Vietnam triumphs at the Asian Architecture and Hospitality Awards

The 2025 Asia Hospitality Awards (AHA) and Asia Architecture Design Awards (AADA) were held in Seoul, South Korea, with a diverse gathering of over 200 architects, designers, hoteliers, and industry leaders from 10 countries. The event, organised by the Asia Awards Organisation (AAO), celebrated 33 individuals and hospitality projects that have redefined guest experiences across Asia.

One of the highlights of the awards was the recognition of several Vietnamese projects. The RIVUS, The CENTRIC (Masterise Group), Dong Dong interior collection (Landco Corporation), Dhawa Hanoi & The Lakeside Complex (Pacific Thang Long), and The Luxury House (Cat Moc Group) were all honoured for their creative fusion of cultural heritage, sustainability, and innovation.

Vietnam secured recognition in categories celebrating innovation and local identity, with the Selectum Noa Resort being named Best Resort Concept in Asia 2025. The country's strong presence at the awards was praised by AAO advisor and judge Gianfranco Bianchi, who called it a testament to Vietnam's creative capabilities and distinctive cultural voice in the regional hospitality sector.

The Shilla Seoul was the venue for the event, symbolizing the fusion of contemporary architecture and Korean hospitality. Ambassador Cruise was awarded Best Dining Cruise in Asia.

Looking ahead, Vietnam will host the 2026 edition of both AADA and AHA, with Hang Ngọc Rồng selected as the official venue. Hang Ngọc Rồng, which translates to "Dragon Pearl Cave" in Vietnamese, was named Emerging Cultural Destination at the 2025 awards. However, specific details about the award and the nature of Hang Ngọc Rồng remain to be confirmed.

Tan Quee Peng, General Director of RSP Việt Nam and head of the AAO and AADA 2025 jury panels, emphasized the close relationship between architecture and service. He expressed his excitement for the 2026 awards, which are expected to deliver unprecedented experiences and serve as a launchpad for future breakthroughs in architecture and hospitality across the region.

Embassy representatives from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines were also present at the event, underscoring the pan-Asian significance of the awards. The 2026 awards are set to offer Vietnam the opportunity to showcase its innovation and cultural identity on a pan-Asian stage.

Artificial intelligence was instrumental in the design process of some of the award-winning projects, utilizing data and algorithms to optimize guest experiences.
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