Vietnam’s First Boutique Cruise Line Lux Cruises Group Makes Waves At Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025
Two Signature Vessels Honored Among the Top 10 River Cruises in Asia
HANOI, VIETNAM — June 20, 2025 — Vietnam’s first boutique cruise line (™), Lux Cruises Group, proudly celebrates a double victory at the prestigious Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, with two of its heritage-inspired cruises named among the Top 10 Best River Cruises in Asia Pacific:
• #8 – Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan, Cat Ba Archipelago
• #10 – Emperor Cruises Legacy, Halong Bay
This honor affirms Lux Cruises Group’s rising stature as a regional leader in bespoke, story-driven travel experiences that are deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, craftsmanship, and coastal heritage.
What Makes a Cruise Truly the Best?
According to Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau, defining the “best” in travel is highly personal — yet there’s no denying that certain places and experiences spark something universal. To spotlight the brightest stars in luxury travel over the past year, Travel + Leisure invited its global readership — discerning, on-the-ground experts in unforgettable journeys — to vote on the finest in hospitality across Asia-Pacific.
The result is an aspirational mix of timeless icons and inspired newcomers. Categories vary by country and region, and selections are made with care — there’s no “pay to play.” Nominees are curated by editors and contributors across the region, and the global public could cast votes or nominate favorites from January to April 2025.
Among the winners this year, Lux Cruises Group stood out with three honors across its portfolio, including the recognition of two exceptional river cruise experiences that continue to redefine luxury on Vietnam’s waters.
Two Stories, One Soulful Journey
Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan is more than a vessel — it’s a floating gallery and tribute to the golden age of Vietnamese maritime enterprise, inspired by legendary shipbuilder Bạch Thái Bưởi. Sailing through the untouched beauty of Lan Ha Bay and the Cat Ba Archipelago, the cruise celebrates Vietnamese heritage with locally sourced design, art-filled interiors, and curated journeys that awaken all five senses.
Emperor Cruises Legacy immerses travelers in the romantic elegance of Emperor Bảo Đại’s royal lifestyle, with all-inclusive luxury, refined dining, and regal interiors reminiscent of Vietnam’s last imperial dynasty. Guests sail through the majestic limestone karsts of Halong Bay, experiencing a level of personalized service that evokes the spirit of a bygone era.
These two vessels, voted by the readers of Travel + Leisure, embody what defines the best in travel: authenticity, elegance, and emotional resonance.
Expanding the Fleet and the Vision
Lux Cruises Group now proudly operates a fleet of eight bespoke vessels, a growing collection that artfully blends Vietnamese soul and modern luxury. The newest jewel in its crown, Emperor Cruises Legend Nha Trang, was just launched in June 2025. This 99 guest boutique cruise is poised to offer an elevated cruising experience on one of the world’s most beautiful bays, combining fine dining, curated art collections, and sunset moments that redefine coastal luxury.
And the journey is just beginning.
Lux Cruises Group is preparing to launch new cruising experiences on the Saigon River and Phu Quoc Island, opening new chapters in Vietnamese maritime hospitality. These expansions align with the company’s long-term vision:
“To cruise along the entire coastline of Vietnam, connecting culture, nature, and people — from Halong Bay to the Mekong Delta — and creating a seamless story of beauty and belonging.”
A Mission Anchored in Heritage, Guided by Passion
“As a homegrown brand, it is incredibly meaningful to see our Vietnamese vessels stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in Asia,” said Dr. Phạm Hà, Founder and CEO of Lux Cruises Group. “These awards are not just for us — they are for Vietnam, for our artists, craftsmen, chefs, crew, and storytellers who breathe life into every journey we create.”
With three flagship brands — Emperor Cruises, Heritage Cruises, and Amiral Cruises — Lux Cruises Group is committed to inspiring happiness through travel, driven by a philosophy that celebrates elegance, authenticity, and sustainability.
Discover the Luxury of Vietnamese Waters
From sunset cocktail cruises to multi-day expeditions, Lux Cruises invites travelers to explore Vietnam not just as a destination, but as a living legacy. With its richly curated vessels and coast-to-coast vision, the Group is setting a new standard for luxury cruising in Asia — and proving that true luxury lies in soulful storytelling, thoughtful design, and a deep connection to place.
Media Contact
Lux Cruises Group – Communications Office
📧 press@luxcruisesgroup.com | 🌐 www.luxcruisesgroup.com
📸 @luxcruisesgroup | #TLLuxuryAwards2025 #HeritageCruises #EmperorCruises #VietnamBySea
About Lux Cruises Group
Founded by visionary entrepreneur Dr. Phạm Hà, Lux Cruises Group is Vietnam’s first boutique cruise line (™), offering handcrafted voyages on Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Nha Trang, and soon the Saigon River and Phu Quoc. The Group operates three signature brands — Emperor Cruises, Heritage Cruises, and Amiral Cruises — and a fleet of eight vessels. It is dedicated to enriching lives through culturally immersive, artistically curated, and luxuriously sustainable cruising experiences along the storied coasts and rivers of Vietnam.
