Dr. Pham Ha: The Visionary Behind LuxGroup’s Luxury Revolution
In an exclusive interview in the Lunar New Year 2025, we delve into the life and philosophy of Dr. Pham Ha, the Chairman of LuxGroup, a pioneer in Vietnam’s luxury tourism industry. Known for his dedication to curating high-end, art-infused experiences, Dr. Ha has seamlessly blended heritage, culture, art, gastronomy, and travel into a singular vision of luxury.
Here, he shares his insights on leadership, passion, and the future of luxury travel.
1. What does luxury mean to you?
Luxury is about time, space, and authenticity. It’s not just about five-star services or opulence—it’s about bespoke experiences that are deeply personal, immersive, and meaningful. For me, true luxury is when travelers feel enriched by culture, history, and storytelling.
2. What inspired you to create LuxGroup?
It was born from my personal passion for heritage, culture, and exceptional experiences. I saw a gap in the market—Vietnam’s tourism industry was growing, but true luxury travel was still in its infancy. I wanted to redefine it, bringing boutique, ultra-personalized experiences to sophisticated travelers.
3. How does art play a role in LuxGroup?
Art is at the heart of everything we do. I have always been passionate about Vietnamese fine arts, and our LuxArts Collection reflects that. From Emperor Cruises to Heritage Bình Chuẩn, we integrate art into every aspect, ensuring that guests are surrounded by beauty and culture.
4. What makes your cruise brands stand out?
Each of our brands tells a story. Emperor Cruises embodies the regal lifestyle of Emperor Bao Dai, offering a truly royal experience. Heritage Cruises is a tribute to Bạch Thái Bưởi, Vietnam’s legendary shipping entrepreneur, celebrating history and craftsmanship. Amiral Cruises blends timeless elegance with contemporary luxury. Every journey is designed to be as memorable as the destination itself.
5. You talk a lot about sustainable tourism. How do you implement it?
Sustainability is non-negotiable for us. From zero-waste initiatives at Vị Huế restaurant to eco-friendly practices on our cruises, we ensure that luxury doesn’t come at the cost of the environment. We prioritize local sourcing, carbon footprint reduction, and cultural preservation in everything we do.
6. What’s the most memorable moment of your career?
Launching Heritage Bình Chuẩn was an emotional milestone. It was a dream realized—a cruise ship inspired by Vietnam’s maritime history, bringing back the legacy of Bạch Thái Bưởi. Seeing it sail, carrying stories of the past into the future, was incredibly fulfilling.
7. How do you balance being a businessman, an art collector, and a cultural advocate?
They all intertwine—business is my passion, art fuels my soul, and culture is the foundation of everything I do. I believe that a successful entrepreneur must be a storyteller, a dreamer, and a custodian of heritage. It’s not just about profit—it’s about creating a legacy.
8. What’s your personal favorite travel experience?
A sunset cruise on the Saigon River—there’s something magical about watching the city lights reflect on the water while enjoying fine wine and great company. It’s intimate, luxurious, and timeless—exactly the kind of experience I want to offer our guests.
9. What’s next for LuxGroup?
We are expanding our cruise experiences beyond Vietnam, curating exclusive yachting adventures and cross-border luxury expeditions. The future of travel is personalization, and we are designing journeys that go beyond expectations. Stay tuned!
10. Your advice for young entrepreneurs in luxury travel?
Dream big, stay authentic, and focus on the guest experience. Luxury is no longer just about expensive things—it’s about creating moments of happiness and deep emotional connections. If you can master that, success will follow.
Dr. Pham Ha is not just building a company—he’s curating a legacy. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, he continues to redefine Vietnam’s place in the world of luxury travel. His story is a testament to vision, passion, and the art of true hospitality.
