Hon Thom in Vietnam’s Phu Quoc to welcome new resort with royal-inspired architecture

Phu Quoc about to welcome new landmark

Rixos Phu Quoc, a large-scale resort under construction on Hon Thom Island, is drawing attention for its distinctive architecture inspired by Vietnamese imperial culture.

Developed by Vietnam's Sun Group and operated by Rixos, a brand under Ennismore in the Accor ecosystem, the property is set to become the first Rixos all-inclusive resort in Southeast Asia.

The project covers more than 131,000 square meters and comprises 18 buildings with nearly 1,700 rooms and 207 suites.

Its architecture is the resort’s most immediately recognizable feature.

Its design takes inspiration from the story of Nam Phuong, the last empress of Vietnam, combining red and gold tones with layered roofs and decorative details reminiscent of Hue imperial architecture.

Set against Hon Thom’s blue sea and lush tropical vegetation, these colours create a striking contrast. From the right angle, the architecture, palm trees and horizon come together effortlessly in a picture-perfect frame.

Against the backdrop of Hon Thom’s turquoise waters, sandy beaches and tropical greenery, the resort’s red-and-gold facade is designed to create a striking visual contrast.

The development’s colors and forms also allow it to take on a different appearance throughout the day.

Daylight accentuates the bold red-and-gold palette, while the late-afternoon sun creates softer layers of shadow.

After dark, the lighting system transforms the tower into a radiant focal point on the island.

Mysteries of last empress’s 'khan vanh'

While Rixos Phu Quoc’s overall design creates a grand architectural canvas, the central tower and its roof - resembling a 'khan vanh,' a traditional Vietnamese circular headdress - are poised to become the 'main charẩcter' in every photograph.

The roof comprises multiple concentric circles extending beyond the tower’s main structure, creating a striking silhouette when viewed from afar.

Inspired by the khan vanh associated with Empress Nam Phuong, the design reinterprets this cultural motif through a contemporary architectural language.

More than an architectural feature to admire, its form also creates a range of intriguing visual effects for photography.

From certain low angles, when the photographer aligns the subject precisely with the tower, the circular roof behind them can appear like an enormous 'khan vanh' being 'worn' on their head.

Changing the distance, camera position or focal length can alter the visual effect, turning the tower into a large architectural backdrop for photographs.

By the end of the day, this symbolic structure reveals yet another appearance. As the sun dips lower, golden light washes over the roof and tower, creating layers of color that contrast beautifully with the sea and sky.

For photography enthusiasts, this may be the most rewarding moment to capture the architecture and sunset within the same frame.

After dark, the illuminated concentric circles make the roof glow like a halo above the horizon. What appears as a distinctive architectural detail during the day transforms into an entirely different visual highlight at night.

This ability to change with the light gives Rixos Phu Quoc all the ingredients to become Hon Thom’s newest photogenic backdrop, a place where visitors can not only capture the island’s natural beauty but also make the resort’s architecture part of the story told through each image.

Although Rixos Phu Quoc has yet to officially open, early images of the project under construction have already attracted attention.

The resort is the latest addition to Hon Thom’s rapidly developing tourism landscape.

The island has long been known for its beaches, tropical scenery, sea-crossing cable car and entertainment facilities.

In recent years, new accommodation, dining and leisure projects have been added as developers seek to extend visitors’ stays and offer more experiences beyond daytime sightseeing.

Rixos Phu Quoc is expected to add a major luxury hospitality component to that ecosystem while giving Hon Thom a new architectural identity.

Once completed, its Nam Phuong-inspired tower could become one of the island’s most recognizable landmarks and a new check-in spot for visitors to Phu Quoc.