10 Extraordinary Parallels Between The Bình Chuẩn Ship And Heritage Bình Chuẩn: The “King Of The Seas” And “The Chosen One”
Some coincidences defy explanation. They are not mere chance, but echoes across time—mysterious alignments that transcend logic. Such is the remarkable story of two men, born a century apart, who share not only a dream but a destiny.
Bạch Thái Bưởi (1875–1932), revered as Vietnam’s “King of Shipping,” was a pioneering entrepreneur who inspired a spirit of self-reliance and national pride. A hundred years later, Phạm Hà (born 1975), Founder and CEO of LuxGroup, carries that torch into the 21st century—reviving Vietnamese maritime heritage and crafting a new era of cultural luxury cruising.
According to Mrs. Bạch Quế Hương, the fourth-generation descendant of Bạch Thái Bưởi and caretaker of his tomb in Ninh Bình, Phạm Hà is “the chosen one,” affectionately called “Bạch Thái Hà”. Like her great-grandfather, he started with nothing and built an empire rooted in Vietnamese values.
With the family’s blessing, Phạm Hà commissioned Vietnam’s largest bronze statue of Bạch Thái Bưởi, now proudly displayed aboard the Heritage Bình Chuẩn cruise ship—a living tribute to the man who pioneered overnight cruises in Vietnam.
1. Reincarnation, A Century Apart
Bạch Thái Bưởi was born in 1875—a date confirmed by the Legion of Honor (Chevalier class) awarded to him by France in 1922. Exactly 100 years later, in 1975, Phạm Hà was born. And in 2022—precisely a century after Bưởi’s international recognition—Phạm Hà received an honorary doctorate from a U.S. university. A perfect historical arc.
2. French as First Language, Journey to France at Age 20 – 100 Years Apart
Both men studied French as their first foreign language, worked with the French, and made their first journey to France at the age of 20 (1895 and 1995, respectively). These voyages were not just physical, but spiritual—opening their minds to liberty, enlightenment, and the desire to reach beyond borders.
3. A Ship Reborn After 100 Years
In 1919, Bạch Thái Bưởi launched the Bình Chuẩn in Hải Phòng—a milestone in Vietnamese shipping. Exactly one century later, in 2019, Phạm Hà launched Heritage Bình Chuẩn from the same historic port. If Bưởi’s mission was to “revitalize commerce and promote industry,” Hà’s vision is to “revive heritage and deliver happiness.”
4. Age 45 – Launching Their Life’s Greatest Vessel
At the age of 45, Bạch Thái Bưởi launched his first steamship. One hundred years later, also at 45, Phạm Hà unveiled Heritage Bình Chuẩn, the largest Made-in-Vietnam luxury cruise ship of its kind. A poetic milestone mirrored across generations.
5. The Magic of Number 7 and the Name “Bình Chuẩn”
Both men chose the historic name “Bình Chuẩn” for its symbolism of national pride and Vietnamese identity. Heritage Bình Chuẩn embarked on its maiden voyage on September 7, 2019, measured exactly 75 meters long, and carried the aura of the number 7—a number repeatedly significant in Bạch Thái Bưởi’s life.
6. Shared Dream of the Sea and 10 Business Principles
One was a 1.0 industrialist, the other a 4.0 entrepreneur. Yet both share the dream of bringing Vietnam to the world through maritime ventures. Both draw inspiration from national icons—be it Bạch Thái Bưởi, Emperor Bảo Đại, or revolutionary journeys like Amiral Cruises. They both uphold 10 core principles of ethical commerce as the foundation of their leadership and brand integrity.
7. Three Ships to Thirty – The Vision of a Fleet
Both began their maritime careers with three ships. Bạch Thái Bưởi expanded to a fleet of 30 vessels sailing across Vietnam’s rivers and coasts. Today, Phạm Hà is realizing a vision of 30 luxury cruises operating across Vietnam’s most beautiful bays, rivers, and lakes, through strategic mergers, innovation, and heritage storytelling.
8. Shaping National Identity through Media and Culture
Media played a crucial role in their journeys. Bạch Thái Bưởi published the Khai Hóa newspaper to promote national awakening. Phạm Hà writes books, produces documentaries, curates exhibitions, and creates meaningful travel experiences through art and heritage. Both believe in emotional branding—serving not just needs, but the soul.
9. From Rural Roots to Righteous Success
Both were born into poverty in rural Vietnam, without formal maritime training. Yet both rose to prominence through resilience, kindness, and integrity. They lead with purpose—empowering others, embracing creativity, and putting service at the heart of business.
10. Beyond a Brand – They Built Movements
Bạch Thái Bưởi ignited the slogan: “Người ta đi tàu ta” (“Let’s sail Vietnamese ships”). A century later, Phạm Hà champions “Người Việt Nam đi du lịch Việt Nam” (“Vietnamese travel in Vietnam”)—a national movement for cultural pride. They created not just businesses, but cultural legacies rooted in Vietnamese identity, artistry, and inspiration.
Epilogue
These extraordinary parallels are more than historical coincidences. They are proof that the spirit of Vietnamese entrepreneurship—bold, compassionate, and visionary—lives on. From Bình Chuẩn to Heritage Bình Chuẩn, a legacy has been reborn. And with it, the dream of sailing Vietnam into the future.
By Quang Khải
