Assessing the potential to attract ultra-wealthy visitors, representatives of luxury resorts nationwide stated that many billionaires have chosen Vietnam recently, but there are still many issues to address.

“I had the chance to talk with major global investors and asked them why they don’t stay longer in Vietnam. Their answer surprised me a bit.

They said that three days in Vietnam is enough.”

What defines high-end tourists?

Regarding high-end tourists, the executive director of Alma Cam Ranh said this group is divided into five tiers based on net total assets.

Accordingly, those with total assets under $1 million are in group 1. Meanwhile, those with over $30 million belong to group 5, the highest tier, often referred to as the ultra-wealthy.

A common trait among these groups is that the more assets they possess, the higher their demands.

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“Ultra-wealthy guests with assets exceeding $30 million are strict about privacy. They require absolute information confidentiality, travel via private jet, and stay on secluded islands.”

He said the Asia-Pacific region, including Vietnam, is among the top destinations sought by high-end travelers. Recently, Da Nang and Phu Quoc have welcomed such visitors for tours and experiences.

According to him, cuisine, culture, people, and diverse nature are the advantages that Vietnam possesses and which attract the attention of affluent guests.

Do not disturb billionaires

Sharing insights on hosting high-end tourists, representatives from major resorts in Da Nang, Nha Trang, etc., stated that Vietnam still has much work to do.

Currently, visitors still perceive Vietnam through the lens of “budget tourism.” This is partly due to media and public imagery long associated with “bicycles and conical hats,” while modern Vietnam is very different.

“We have bustling, modern urban centers and high-end services in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Vietnam also has buildings and structures dating back to the Indochina era, but I feel there is still something missing, like a cohesive, world-class message to present globally.”

Besides promoting a new national message, an appropriate mindset for hosting wealthy guests is also needed.

Billionaire guests often have stringent demands for safety and privacy; they do not need grand welcomes but want to feel genuine friendliness, like in their own homeland.

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Five-star hotels meeting standards to host affluent guests are increasingly common

Emphasizing the requirements of the ultra-wealthy when visiting Vietnam, the general manager of InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort stated that places hosting high-end guests must offer impeccable service. Particularly, these guests prefer quiet and dislike being disturbed by media and crowds.

“Many international investors tell me that currently, three days in Vietnam is sufficient for tourism. The industry lacks tailored experience packages for luxury guests lasting one to two weeks. For these guests, money is not an issue.

Vietnam has resources like heritage, culture, people, and beautiful landscapes, but infrastructure for high-end tourists is still lacking.”

The Horecfex Exhibition and Forum 2025 was held in Da Nang over two days. In its second edition, this largest specialized event in hotels, restaurants, and food/beverage services gathered 3,500 businesses and hundreds of tourism experts specializing in technology.

Within the forum framework, businesses also showcased the latest technologies and services at the event venue, closely following trends in applying artificial intelligence for the tourism industry.

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Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town is a remarkably well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port, which was active from the 15th to the 19th century. Its unique architectural blend of local and foreign influences, including Chinese, Japanese, and European, reflects its history as a major international mercantile center. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its charming lantern-lit streets and historic merchant houses.

Da Nang

Da Nang is a major coastal city in central Vietnam, historically known as a significant port and a French colonial foothold. It is most famous for its proximity to the ancient Hindu temples of Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary and the scenic Marble Mountains. Today, it is a modern economic hub and a popular tourist destination, renowned for its beautiful beaches like My Khe and the striking Dragon Bridge.

Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is a large island in southern Vietnam, historically known for its fishing and production of high-quality fish sauce (nuoc mam). In recent decades, it has transformed into a major international tourist destination, renowned for its white-sand beaches, dense tropical jungles, and nature reserves.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a coastal city and popular resort destination in southern Vietnam, renowned for its long sandy beach and clear waters. Its history is reflected in the 7th-century Po Nagar Cham Towers, a Hindu temple complex built by the ancient Cham civilization.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It served as the capital of the French colony of Cochinchina and later of the independent state of South Vietnam. The city is a major economic hub, famous for its French colonial landmarks, vibrant street life, and pivotal role in the Vietnam War.

Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and one of the most ancient capitals in the world, with a history dating back over a thousand years to 1010 AD when it was established by Emperor Lý Thái Tổ. The city is renowned for its rich culture, well-preserved colonial architecture, and vibrant Old Quarter, alongside significant landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature.

Indochina era

The term “Indochina era” refers to the period of French colonial rule in Southeast Asia, which lasted from the mid-19th century until the mid-20th century. This era was defined by the formation of French Indochina, a federation of colonial territories including modern-day Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. It ended with the First Indochina War, which culminated in the defeat of French forces and the region’s eventual decolonization.

InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort

The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is a luxury coastal retreat in Vietnam, designed by Bill Bensley and opened in 2012. It is celebrated for its unique architecture that blends contemporary style with Vietnamese cultural motifs, set within the lush nature of the Son Tra Peninsula. The resort was built on a previously undeveloped hillside overlooking the East Sea, with a design philosophy inspired by Vietnam’s rich history and traditions.