LuxGroup® also earns its first nomination as Asia’s Leading Integrated Tourism Group, marking a defining milestone for Vietnam’s emergence as a world-class luxury destination.
HANOI, Vietnam — Vietnam’s luxury tourism industry has reached another defining milestone as Amiral Cruises for Presidents®, the country’s newest boutique luxury river cruise brand, has been nominated for Asia’s Best River Cruise Line 2026 at the prestigious World Cruise Awards—the first nomination in the brand’s history.
The achievement comes alongside another landmark recognition: LuxGroup®, Vietnam’s pioneering luxury tourism company, has also been nominated for the first time as Asia’s Leading Integrated Tourism Group at the World Travel Awards 2026, placing the Vietnamese company among Asia’s most influential travel and hospitality organizations.
Together, these nominations signal more than commercial success. They reflect the growing international recognition of Vietnam as a destination capable of creating original luxury experiences rooted not in extravagance, but in culture, heritage, authenticity and meaningful human connection.
A New Standard for River Cruising in Asia
Around the world, the world’s most celebrated rivers—the Nile, the Danube, the Rhine and the Mekong—have long inspired legendary journeys. Increasingly, discerning travelers are seeking experiences that reveal the soul of a destination rather than simply showcasing its landmarks.
That philosophy lies at the heart of Amiral Cruises.
Inspired by the refinement of presidential travel, the timeless elegance of the Art Deco era and the vibrant history of Saigon, Amiral Cruises has reimagined the Saigon River as a living cultural stage where every voyage becomes a journey through time.
Guests do not merely sail past the city.
They experience its evolution through architecture, gastronomy, music, art, heritage, local encounters and carefully curated storytelling that reveals the spirit of Southern Vietnam.
From elegant sunset voyages and immersive cultural expeditions to private celebrations and bespoke presidential experiences, every itinerary is designed around the company’s guiding philosophy:
Luxury is Culture®.
The River That Built a City
Few international visitors realize that Ho Chi Minh City was born because of its river.
For more than three centuries, the Saigon River has welcomed merchants, explorers, artists, entrepreneurs and dreamers who shaped one of Asia’s most dynamic cities. It carried the ships that connected Vietnam with the world and continues to define the city’s identity today.
Amiral Cruises invites travelers to rediscover this forgotten narrative.
Rather than treating the river simply as transportation, every voyage interprets it as a cultural destination in its own right—a place where history, commerce, architecture and contemporary Vietnamese creativity converge.
It is an approach rarely seen in Asian river cruising and one that positions Vietnam within a new generation of experience-led luxury travel.
Building a House of Brands
Founded more than two decades ago by Dr. Phạm Hà, LuxGroup® has become one of Vietnam’s most respected privately owned luxury tourism companies.
From pioneering Vietnam’s boutique luxury cruising sector with Heritage Cruises and Emperor Cruises to developing luxury destination management, boutique hospitality, gastronomy, art collections and cultural experiences, the company has consistently challenged conventional ideas of premium travel.
Its nomination as Asia’s Leading Integrated Tourism Group reflects this long-term vision: creating an interconnected ecosystem where cruises, hotels, restaurants, travel design, arts and heritage work together to present Vietnam through a single luxury philosophy.
Rather than importing international luxury models, LuxGroup has chosen to create a distinctly Vietnamese interpretation of luxury—one grounded in authenticity, craftsmanship and emotional connection.
Recognition That Extends Beyond Awards
For Amiral Cruises, this first nomination arrives at an important moment.
As one of Asia’s newest boutique river cruise brands, international recognition so early in its journey demonstrates growing confidence in Vietnam’s ability to compete alongside some of the world’s most established river cruise operators.
More importantly, it affirms that travelers increasingly value experiences that are intimate, culturally immersive and purposefully designed over traditional expressions of luxury.
The nomination also highlights the rising global appeal of Vietnam’s rivers—not only the legendary Mekong, but also the historic Saigon River—as destinations worthy of international attention.
A Vision for the Future
Amiral Cruises represents only the beginning of a much larger vision.
The company plans to expand its boutique river and coastal experiences beyond Ho Chi Minh City into the Mekong Delta before connecting Vietnam with Cambodia through voyages to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, creating one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling cultural river itineraries.
Every expansion will continue to follow the same principle that has guided LuxGroup since its founding:
Luxury should preserve culture, celebrate communities and create lasting positive impact for destinations.
A Word from the Founder
“These nominations are not simply recognition for our company—they are recognition for Vietnam,” said Dr. Phạm Hà, Founder, President & CEO of LuxGroup®.
“For more than twenty years, we have believed that authentic culture is Vietnam’s greatest luxury. We have never sought to become the biggest tourism company. Instead, we aspire to become the most meaningful—creating journeys that inspire pride, preserve heritage and leave every guest with a deeper understanding of our country.
These nominations encourage us to continue telling Vietnam’s story to the world, one river, one destination and one unforgettable voyage at a time.”
About Amiral Cruises for Presidents®
Amiral Cruises for Presidents® is Vietnam’s first luxury boutique river and maritime cruise brand inspired by the elegance of presidential travel and the glamour of the Art Deco era. Operating on the historic Saigon River and expanding across the Mekong region, the company delivers immersive cultural journeys through its philosophy, Luxury is Culture®. Every voyage combines exceptional Vietnamese hospitality, refined gastronomy, heritage storytelling and thoughtfully curated experiences, proving that true luxury is measured not by extravagance, but by authenticity, purpose and unforgettable memories.
Media Contact
Email: media@luxgroup.vn
Amiral Cruises for Presidents®
“Every Voyage Tells a Story.”
