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) – will unite for an unprecedented celebration. The Winners’ Night of 2026 will be staged deep inside the awe-inspiring Dragon Pearl Cave, a 150-million-year-old natural masterpiece in Quang Ninh, Vietnam on 26 June, 2026.
The world’s first award ceremony inside a natural cave
This extraordinary evening marks 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 will celebrate the visionaries reshaping Asia’s architectural and hospitality landscapes.
“This is more than an awards night - it is history in the making,” said the event organizers. “By hosting the ceremony in Dragon Pearl Cave, we are uniting human creativity with the timeless artistry of nature, creating an unforgettable stage to honor Asia’s finest.”
Inside the Dragon Pearl Cave in Quang Ninh, Vietnam
Discovered in the heart of Quang Ninh’s limestone ranges, Dragon Pearl Cave is the largest natural cave in Northern Vietnam, officially opening 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 M.I.C.E. destination. It has since become a landmark venue where culture, business, and nature converge, offering an awe-inspiring setting unlike any other in Asia.
The magnificent ambiance inside the cave with full-function facilities for M.I.C.E.
Mr. Nguyen Hong Nhat, General Director of APC Corporation, the operator of Dragon Pearl Cave, shared: “We are 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 underscores our vision of making the cave not only a symbol of Vietnam’s heritage but also the leading destination for world-class cultural and business events in Asia.”
Winners’ Night of the 2025 AADA – AHA at The Shilla Seoul, South Korea
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 upcoming ceremony inside Dragon Pearl Cave continues 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.
The Hall of Fame moments at the 2025 Winners’ Night in South Korea
Mr. Gianfranco Bianchi, CEO of Italian Atelier and a member of the Advisory Board who has supported the Asia Awards Organization since its inaugural season, commented: “The quality of projects submitted each year continues to raise the bar, reflecting the innovation and creativity that define Asia’s architecture and hospitality industries. The success of every Winners’ Night has proven that this platform is more than an award - it is a celebration of vision and excellence. Hosting the 2026 ceremony inside Dragon Pearl Cave is a bold step forward, one that will surely inspire even greater achievements.”
The 2026 AADA & AHA Winners’ Night promises to bring together leading architects, designers, hoteliers, and innovators from across Asia for an evening of recognition, inspiration, and cultural connection.
Event Details
+ Event: The Winners’ Night of 2026 Asia Architecture Design Awards and Asia Hospitality Awards
+ Date: June 26, 2026
+ Location: Dragon Pearl Cave, Quang Ninh, Vietnam
Submissions are now open for both award programs. Architects, designers, and hospitality leaders are invited to nominate their projects for the chance to be honored on this once-in-a-lifetime stage. Visit https://aadawards.com and https://ahawards.co for more information.
About the Asia Architecture Design Awards (AADA) & Asia Hospitality Awards (AHA):
The AADA recognizes outstanding achievements in architecture and design across Asia, while the AHA celebrates excellence in hospitality and service innovation. Together, they form a platform to honor and promote visionary work that shapes the future of living, travel, and design in Asia.
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