village of Cửa Vạn; and Vue, the light-filled lobby lounge space offering afternoon tea, cocktails and complemented by bay views.
Hidden Lagoon, the resort’s signature spa, offers a wellness journey inspired by the serenity of Ha Long Bay. In collaboration with luxury British beauty brand Margaret Dabbs London and Australian clean beauty brand Sodashi, the spa delivers treatments ranging from healing facial rituals to nurturing, sensory therapies for complete wellbeing. Recreational amenities include beach volleyball, outdoor archery and three swimming pools.
The family-friendly Planet Trekkers kids’ club welcomes children aged 4 to 12 with culturally immersive activities such as conical hat painting, canvas bag decorating, candle making and face painting. For teens and families, The Game Room features a cinema, internet gaming and classic favourites including billiards, darts, foosball and air hockey. The resort also features a collection of versatile event spaces, including the grand Tonkin Ballroom and elegant Cat Ba Ballroom – ideal for weddings, milestone celebrations and corporate gatherings.
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.
Offering a luxurious retreat just two hours from Hanoi, InterContinental Halong Bay Resort provides the perfect base to explore the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay and is well suited for longer slow travel stays, including pre and post-cruise visits. Guests are within easy reach of iconic sites; from Bai Tho Mountain, offering panoramic views of the bay, to Sung Sot Cave, the largest limestone grotto in the area, where dramatic rock formations unfold across two vast chambers. Cultural landmarks include Bao Hai Linh Thong Pagoda, showcasing 17th–18th century Vietnamese architecture and traditional Buddha statues, and Fighting Cocks Islet – two rock formations shaped like a rooster and a hen, Ha Long’s recognised symbol, often linked to legends of protection over the bay.
As the most magical time of the year approaches, guests booking for stays between 5 December 2025 and 5 January 2026 can enjoy a series of thoughtfully curated experiences designed to inspire connection and relaxation. The offer; a minimum two-night stay in elegant accommodation with panoramic views of Ha Long Bay, daily breakfast for two at Marina Kitchen, special festive welcome amenities, and access to seasonal workshops crafted to spark creativity and joy. Guests will also enjoy a 60-minute body treatment for two at Hidden Lagoon Spa, offering the perfect balance of indulgence and tranquillity throughout their stay. To book this offer, please access via this link.