NATIONAL ENTREPRENEUR PROFILE: Dr. Phạm Hà – President & CEO, LuxGroup
Full name: Phạm Mạnh Hà (commonly known as Phạm Hà)
• Date of Birth: June 10, 1975
• Education:
• B.A. in French & English – Vietnam National University, Hanoi
• BBA in Business Administration – National Economics University, Hanoi
• Doctorate in Tourism – American University, USA
Experience and Global Reputation
With over 30 years in luxury tourism and hospitality in Vietnam, Dr. Phạm Hà is recognized as a National Entrepreneur, a recipient of the Vietnam National Tourism Award, and a sustainable tourism expert honored by WSTHA.
He currently serves as Vice President of the Vietnam Green Tourism Association (VGTA – Vita Green) under the Vietnam Tourism Association, contributing to policy consultation and sustainable development strategies.
Internationally, Dr. Hà has spoken and represented Vietnam at industry events in over 80 countries across five continents. LuxGroup’s clientele spans key source markets including the United States, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and ASEAN – a testament to the brand’s credibility, operational strength, and trusted partnerships.
His insights and leadership have been featured extensively in both domestic media (VTV, VTC, VOV, Nhân Dân, Tuổi Trẻ, Tiền Phong, VnExpress…) and global outlets (Forbes, Robb Report, TTG Asia, Travel Weekly, BBC…), reinforcing Vietnam’s image on the world tourism map.
LuxGroup – A “Small but Mighty” Ecosystem
Founded in 2005 from a single laptop, LuxGroup has evolved into a “small but mighty” ecosystem encompassing: luxury travel, cruises & passenger ships, boutique hotels & resorts, art collections, and tourism real estate.
What sets LuxGroup apart is its “integrated services – holistic experiences” model, where every journey goes beyond service to become a living heritage experience. Guided by the philosophy of Service – Heritage – Sustainability, LuxGroup has built a stable international clientele while firmly positioning Vietnam in the global luxury segment.
Entrepreneurial Journey
2005 – Founder of Luxury Travel & Lux Travel DMC
• The first luxury tour operator in Vietnam, specializing in tailor-made journeys and high-end travel services.
• Multiple award-winner, nominated repeatedly at the World Travel Awards (2022–2025).
2015 – Co-founder of Emperor Cruises
• Luxury cruise operations in Nha Trang, Bai Tu Long – Ha Long, and Lan Ha Bay.
• Honored as “Best Luxury Cruise in Vietnam” by Luxury Lifestyle Awards (USA).
2018 – Founder of Heritage Cruises
• The largest overnight cruise ship in Vietnam, operating in Lan Ha and Ha Long Bays.
• Named Vietnam’s Best Cruise (Luxury Lifestyle Awards – USA, 2020).
2024 – Founder of Lux Cruises Group
• A fleet of six cruise ships, speedboats, tenders, and river vessels under three brands: Emperor Cruises, Heritage Cruises, Amiral Cruises.
• Winner of the International Sustainability Awards USA 2024, with major nominations at the World Cruises Awards and World Travel Awards (2024–2025).
2025 – Global Recognition & New Products
• Travelife Certified 2025: Top 500 sustainable companies worldwide.
• Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards 2025.
• World Travel Awards 2025: Four nominations, including the inaugural Asia’s Leading Responsible Cruise Line.
• Luxury Awards by Travel + Leisure 2025.
• HR Asia Award 2025: Recognized as one of Asia’s Best Workplaces.
• Launch of Emperor Cruises Legend Nha Trang®: a 99-passenger cruise offering daytime and sunset voyages in one of the world’s most beautiful bays.
Amiral Cruises for Presidents – Heritage and Inspiration
Amiral Cruises, the newest member of the LuxGroup ecosystem, is inspired by Admiral Latouche Tréville, a historic figure in 19th-century maritime and trade relations with Vietnam. Remarkably, it was aboard the Amiral Latouche-Tréville that young Nguyễn Tất Thành (later President Hồ Chí Minh) departed from Nha Rong Wharf in 1911 to begin his quest for national independence.
Blending contemporary luxury with East–West cultural essence, Amiral Cruises will redefine river cruising on the Saigon River as both a cultural icon and heritage experience. Construction begins in Q3/2025, with the inaugural voyage set for 2026, establishing a new landmark for heritage-inspired cruising in Vietnam.
Expansion and Vision 2045
Lux Cruises Group has outlined a clear strategic roadmap:
• 2026: Launch Amiral Cruises for Presidents (299 passengers) on the Saigon River.
• 2027: Introduce Emperor Cruises Grandeur Nha Trang, the largest cruise ship in the bay.
• 2029: Begin construction of the Phi Long – Phi Phượng twin cruise project in Cat Ba (55–100 cabins).
• 2030: Deliver SPIRIT & PRESIDENT, two flagship vessels in The Lux Yacht Collection, connecting coastal heritage routes from Ha Long to Saigon.
Vision
LuxGroup’s long-term vision is to operate 30 luxury cruise ships across Vietnam’s most iconic rivers, lakes, and bays, while establishing a coastal cruise route linking the nation’s shorelines.
This ambition is inspired by the legacy of Bạch Thái Bưởi (1874–1932), Vietnam’s pioneering “National Entrepreneur,” who a century ago operated three coastal steamships calling at Saigon’s heritage port. Today, that vision is being revived and expanded: to make waterways the new symbol of 21st-century Vietnamese tourism, attract high-end international travelers, and elevate Vietnam’s brand on the global stage.
📌 Updated 30 August 2025
