The world’s first award ceremony staged inside a natural cave: The 2026 Asia Architecture Design Awards & Asia Hospitality Awards at Dragon Pearl Cave, Vietnam
Inside the Dragon Pearl Cave in Quang Ninh, Vietnam
For the first time in history, two of Asia’s most prestigious recognitions in design and hospitality – the Asia Architecture Design Awards (AADA) and the Asia Hospitality Awards (AHA) – united for an unprecedented celebration. The Winners’ Night of 2026 was staged deep inside the awe-inspiring Dragon Pearl Cave, a 150-million-year-old natural masterpiece in Quang Ninh, Vietnam on 26 June 2026.
This extraordinary evening marked a world-first: an international award ceremony held within a natural cave. Against the backdrop of majestic stalactites and stone formations carved by time, the event celebrated the visionaries reshaping Asia’s architectural and hospitality landscapes.
Photo: The world’s first award ceremony inside a natural cave
Discovered in the heart of Quang Ninh’s limestone ranges, Dragon Pearl Cave is the largest natural cave in Northern Vietnam, which officially opened to the public in summer 2025. With its monumental chambers, dramatic lighting, and carefully designed pathways, the cave quickly established itself as the region’s most remarkable MICE destination. It has since become a landmark venue where culture, business, and nature converge, offering an awe-inspiring setting unlike any other in Asia.
Mr. Nguyen Hong Nhat, General Director of APC Corporation, the operator of Dragon Pearl Cave, shared: “We were proud to welcome the Asia Architecture Design Awards and Asia Hospitality Awards to Dragon Pearl Cave. Hosting such a prestigious event in this natural wonder underscored our vision of making the cave not only a symbol of Vietnam’s heritage but also a leading destination for world-class cultural and business events in Asia.”
Mr. Tan Quee Peng (left), Chairman of the Jury Panel, presents awards to the winning projects.
“”Over the years, the Asia Awards Organization has staged its Winners’ Night at some of Asia’s most iconic destinations, including Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, SO/ Bangkok in Thailand, and The Shilla Seoul in South Korea. Each venue has become a milestone in the awards’ legacy of excellence. The ceremony inside Dragon Pearl Cave continued this tradition while setting a new global benchmark, bringing together the most talented architects, designers, and hospitality leaders in one of the most magnificent destinations in the world.
Influential Asia Through Hospitality, Tourism, and Lifestyle
Under the theme “Influential Asia,” the 2026 season honored individuals, projects, and brands that are redefining the future of architecture, hospitality, and tourism through creativity, innovation, cultural identity, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Tan Quee Peng, Chairman of the Jury Panel, remarked: “Tonight is special for many reasons. Not only because we are gathered to honor some of Asia’s most remarkable achievements in architecture, design, and hospitality, but also because we may very well be making history together. As judges, and as winners, we are part of what is believed to be the world’s first international awards ceremony held inside a natural cave. It is a fitting reminder that while human creativity can achieve extraordinary things, nature still provides the most breathtaking stage of all.”
Chef Nguyen Gia Thien receives the 2026 Asia’s Special Achievement for Executive Chef award.
he winning projects and destinations selected this year reflected the evolving direction of Asia’s creative and hospitality industries, where cultural authenticity, innovative thinking, and environmental responsibility increasingly go hand in hand.
“”In architecture and design, standout winners included Coastal Quảng Ngãi – A Community by HAUS, recognized for its climate-responsive urban development and commitment to long-term community value.
The awards also highlighted the growing movement toward adaptive reuse and environmentally responsive design. Picture Book Dream Maru in South Korea transformed a buried reservoir into a vibrant cultural destination, while AMAMI HOUSE (Japan) presented an off-grid residential model focused on resilience and coexistence with nature. HAUS Da Lat demonstrated a refined integration of wellness, hospitality, and environmental preservation within a forest setting. Other notable projects included Sola Peninsula and One Central Saigon by Masterise Homes, NEXUS by Synthesis Ark (Thailand), which introduced a climate-responsive model for tropical mixed-use development, and Pejeng Ubud (Indonesia), a landscape-integrated residential retreat designed in harmony with nature.
Across the hospitality, tourism, and experiential sectors, this year’s winners reflected the growing prominence of eco-resorts, boutique hospitality, and next-generation travel concepts where authenticity, local identity, and human connection define guest experiences.
Among the notable winners, Ulaman Eco Luxury Resort in Bali exemplified regenerative hospitality through its integration of sustainable architecture, holistic wellness, and environmentally responsible luxury. Ascott Orchard Singapore redefined urban hospitality by blending residential comfort with designer-led living and curated cultural experiences, while Varana Krabi Hotel – The Wellcation Experience established a new benchmark for wellness tourism through its holistic approach to wellbeing and sustainable luxury. The awards also recognized Chef Nguyen Gia Thien of Viet Deli Group for elevating Vietnamese gastronomy through narrative-driven dining experiences that reinterpret culinary heritage for contemporary audiences.
