InterContinental Halong Bay
Ha Long City
Vietnam
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DEVELOPER: BIM
ARCHITECT: WATG
LANDSCAPING: Coopers Hill
INTERIOR: P49 Deesign
LIGHTING: LPA
PRODUCER: Nhi Hoang (phase 1 & 2), Lucien Bolliger (phase 1)
ART DIRECTOR: Trinh Thai
PHOTOGRAPHER: Tran Bao Hoa
CG VISUALISERS: Cuong Pham, Hieu Nguyen, Hoang Nguyen, Linh Ngo, Minh Ho, Ngoc Do, Quang Truong, Trinh Thai
This flat, yet irregularly-shaped beachfront site is part of a new 248-hectare masterplan that forms the entry point to Halong Bay City. In recent years, Halong Bay and its surrounding regions have undergone significant transformation. Striking the right balance between environmental context, local culture, and the greater masterplan’s contemporary design language was key.
Referencing the history of human’s journey across the sea in the area, the design aimed to create an experience of a voyage through time. Halong Bay is a place where life revolves around water. From the past to present, the sea has been an important part of the area’s history. For hundreds of years, people have been trading goods, exchange cultures, and shared experiences through water transport. To this date, this water experience brings travellers from around the globe to this UNESCO World Heritage listed site at Ha Long Bay.
Moving through the spaces in the resort area, there is a sense of anticipation, discovery, and delight. Meandering, lushly framed walkways past pools, canals, and an array of pocket parks lead residents and guests from the point of arrival to their abode. Picturesque glimpses between building structures offer a hint of the magical views across the bay towards the karst islets of Halong Bay.
The building architecture weaves a narrative from ancient legend and the raw, striking backdrop of land, ocean, islands, and islets of Halong Bay. Solid geometric forms reference the contemporary feel of the wider area, while the building heights have been purposefully arranged and layered to maximise uninterrupted views across the bay from all beach-side villas and buildings.
The interior design is a celebration of the past and present’s design influence on the Halong Bay area. It references western and eastern styles, much like the Chinese and French cultures shaped Vietnam’s language, art, urban design, and food amongst many other examples. This fusion of East meets West, and Past meets Present beautifully frames the real hero that makes this resort experience truly unique and special – the grand vistas across the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay.