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(16/11/23)
 Asset World Corp (AWC), one of Thailand’s leading real estate
groups, has extended its long-standing partnership with IHG by
signing an
agreement for two luxury hotels in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand.

Scheduled to open in 2025, InterContinental Chiang Rai Golden Triangle
Resort will offer 68 one and two-bedroom pool and plunge pool
villas.

The other hotel, the Kimpton Chiang Rai Golden Triangle, which currently
operates as the Imperial Golden Triangle, will undergo an
extensive renovation and convert to the Kimpton brand with 68
suites, along with a range of facilities.

The two resorts, which are adjacent to one
another, will mark IHG’s entry into Thailand’s Golden
Triangle, an area that is popular with travellers for its rich
history, immersion into Lanna culture and the scenic mountain and
river landscape which borders Laos and Myanmar.

From left: Rungruang Wirojcheewan, Head of Hotel Operations, AWC; Matthew John Knights, Chief Hospitality Group Officer, AWC; Saowarin Chanprakaisi, Senior Director, Development, South East Asia and Korea, IHG; and Patrick Both, AGM Luxury & Lifestyle Thailand, IHG

“Chiang Rai is an unique destination in Thailand that
showcases the beauty in nature and the arts as well as many
beautiful temples, hilltribes and local villages, offering
different organic and cultural sustainable experiences for
travellers. This partnership with IHG will put this most northern
province of Thailand top of mind for many local and global
tourists, and aligns perfectly with our vision to transform Chiang Rai
into a luxury ecotourism destination,” said Khun Wallapa Traisorat,
CEO and President, AWC. “With the special riverfront location, the two hotels will offer
restaurant and bars by the river as well as lifestyle cruise
experiences linking Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. The hotels will
not only elevate the hospitality landscape in northern Thailand
but also contribute to sustainable tourism, showcasing the rich Lanna
nature and heritage.”

An hour away from Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport
(CEI) and 90 minutes’ drive from Chiang Rai city, the resorts are
located amidst mountain ranges and an unspoiled jungle setting
with a wonderful vantage point overlooking the Mekong River, as well as Laos and Myanmar
in the distance.

Established as a wellness destination, guests
will be able to enjoy sustainably sourced and organic culinary
experiences to nourish and energise as well as try a plethora of
Lanna wellness experiences.

There’s so much to discover in the area, including
coffee plantations, hill tribe visits and scenic dining cruises, in
addition to learning the art of batik and traditional craftmanship.

“On the back of the recent opening of
InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping, this signing is another
milestone in IHG’s and AWC’s more than 10-year relationship and
will provide travellers with the opportunity to explore more of
northern Thailand,” said Rajit Sukumaran, Managing Director, South
East Asia and Korea, IHG. “We remain on track to grow our luxury and lifestyle
portfolio in Thailand by 50%, and it’s fantastic to be expanding
the InterContinental and Kimpton brands into new destinations. The luxury boutique and design-forward Kimpton brand has
enjoyed a huge period of growth since it debuted in Thailand three
years ago, and now has six open or pipeline properties in market,
including two operating and much-loved hotels in Bangkok and Koh
Samui. Globally we continue to grow across our six brands in
the luxury and lifestyle space and this segment represents 14% of
our system and 22% of our pipeline, which is around twice the size
from five years ago.”

With 34 hotels across nine brands and 39 hotels
in the pipeline, Thailand continues to be a strong growth market
for IHG and the business is on track to double the size of its
estate within the next three to five years.

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