Following its win as Best Luxury Cruise Line in Vietnam by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, Indochine Premium Cruise continues to make waves in high-end travel. Known for its artistic expression of Vietnamese heritage, five-star service, and eco-conscious leadership, this Ha Long Bay icon has redefined what it means to cruise in luxury.

In this exclusive interview led by Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, we sit down with Ms. Nguyen Thu Trang, Director of Sales and Marketing at Indochine Premium Cruise, to explore what’s behind the brand’s continued rise and what true luxury on the water really looks like.

Alexander Chetchikov: Congratulations on being awarded Best Luxury Cruise Line in Vietnam by LLA. What does this recognition mean for you and the Indochine Premium team?

Nguyen Thu Trang: Thank you very much, Alexander. This recognition is not only a tremendous honor but also a deeply emotional moment for our team. Indochine Premium is the culmination of over 30 years of experience in building and operating luxury cruises in Ha Long Bay (since 1993). For us, this award represents more than just excellence in hospitality – it’s a testament to our unwavering passion, our craftsmanship, and our deep cultural pride. We’re not just offering a high-end product; we’re curating a journey through Vietnam’s soul on the water.

AC: Indochine Premium Cruise masterfully balances cultural heritage with modern amenities. How do you maintain that harmony while continuing to innovate?

Nguyen Thu Trang: That harmony is intentional – it’s in our concept. Our founder started with the vision of showcasing Vietnamese heritage through a refined, artistic lens. We work with artisans from traditional craft villages across Vietnam – embroiderers, lacquer artists from Hanoi, ceramicists from Bat Trang, and woodworkers from the Red River Delta – to bring truly handmade, soulful touches into every corner of the cruise

Yet we understand that today’s travelers also expect seamless comfort, so we combine those handcrafted elements with five-star international amenities: premium bedding, modern bathrooms, in-suite balconies, air filtration, and even a rooftop mini-golf course. Innovation is about creating depth – not just dazzle.

AC: The luxury landscape is constantly evolving. How would you define true luxury in today’s cruising industry?

Nguyen Thu Trang: True luxury today is not about excess – it’s about authentic, emotional connection. It’s the feeling of stepping into a space that has been designed for you, where every detail is intentional and personal. On Indochine Premium, luxury means silence in the early morning mist on the sundeck, the fresh scent in your cabin, a private dinner under the stars curated by our chef. It’s the grace of our crew anticipating your needs before you speak.

We see luxury as an experience of meaning and depth, where you not only relax but reconnect – with nature, with culture, and even with yourself.

AC: With experiences such as rooftop mini golf, curated dining, and personalized celebrations, how do you ensure each guest feels individually catered to?

Nguyen Thu Trang: We believe every guest is unique, and every voyage should reflect that. Our pre-cruise concierge connects with guests to learn about their preferences and special occasions. Celebrations – like honeymoons, proposals, birthdays – are never templated. We design them around the guest’s story, whether that means a private dinner on a floating raft or a surprise Vietnamese tea ceremony at sunset. We want guests to feel seen, not just served.

AC: Let’s talk about Vietnam’s growing profile in global luxury tourism. How has the industry shifted in recent years, and where do you see it going?

Nguyen Thu Trang: Vietnam is rising as a cultural-luxury destination, not just a scenic one. Travelers today want authenticity – they want to explore new stories, but through the lens of comfort, creativity, and respect for local culture. Over the past decade, we’ve seen a shift from big group tours to immersive, boutique experiences.

At Indochine Premium, we believe Vietnam’s strength lies in its soul – its history, craftsmanship, cuisine, and human warmth. As this global trend toward meaningful luxury continues, Vietnam has the potential to lead – not follow – in shaping a new definition of hospitality.

AC: Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay are iconic, but tourism can place strain on natural resources. What sustainability practices set Indochine Premium apart from others?

Nguyen Thu Trang: We are deeply aware that our privilege comes with responsibility. Indochine Premium was designed with eco-efficiency at its core – from energy-saving systems, solar-supported operations, and advanced wastewater treatment, to strict waste-sorting and minimizing plastic use.

But sustainability for us is also about cultural sustainability. We support local communities by sourcing from Vietnamese artisans and employing regional crew. We educate guests about conservation, and partner with local authorities on eco-preservation efforts. Our goal is to ensure the bay remains pristine – not only for travelers today but for future generations.

AC: Finally, what are some of the unique challenges and advantages of operating a luxury cruise in Vietnam compared to other markets?

Nguyen Thu Trang: Vietnam is both an advantage and a challenge. The natural beauty is breathtaking, and our culture is incredibly rich, but infrastructure can be inconsistent and the regulatory environment requires agility and strong relationships with local authorities.

The advantage, however, is priceless: we get to offer something truly one-of-a-kind. No other cruise line in the world can offer what we do – a luxury journey infused with Vietnamese heritage, on a handcrafted vessel, guided by decades of experience in this very bay.

We don’t copy global luxury models – we redefine them through a Vietnamese lens. That’s our signature difference.

Thank you, Ms. Nguyen Thu Trang, for your insights and for sharing the artistry behind one of Vietnam’s most inspiring luxury travel experiences.

Experience it for yourself – book your voyage at: indochinasails.com.