Collectively, this year’s winners demonstrate Asia’s growing role in shaping global trends across architecture, hospitality, tourism, and lifestyle industries, where sustainability, cultural authenticity, and innovation continue to drive lasting impact.
Inside the Dragon Pearl Cave in Quang Ninh, Vietnam
For the first time in history, two of Asia’s most prestigious recognitions in design and hospitality – the Asia Architecture Design Awards (AADA) and the Asia Hospitality Awards (AHA) – united for an unprecedented celebration. The Winners’ Night of 2026 was staged deep inside the awe-inspiring Dragon Pearl Cave, a 150-million-year-old natural masterpiece in Quang Ninh, Vietnam on 26 June 2026.
This extraordinary evening marked a world-first: an international award ceremony held within a natural cave. Against the backdrop of majestic stalactites and stone formations carved by time, the event celebrated the visionaries reshaping Asia’s architectural and hospitality landscapes.
Discovered in the heart of Quang Ninh’s limestone ranges, Dragon Pearl Cave is the largest natural cave in Northern Vietnam, which officially opened to the public in summer 2025. With its monumental chambers, dramatic lighting, and carefully designed pathways, the cave quickly established itself as the region’s most remarkable MICE destination. It has since become a landmark venue where culture, business, and nature converge, offering an awe-inspiring setting unlike any other in Asia.
Mr. Nguyen Hong Nhat, General Director of APC Corporation, the operator of Dragon Pearl Cave, shared: “We were proud to welcome the Asia Architecture Design Awards and Asia Hospitality Awards to Dragon Pearl Cave. Hosting such a prestigious event in this natural wonder underscored our vision of making the cave not only a symbol of Vietnam’s heritage but also a leading destination for world-class cultural and business events in Asia.”
“”Over the years, the Asia Awards Organization has staged its Winners’ Night at some of Asia’s most iconic destinations, including Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, SO/ Bangkok in Thailand, and The Shilla Seoul in South Korea. Each venue has become a milestone in the awards’ legacy of excellence. The ceremony inside Dragon Pearl Cave continued this tradition while setting a new global benchmark, bringing together the most talented architects, designers, and hospitality leaders in one of the most magnificent destinations in the world.
Influential Asia Through Hospitality, Tourism, and Lifestyle
Under the theme “Influential Asia,” the 2026 season honored individuals, projects, and brands that are redefining the future of architecture, hospitality, and tourism through creativity, innovation, cultural identity, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Tan Quee Peng, Chairman of the Jury Panel, remarked: “Tonight is special for many reasons. Not only because we are gathered to honor some of Asia’s most remarkable achievements in architecture, design, and hospitality, but also because we may very well be making history together. As judges, and as winners, we are part of what is believed to be the world’s first international awards ceremony held inside a natural cave. It is a fitting reminder that while human creativity can achieve extraordinary things, nature still provides the most breathtaking stage of all.”
he winning projects and destinations selected this year reflected the evolving direction of Asia’s creative and hospitality industries, where cultural authenticity, innovative thinking, and environmental responsibility increasingly go hand in hand.
“”In architecture and design, standout winners included Coastal Quảng Ngãi – A Community by HAUS, recognized for its climate-responsive urban development and commitment to long-term community value.
The awards also highlighted the growing movement toward adaptive reuse and environmentally responsive design. Picture Book Dream Maru in South Korea transformed a buried reservoir into a vibrant cultural destination, while AMAMI HOUSE (Japan) presented an off-grid residential model focused on resilience and coexistence with nature. HAUS Da Lat demonstrated a refined integration of wellness, hospitality, and environmental preservation within a forest setting. Other notable projects included Sola Peninsula and One Central Saigon by Masterise Homes, NEXUS by Synthesis Ark (Thailand), which introduced a climate-responsive model for tropical mixed-use development, and Pejeng Ubud (Indonesia), a landscape-integrated residential retreat designed in harmony with nature.
Across the hospitality, tourism, and experiential sectors, this year’s winners reflected the growing prominence of eco-resorts, boutique hospitality, and next-generation travel concepts where authenticity, local identity, and human connection define guest experiences.
Among the notable winners, Ulaman Eco Luxury Resort in Bali exemplified regenerative hospitality through its integration of sustainable architecture, holistic wellness, and environmentally responsible luxury. Ascott Orchard Singapore redefined urban hospitality by blending residential comfort with designer-led living and curated cultural experiences, while Varana Krabi Hotel – The Wellcation Experience established a new benchmark for wellness tourism through its holistic approach to wellbeing and sustainable luxury. The awards also recognized Chef Nguyen Gia Thien of Viet Deli Group for elevating Vietnamese gastronomy through narrative-driven dining experiences that reinterpret culinary heritage for contemporary audiences.
Collectively, this year’s winners demonstrate Asia’s growing role in shaping global trends across architecture, hospitality, tourism, and lifestyle industries, where sustainability, cultural authenticity, and innovation continue to drive lasting impact.
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