Luxgroup: Business Owner’s Capability Profile
Inspired by the legacy of Bạch Thái Bưởi (1874–1932), Vietnam’s legendary “King of Cruises,” Dr. Pham Ha—Founder and CEO of Lux Cruises Group – has brought his childhood dream to life: exploring and showcasing the beauty of Vietnam’s coastline by sea.
With an ambitious vision to launch a fleet of 30 luxury cruise ships across Vietnam’s most iconic waters, Lux Cruises Group is dedicated to serving heritage travelers—those seeking meaningful encounters with Vietnam’s rich cultural, historical, and natural treasures. The brand fosters exploration, education, appreciation, celebration, and joy through immersive cruising experiences.
Founded in 2014, Lux Cruises Group has established itself as Vietnam’s premier boutique cruise company, proudly delivering over a decade of exceptional, story-rich voyages. With a steadfast commitment to authenticity and excellence, the group has become a recognized icon in the luxury cruise tourism industry both in Vietnam and throughout Asia.
The Lux Cruises fleet includes eight distinctive vessels under three prestigious brands: Emperor Cruises, Heritage Cruises, and the newly introduced Amiral Cruises for Presidents. These cruises navigate Vietnam’s most breathtaking rivers, bays, and archipelagos, including Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay (Cat Ba Archipelago), and Nha Trang Bay, with upcoming routes expanding to the Saigon River and Phu Quoc Islands.
BUSINESS PROFILE – DR. PHAM HA
- Full Name: Pham Manh Ha
- Common Name: Pham Ha
- Date of Birth: June 10, 1975
- Educational Background:
- Bachelor’s Degree in French and English
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Honorary Doctor of Tourism – Apollos University, USA
Experience & Key Achievements
- 30 years of experience in luxury travel, hospitality, and cruising in Vietnam.
- A multi-award-winning entrepreneur in both national and international tourism, recognized as one of Vietnam’s leading experts in the industry.
- Executive Member of the Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA/VISTA) and Vietnam Green Tourism Association (VGTA).
- Advisor to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
- Global speaker, featured in over 80 countries across five continents at travel forums and exhibitions.
- Featured in prestigious publications: Forbes, Robb Report, TTG Asia, Travel + Leisure, among others.
Business Milestones
- Founded Luxury Travel, Vietnam’s first luxury travel company, now operating as Lux Travel DMC.
- Pioneered tailor-made luxury travel experiences, winning numerous domestic and international awards.
- Recognized by the World Travel Awards (2022–2024) as Vietnam’s Leading Destination Management Company and Asia’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator (2024).
- Co-founded Emperor Cruises, Vietnam’s first heritage cruise line, operating in Nha Trang, Ha Long, and Lan Ha Bays.
- Honored with Luxury Lifestyle Awards (USA).
- Achieved ISO 9001 & 14001 certifications for environmental and safety standards.
- Founded Heritage Cruises, home to Vietnam’s largest overnight luxury cruise ships, operating in Lan Ha and Ha Long Bays.
- Awarded Best Cruise in Vietnam – Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2020 (USA).
- Established HTX LuxCoop, focusing on sustainable agriculture, hospitality, real estate, superyachts, art development, and social impact projects aimed at poverty reduction.
- Launched innovative brands: Lux MICE, Secret Hideaways Collection, Adventura Travel, SoLux, Lux X Signatures.
- Restructured cruise brands under Lux Cruises Group, becoming Vietnam’s most prestigious boutique cruise operator.
- Nominated for World Cruise Awards and World Travel Awards 2023–2024 for:
- World’s Best Boutique Cruise Line
- World’s Leading River Cruise Line
- Lux Travel DMC achieved Travelife Partner Certification 2023 and is the first Vietnamese luxury tour operator to earn the Travelife Certified Sustainability Award 2025, joining the Top 500 most sustainable travel companies globally.
- LUX Hotels and Resorts officially launched, operating sustainable boutique hotels across Vietnam under brands like:
- Elegant Hotel
- Secret Hideaways
- Kẻ Chợ Legacy Hanoi
- All brands and trademarks are registered with the Vietnam Intellectual Property Office.
- Debut of Amiral Cruises for Presidents, a historic 299-passenger cruise ship on the Saigon River, inspired by the legendary Amiral Latouche Tréville vessel that carried President Ho Chi Minh on his journey to seek national salvation.
- Launched Emperor Cruises Legend Nha Trang, an artistic 99-passenger luxury cruise.
- Developed Phi Long & Phi Phượng luxury overnight cruises (40–50 cabins) under the Heritage Cruises brand.
- The Lux Yacht Collection: Developing ultra-luxury yachts LUX SPIRIT and PRESIDENT, featuring 99–150 suites, spa, wellness center, fine dining, infinity pool, outdoor cinema, and personalized service teams.
- Designed for coastal cruising along Vietnam’s scenic shorelines with international standards of service.
- Position LUXGROUP as Asia’s leading group in tourism, hospitality, real estate, and luxury cruising.
- Build a fleet of 30 luxury cruise ships operating on Vietnam’s most iconic rivers, lakes, and bays.
- Revive the historic coastal cruise route from Ha Long to Saigon, continuing the legacy of Bach Thai Buoi, the legendary “King of Vietnamese Cruises” from 100 years ago.
