Vietnam opens new Axi Plaza conference centre

Vietnam has cut the ribbon on a new, multipurpose convention centre with a design inspired by the country’s ubiquitous coracle boat.

“Axi Plaza is a game changer for Cam Ranh and Vietnam’s entire coastline – there’s nothing like it for business and leisure travellers alike,” said The Anam Group’s founder, Pham Van Hien.

“Building Axi Plaza in the shape of a large thung chai boat, resting beside waters still plied by traditional boats, is a bold and striking way to pay homage to Vietnam with contemporary flair.”

The basket boat traces its history back to the French colonial era, when the French levied a tax on boat ownership. It’s believed Vietnamese fishermen who could not afford the taxes responded by deploying basket boats, arguing they were not boats but baskets and thus could not be taxed.

Axi Plaza is located on the Cam Ranh peninsula has a conference hall, a 360-degree rooftop venue, an outdoor beachfront event space, and 10,000sqm of shopping and dining outlets.

The largest multipurpose convention centre in the region, Axi Plaza marks The Anam Group’s third major development, following the launch of The Anam Cam Ranh and The Anam Mui Ne resorts in 2017 and 2023 respectively.

Vietnam's Axi Plaza Photo Credit: Supplied

Billed as affording ‘meetings above the beach’, the 1197sqm conference hall and ballroom area on Axi Plaza’s third floor accommodates up to 1000 people. 

The outdoor event space between the basket boat-shaped building and the beach is underpinned by a sizeable lawn that fronts three swimming pools - one saltwater, one chlorine and a kids pool.

Situated behind Axi Plaza’s second floor entrance and reception area, the 200sqm Axi Plaza Lounge overlooks the swimming pools and serves Vietnamese fare.