Phu Quoc is about to welcome a new landmark
For many travellers, Hon Thom in Phu Quoc has long been synonymous with turquoise waters, sandy beaches, tropical palm trees, a sea-crossing cable car and a large-scale entertainment complex. The arrival of Rixos Phu Quoc is adding another dimension to the island experience: luxury hospitality expressed through an architectural language with a distinctive cultural identity.
Developed by Sun Group and operated by Rixos - a brand under Ennismore, part of the Accor ecosystem - Rixos Phu Quoc will be Southeast Asia’s first Rixos all-inclusive resort. Spanning more than 131,000 square metres, the development comprises 18 buildings with nearly 1,700 rooms and 207 suites.
Its architecture is the resort’s most immediately recognisable feature. Inspired by the story of Empress Nam Phuong - the last empress of Vietnam—the design incorporates shades of red and gold, layered roofs and details reminiscent of Hue imperial architecture, combined with materials and decorative elements influenced by traditional craftsmanship.
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.
The development’s colours 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. Although the resort has yet to officially open, the first images from the construction site have already attracted considerable attention.
The mysteries of the 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 character” 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. A slight adjustment in position or focal length instantly changes the scale between the person and the building, transforming the tower into a giant photographic prop.
Capturing this angle may require a little patience. Photographers will need to find the right alignment, experiment with distance and wait for the ideal light to bring out the roof’s concentric forms at their most striking.
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 colour 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.
The 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 capture not only the island’s natural beauty but also make the resort’s architecture part of the story told through each image.
The arrival of Rixos Phu Quoc also adds another piece to Hon Thom’s rapidly evolving landscape. Once best known for its natural scenery, cable car and entertainment experiences, the island is gradually welcoming more accommodation, dining and leisure offerings, extending visitors’ journeys from daytime exploration well into the evening.
The turquoise sea, palm trees and familiar sandy beaches remain unchanged. Yet on Hon Thom’s horizon, a new silhouette is steadily emerging as a distinctive visual landmark.
When Rixos Phu Quoc officially opens, the “Nam Phuong khan vanh” may become more than an architectural statement. It could also be one of the first check-in backdrops visitors seek out when they set foot on the island.
