For the first time in its history, Kempinski Hotels, Europe’s oldest luxury hotel company, is venturing into Vietnam with an exquisite waterfront hideaway nestled in the folds of the Saigon River. Designed by acclaimed architectural studio Kengo Kuma & Associates, Kempinski Saigon River reimagines traditional Vietnamese vernacular architecture with an ultra-modern twist through a collection of 100 guestrooms and suites that blend heritage with modern luxury.

The hotel is currently being developed in cooperation with visionary Vietnamese property developer Ecopark Corporation, which owns other luxury hotels across Vietnam and has a portfolio of highly successful real estate projects that include residences, schools, retail and universities.“Kempinski has been present in Asia since 1992, but we are extremely proud to be now entering the exciting market of Vietnam with this truly unique hotel,” says René Nijhof, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Kempinski Hotels S.A. “Inspired by the spectacular cultural and natural landscape of southern Vietnam, Kengo Kuma & Associates has reimagined life on the river. Together with the presence of Ecopark Corporation, we are redefining riverside luxury for a new generation of travellers who demand authenticity and heartfelt local experiences.”

Evoking the emerald rice paddies and riverside dwellings of Vietnam, Kempinski Saigon River presents a modern reinterpretation of traditional Vietnamese dwellings. Old-world charm meets contemporary luxury in the 90 guestrooms, which start from 65 sq m and afford expansive views of the river that embraces the property, while 10 suites including a spectacular Presidential Suite offer next-level luxury for the most discerning guests.

Visitors will wake to the gentle murmur of the river, whose timeless flow will also provide the backdrop to spectacular waterfront events and weddings at the hotel’s elegant venues. Landscaping by Bangkok-based landscape architecture and design studio PLA will follow the gentle curves of the river and perpendicular canal, with bridges, ponds and manicured gardens creating a seamless connection to nature throughout the hotel.

Travellers will be able to ease away the rigours of travel at the 1,500-sq-m Resense Spa, a tranquil haven of wellbeing where local remedies and ingredients are incorporated into immersive wellness journeys, and feast on local flavours at a collection of dining venues including all-day dining and a signature Vietnamese restaurant, as well as a riverside bar and Executive Lounge.

Situated in Dong Nai on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City, Kempinski Saigon River is part of a broader 55-hectare development that will also be home to residences, schools, a sports club and retail areas along 700 metres of riverfront, connected to Ho Chi Minh City via a 45-minute speedboat ride.

“As Europe’s oldest hotel company and one of the most respected luxury hospitality brands in the world, we are thrilled to be working with Kempinski to turn this vision into a reality, providing a new interpretation of luxury living for future generations of visitors and residents,” said Trung T. Luong, Vice Chairman of  the owning company.

Dong Nai itself is currently undergoing a major infrastructure expansion and improvement project designed to reduce travel times and foster economic growth, including improvements to the road and railway networks, improved waterways and a new airport. Currently under construction, Long Thanh International Airport will be among the largest in the world when complete, with a capacity for up to 100 million passengers per year.

From left to right: Marcin Sapecta, Deputy General Manager, Kengo Kuma and Associates/ Mads Werner, Investment Director Ecopark Corporation/Manish Nambiar, Vice President Operations South-East Asia, Kempinski Hotels