Vietnam has unveiled Axi Plaza, a striking multipurpose convention centre inspired by the country’s ubiquitous coracle boat. The grand opening took place last Thursday at its spectacular beachfront location, overlooking Long Beach on Vietnam’s scenic Cam Ranh peninsula.

Axi Plaza is not just a new development; it’s a symbol of Cam Ranh’s progress and growth. As the largest multipurpose convention centre in the region, Axi Plaza marks The Anam Group’s third major development, following the launch of luxurious resorts The Anam Cam Ranh and The Anam Mui Ne in 2017 and 2023 respectively. Adjacent to the 12-hectare The Anam Cam Ranh, Axi Plaza is set to redefine Cam Ranh, once renowned as southeast Asia’s greatest deepwater harbour, as an upscale alternative to nearby Nha Trang.

Axi Plaza is not just another convention centre; it’s a marvel of modern architecture and design. Boasting a vast state-of-the-art conference hall, a 360-degree rooftop venue, a stunning outdoor beachfront event space, and about 10,000 dedicated shopping and dining outlets, Axi Plaza is a one-of-a-kind destination. The 1197sqm conference hall and ballroom area on Axi Plaza’s third floor, billed as affording “meetings above the beach”, accommodates up to 1000 people and features a cutting-edge 75sqm LED screen and panoramic vistas encompassing swimming pools, a manicured lawn, and the ocean.

The 360-degree rooftop area on the fifth floor, totalling 1077 sqm, has been designed for receptions and company events and offers sweeping views of Long Beach’s white sands and turquoise waters. The outdoor event space, situated between the basket boat-shaped building and the beach, is underpinned by the extensive lawn that fronts three picture-perfect swimming pools.

“Axi Plaza is a game changer for Cam Ranh and Vietnam’s entire coastline – nothing like it for business and leisure travellers alike,” said The Anam Group’s founder Pham Van Hien at the grand opening celebrations. “Building Axi Plaza in the shape of a large thung chai boat, resting beside waters still plied by traditional boats, is a bold and striking way to pay homage to Vietnam with contemporary flair.”

With Axi Plaza Lounge, swimming pools, Long Beach, bathrooms, lockers and more on offer, Mr Hien described Axi Plaza as a “convenient solution” for travellers who need to check out of their hotels at noon but do not want to wait for hours at Cam Ranh International Airport before their departure flights.

Together, Axi Plaza and The Anam Cam Ranh will offer a complete package of services and amenities for leisure guests in one location. Various company events, weddings, and a forum in cooperation with the local tourism department are already planned at Axi Plaza this year. The Anam Group is exploring organizing events such as classical concerts, fashion shows, and product launches.

The design of Axi Plaza is not just a nod to the past, it’s a celebration of Vietnamese ingenuity and resilience. The coracle boat, which traces its history back to the French colonial era, holds a special place in Vietnamese culture. It’s believed Vietnamese fishermen who could not afford the taxes levied by the French on boat ownership responded by deploying basket boats, arguing they were not boats but baskets and thus could not be taxed. Axi Plaza pays tribute to this history, reminding us of the strength and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people.

The post Iconic Basket Coracle Boat-Shaped Convention Centre Opens in Vietnam first appeared on Stray Nomad Travel News.