Quảng Ninh has long been a favorite destination for tourists, but in recent years, it has undergone a dramatic transformation, positioning itself as a haven for the ultra-wealthy. This strategic shift is aimed at elevating the province’s global image and increasing visitor spending. The local tourism industry, recognizing the immense potential of this market, is heavily investing in the development of exclusive, high-quality, and personalized experiences that cater specifically to the demands of this discerning clientele. This approach is not only a vision for the future but a reality already being embraced by numerous tourism businesses.
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Attracting the Global Elite: A Showcase of High-End Travel
The success of this new direction is evident in the caliber of visitors Quang Ninh is now attracting. In early September 2025, a group of four American visitors from the Weil and Concordia families, including a prominent finance millionaire, demonstrated the epitome of luxury travel. They chose a truly unique and private mode of transport, flying by seaplane directly from Hanoi to Vân Đồn International Airport.
Their three-day, two-night journey from September 2nd to 4th was a masterclass in personalized tourism. The itinerary for their HaLong Bay visit was meticulously crafted to provide them with an immersive and private exploration of the world-renowned natural wonder. This was just one part of their extensive 13-day trip to Vietnam, which also included visits to Hanoi, Sa Pa, Hội An, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Mr. Weil, the American millionaire, shared his profound appreciation for the experience. “Vietnam is a wonderful place that we previously only saw in pictures,” he said. “We were so thrilled to visit, especially to see the magnificent natural scenery of the World Heritage site, HaLong Bay. Getting to Quang Ninh was incredibly convenient due to the modern transportation infrastructure. We were truly surprised and thankful for the warm welcome from the local authorities.”
This was not an isolated event. It was, in fact, the second time a millionaire delegation had arrived in Quang Ninh via Vân Đồn International Airport. Back in February 2025, two other American finance magnates, Jeff Grinspoon and Jon Thomas Foley, also toured HaLong Bay as part of a similar exclusive program. These high-profile visits are a testament to the effectiveness of Quang Ninh‘s strategy.
Building a Bespoke Tourism Ecosystem
According to a representative from AAV Trading and Tourism Joint Stock Company, a firm with extensive experience in catering to the affluent, attracting this high-end segment requires more than just beautiful landscapes. It demands a holistic approach focused on new and innovative tourism products, five-star accommodations, and a highly professional workforce. Unique and sophisticated cuisine is also a powerful draw for luxury travelers.
“For this specific clientele, standard tourism products simply won’t suffice,” the representative explained. “Everything—from the food and service to the amenities—must be tailored to their specific desires and preferences.” This requires a coordinated effort, or a high-end ecosystem, built through close collaboration between local tourism authorities, travel agencies, tour operators, and accommodation providers. AAV is currently partnering with luxury resorts to create one-of-a-kind experiences that will resonate with this market. The fact that Quang Ninh is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites—HaLong Bay and the Yen Tu complex—provides a unique and compelling advantage, acting as a “magnet” for discerning travelers.
The appeal of Quang Ninh extends beyond private tours to large-scale, high-profile events. The province has become a preferred location for extravagant Indian weddings, with several billionaires choosing the stunning backdrop of Halong Bay for their celebrations. In early 2025, an Indian billionaire couple and their over 500 guests held their wedding in The appeal of Quang Ninh extends beyond private tours to large-scale, high-profile events. The province has become a preferred location for extravagant Indian weddings, with several billionaires choosing the stunning backdrop of Halong Bay for their celebrations. In early 2025, an Indian billionaire couple and their over 500 guests held their wedding in HaLong. Despite being presented with many other potential venues, they chose HaLong for its “fresh natural scenery, professional and friendly service.” The groom, Poojan Rajesh, shared, “My loved ones and I will definitely have many unforgettable memories here.” This followed another “super wedding” in 2024 by an Indian couple with over 600 guests. The trend of Indian billionaires choosing Quang Ninh is a powerful indicator of the province’s growing reputation as a luxury destination.
. Despite being presented with many other potential venues, they chose HaLong for its “fresh natural scenery, professional and friendly service.” The groom, Poojan Rajesh, shared, “My loved ones and I will definitely have many unforgettable memories here.” This followed another “super wedding” in 2024 by an Indian couple with over 600 guests. The trend of Indian billionaires choosing Quang Ninh is a powerful indicator of the province’s growing reputation as a luxury destination.
The Luxury Infrastructure: A Foundation for Success
To support this ambitious vision, Quang Ninh has made substantial investments in its high-end infrastructure. The province now boasts a diverse and world-class selection of accommodations. These include exclusive five-star beach resorts like the Intercontinental HaLong Bay, Vinpearl HaLong Bay Resort, Tuan Châu International Tourism and Entertainment Area, FLC HaLong Bay Golf Club & Luxury Resort, and Legacy Yen Tu. In addition, numerous other five-star hotels, such as Wyndham Legend, Muong Thanh Luxury, and Royal HaLong, offer exceptional service and amenities.
The province is also becoming a major destination for golf enthusiasts. Several courses are already in operation, including Vinh Thuan Golf Course, FLC Golf Course, Tuan Châu Golf Course, and Silk Path Đông Trieu Golf Course. The soon-to-be-opened Quang Hanh Golf Course will further solidify Quang Ninh‘s status as a premier golf destination in Southeast Asia.
Beyond accommodations and golf, the province has introduced a variety of new, sophisticated tourism products that are captivating visitors. These include the spectacular “Finding the Jade” live performance, exclusive dinner and overnight stays on superyachts, and weekly fireworks shows every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday night. A new, immersive journey connecting the two World Heritage sites of HaLong Bay and Yen Tu is also gaining popularity.
The province is also pioneering personalized luxury services. Efforts are underway to offer private yacht rentals to nearby islands and helicopter transfer services for seamless travel. Tailored cultural experiences and world-class wellness amenities are also being developed, including holistic spas that offer traditional Vietnamese therapies, ensuring every aspect of the trip is an indulgence.
The Road Ahead: A Vision for Continued Growth
According to Nguyễn Lâm Nguyên, the Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the future of Quang Ninh‘s tourism is bright. The industry will focus on attracting more reputable investors to develop new products specifically for the luxury resort segment. This includes expanding the supply of high-end hotels and establishing partnerships with internationally recognized hotel brands. The province is also committed to improving the quality and consistency of its accommodations by perfecting its hotel star-rating system.
Looking forward, Quang Ninh plans to develop high-quality eco-tourism areas on the islands within the Vân Đồn special economic zone. These new developments will include entertainment complexes, shopping centers, and additional golf courses. This comprehensive and forward-thinking strategy is designed to ensure Quang Ninh‘s continued success and firmly establish its position as a global leader in luxury tourism.
For more information on luxury travel and transportation options in the region, you can visit Halongtransportation.com
