Kiss the Sea multimedia show in Sunset Town, Phu Quoc.
As Asia Pacific’s MICE industry continues to grow, Vietnam has emerged as one of the region’s most exciting destinations – driven by state initiatives, an infrastructure boom, and a wealth of cultural and natural attractions.
And it is not all about the usual suspects either, as offshore Phu Quoc, golf capital Danang, and the coastal destination of Ho Tram rise to the occasion.
Phu Quoc: The island that means business
Among the most ambitious developments is Phu Quoc, where a major hospitality and event precinct is being developed ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2027. The area will feature global brands such as Conrad, Hilton, and DoubleTree by Hilton, collectively adding 1,500 rooms to the island’s inventory.
“From luxury to lifestyle and full-service offerings, these new hotels will introduce a diverse range of experiences across Vietnam, catering to the growing demand for high-quality hospitality in one of Asia’s most dynamic markets,” says Chris Nassetta, president & CEO, Hilton.
Slightly larger than Singapore, Vietnam’s tropical island offers a long peak season stretching from November to April, when conditions are ideal for outdoor events and incentive programmes.
Artist Room in Phu Quoc, an unorthodox meeting room to inspire new ideas. Photo Credit: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & SpaSince 2014, Phu Quoc has enjoyed a 30-day visa-free policy for international arrivals, a boon for organisers managing delegates from around the world. The island also features plenty of attractions, from quaint fishing villages, to cable car rides and the dazzling Kiss the Sea multimedia show in Sunset Town.
Among its best-known MICE venues is the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, a Bill Bensley-designed property on Khem Beach. Built around a fictional 19th century university concept with opulent rooms and splashes of colour, the resort offers an unforgettable setting for meetings and incentives.
“Each venue reflects the resort’s imaginative university theme while guest rooms are styled as a distinct ‘Department’ adding a creative twist to every event,” says Vin Dinh, the resort’s director of marketing and communications. “Outside the meeting agenda, guests can enjoy curated dining at five themed restaurants, beachfront leisure, and expert event planning support.”
The nine-hectare estate, which is available for full buyouts, features over 1,400sqm of meeting space which includes a grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 600 participants, as well as five breakout rooms and outdoor venues from garden lawns and poolside terraces.
Coastal meets at The Grand Ho Tram.Ho Tram: Easy escape from the city
Just a two-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Tram is known for great seafood, a year-round tropical climate and a 30km coastline.
“It’s the perfect backdrop for outdoor gatherings and memorable events,” says Timothy Tan, vice president of sales and marketing, commercial, for The Grand Ho Tram, a sprawling integrated complex including InterContinental Grand Ho Tram, Holiday Inn Ho Tram and Ixora Ho Tram by Fusion.
“With over 1,250 rooms and villas, The Grand Ho Tram is perfectly equipped to accommodate large groups, hosting up to 1,000 guests in comfort and style,” adds Tan. “The resort’s expansive Grand Ballroom caters for up to 1,200 delegates, complemented by 12 versatile breakout rooms designed to suit events of all sizes.
“For planners seeking memorable outdoor experiences, The Grand Ho Tram offers a range of unique venues – from the beachfront Ixora Lawn and the Golf Course putting green to the scenic Central Park,” says Tan. “Each setting provides a distinctive backdrop for creative and immersive gatherings.”
Danang: The laidback MICE star
Central Vietnam’s biggest city, which has already made a name for itself as a golf capital, is rapidly rising as a MICE superstar, hosting large-scale gatherings such as the 25th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2017.
The city’s appeal lies in its relaxed seaside charm, modern venues, and proximity to cultural treasures like Hoi An Ancient Town and Hue, the former imperial capital. Contemporary landmarks such as the Golden Hands Bridge, a 150m pedestrian bridge…
Read the full article: M&C Asia (October - December 2025)