Vietnam : Asia’s leading architecture, design and hospitality awards were staged inside a 150-million-year-old cave in northern Vietnam on June 26, creating what organisers believe is the world’s first international awards ceremony staged in a natural cave.
The 2026 Asia Architecture Design Awards (AADA) and Asia Hospitality Awards (AHA) Winners’ Night was held inside Dragon Pearl Cave in Quang Ninh Province, about 30 minutes from Halong City. Towering stalactites and vast limestone chambers provided an extraordinary backdrop for recognising the region’s top architects, designers, developers, hotels and tourism operators.
Coastal Quảng Ngãi – A Community by HAUS was recognised for its climate-responsive urban planning. Picture Book Dream Maru in South Korea was honoured for transforming a former underground reservoir into a vibrant cultural destination. Japan’s AMAMI HOUSE received recognition for its off-grid residential design. HAUS Da Lat was celebrated for integrating hospitality, wellness and environmental conservation within a forest setting.
Other notable winners included Sola Peninsula and One Central Saigon by Masterise Homes, Thailand’s NEXUS by Synthesis Ark and Indonesia’s Pejeng Ubud.
Ascott Orchard Singapore was honoured for blending serviced residences with contemporary lifestyle experiences. Varana Krabi Hotel – The Wellcation Experience received recognition for its wellness-focused tourism offering.
Vietnamese chef Nguyen Gia Thien, of Viet Deli Group, received the Asia Special Achievement for Executive Chef award for his contribution to contemporary Vietnamese cuisine celebrating the country’s culinary heritage.
“The diversity of this year’s winners is remarkable,” said jury chairman Tan Quee Peng. “From adaptive reuse in South Korea and off-grid homes in Japan to regenerative resorts in Bali and Vietnamese chef Nguyen Gia Thien’s celebration of local culinary heritage, they encapsulate the creativity and innovation behind Asia’s compelling built environment and visitor experiences.”
“Hosting such a prestigious event in this natural wonder underscored our vision of making the cave a symbol of Vietnam’s heritage and a leading destination for world-class cultural and business events in Asia,” added Mr. Nguyen Hong Nhat, general director of APC Corporation, the operator of Dragon Pearl Cave.
The 2026 awards were presented under the theme Influential Asia, recognising projects and organisations contributing to the future of architecture and hospitality.
The organisation also announced the launch of its 2027 awards under the theme Visionary Asia. From next year, both award programmes will adopt a rolling evaluation model, with winners recognised throughout the year ahead of the 2027 Winners’ Night in Bangkok.
The largest natural cave in northern Vietnam, spanning some 4000 square metres, Dragon Pearl Cave opened to visitors in 2025. Asia Premier Cruises (APC) Corporation, also behind the boutique cruise line Ambassador Cruise, hosts an immersive multi-sensory cultural show and fine dining at the cave, as well as corporate and cultural events.
