Exclusive Interview | Dr. Phạm Hà – Chairman of Luxgroup
“A Life Shaped by Journeys – and a 2045 Vision to Conquer Vietnam’s Most Beautiful Coasts by Cruise”
Interviewer: Dr. Phạm Hà, you’ve just completed a remarkable voyage from Halong Bay to Nha Trang. How would you describe this experience?
Dr. Phạm Hà: It was far more than a physical journey. It was a spiritual journey spanning nearly 40 years. I call it “a voyage to honor my childhood.”
Back in 1985, at the age of ten, I traveled with my father on a coastal ship from Haiphong to Saigon. It was my first time seeing the vast ocean, breathing in freedom, and catching a glimpse of a dream I couldn’t yet name.
Almost four decades later, I retraced that journey—not as a passenger this time, but as the creator of the ship.
The Emperor Cruises Legend Nha Trang, inspired by Emperor Bảo Đại’s royal lifestyle, carried not only myself but also my memories and gratitude. That journey was my heartfelt tribute to my father—the one who gifted me vision, love, and quiet strength.
Interviewer: A 7-day journey along 1,100 kilometers of coastline must not have been easy. What moments left the strongest impression?
Dr. Phạm Hà: We passed iconic locations such as Hòn Mê (Thanh Hóa), Hòn La (Quảng Bình), Cồn Cỏ (Quảng Trị), Sơn Trà Peninsula (Đà Nẵng), Cù Lao Chàm (Hội An), Hòn Yến (Phú Yên), Hòn Tre and Hòn Mun (Nha Trang), Bình Ba – Bình Hưng (Cam Ranh), Nam Du and Phú Quốc (Kiên Giang)…
Each name held memories, emotions, and a spiritual awakening. The sea was both wild and forgiving. At times, we faced storms and 5–6 level waves. But after each storm came serenity.
One unforgettable moment was at dawn in Vân Phong Bay. I watched the sun rise and felt as if nature had revealed its divine presence. The ship—my creation—seemed alive, breathing with the rhythm of the sea.
Interviewer: Was this voyage merely personal, or did it carry a larger meaning?
Dr. Phạm Hà: Definitely larger. It was a symbolic journey. I wanted to prove that Vietnamese cruises can master the sea, and truly own one of the longest and most beautiful coastlines in Southeast Asia—over 3,260 km.
I followed in the footsteps of Bạch Thái Bưởi, who, over a century ago, undertook the 27-day Bình Chuẩn journey from Haiphong to Saigon—a landmark in Vietnam’s private maritime enterprise.
I completed mine in 7 days, not just to honor heritage, but to awaken a national maritime dream.
And I’ve learned this deeply: The greater the vision, the stronger the courage required.
Interviewer: You’ve spoken about a childhood dream of Vietnamese cruising. What is your long-term vision?
Dr. Phạm Hà: I’m working toward our 2045 Vision, which coincides with Vietnam’s 100th National Day. My goal is to build a fleet of 30 boutique heritage cruises, all Vietnamese-owned and designed, sailing on Vietnam’s most beautiful rivers and bays—from Halong, Bai Tu Long, Cat Ba, Trà Cổ, Tam Giang Lagoon, Nhật Lệ, Cửa Tùng, Lăng Cô, Đà Nẵng, Hội An, Quy Nhơn, Gành Đá Dĩa, Vũng Rô Bay, Vân Phong Bay, Cam Ranh, Ninh Chữ, Cà Ná, Mũi Né, Côn Đảo, Vũng Tàu, Saigon – Cần Giờ, Bến Tre, Trà Vinh, Sóc Trăng, Cần Thơ, Châu Đốc, Hà Tiên, and Phú Quốc.
These cruises are not just about leisure—they are floating cultural museums, celebrating art, heritage, cuisine, royal lifestyle, and local soul, crafted for global connoisseurs of authenticity.
I truly believe that a nation that wants to sail the open seas must first master its own coastal waters—with vessels that carry its spirit.
Interviewer: How do you define success in this journey?
Dr. Phạm Hà: Success is when Vietnam has a fleet of world-class luxury cruise brands—on par with Viking, Silversea, or Ponant—but entirely made in Vietnam, from shipbuilding to service, infused with Vietnamese soul.
My philosophy is “Happiness Tourism”—where travel is not just about destinations, but a journey of emotions, connecting people with heritage, nature, and themselves.
Interviewer: Any message you’d like to share with young Vietnamese entrepreneurs?
Dr. Phạm Hà: Yes: Never give up your dreams—and always pursue them with kindness.
Don’t be afraid of hardship or failure. Every great journey starts with one small step—and often from a childhood memory.
Live each moment fully, and you’ll find your true mission. For me, from a boy on a ship in 1985 to the man steering his own ship today, the dream was always there—waiting to be realized.
Interviewer: Thank you for this inspiring conversation. We wish you and LuxGroup great success in your mission to bring Vietnamese heritage to the world—and realize your 2045 vision!
Dr. Phạm Hà: Thank you. I believe the most beautiful dreams always begin with a journey…
